If you’re a fan of science fiction or just love diving into strange and wondrous worlds, then you’ve probably heard of Barlowe’s Guide to Extraterrestrials. This iconic 1979 masterpiece by Wayne Barlowe isn’t just an art book; it’s a gateway drug to some of the most imaginative and mind-bending sci-fi ever written. The guide features detailed illustrations and descriptions of alien species from classic science fiction novels, and each one of those books deserves a place on your reading list. I consider it a personal challenge to go through this book, and read all the literature that it mentions, which indeed will, from the best of my perspective, give you a good basis for all modern science fiction authorship. Please feel free to dispute me.
Why Read All These Books?
1. Expand Your Sci-Fi Horizons
These books are the foundation of modern science fiction. Reading them isn’t just about enjoying great stories; it’s about understanding where the genre came from and how it evolved. The ideas, themes, and world-building in these novels influenced countless other works, making them essential reading for any sci-fi fan.
2. Immerse Yourself in Alien Perspectives
One of the coolest things about Barlowe’s Guide is its focus on the aliens themselves. These aren’t just monsters or villains; they’re fully realized beings with unique cultures, biologies, and motivations. By reading the books, you’ll get to explore these extraterrestrial perspectives in rich detail, gaining a deeper appreciation for the creativity of the authors.
3. Challenge Your Imagination
Let’s face it: a lot of modern sci-fi feels pretty samey. But the books in Barlowe’s guide are anything but predictable. They’ll push the limits of your imagination, introducing you to mind-bending concepts and worlds that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
4. Connect With a Larger Community
These books have inspired generations of readers, writers, and artists. By diving into them, you’re joining a community of people who share a love for exploring the unknown. Plus, you’ll finally get all those obscure references that hardcore sci-fi fans love to drop in conversations.
Beings Mentioned in the Book:
Abyormenite
Source: Cycle of Fire by Hal Clement (1957)
Description: Inhabitants of a world with extreme seasonal shifts, they adapt to significant environmental changes during their lifetime.
Athshean
Source: The Word for World Is Forest by Ursula K. Le Guin (1975)
Description: Small, forest-dwelling humanoids with a dreamlike connection to their environment and a deep respect for nature.
Black Cloud
Source: The Black Cloud by Fred Hoyle (1957)
Description: A massive sentient cloud of gas that traverses space, displaying intelligence and curiosity.
Chulpex
Source: Masters of the Maze by Avram Davidson (1965)
Description: Advanced extraterrestrial beings guarding a mysterious interdimensional maze.
Cinruss
Source: Hospital Station and Star Surgeon by James White (1962, 1963)
Description: Medically advanced aliens resembling large, soft-bodied creatures, instrumental in galactic healthcare.
Cryer
Source: Conscience Interplanetary by Joseph Green (1972)
Description: Emotional, empathic aliens who experience and reflect the feelings of others intensely.
Cygnan
Source: The Jupiter Theft by Donald Moffitt (1977)
Description: Aquatic, squid-like beings from a waterworld, with technology rivaling human capabilities.
Cygnostik
Source: A Little Knowledge by Michael Bishop (1977)
Description: A highly secretive alien species with an enigmatic agenda.
Czill
Source: Midnight at the Well of Souls by Jack L. Chalker (1977)
Description: Inhabitants of the Well World, featuring insect-like forms and an advanced intellect.
Demon
Source: A Plague of Demons by Keith Laumer (1977)
Description: Parasitic extraterrestrial predators who use advanced technology to conquer and feed.
Demu
Source: Cage a Man by F. M. Busby (1973)
Description: Aliens who abduct humans for experimentation, blending menace with curiosity.
Dextran
Source: The Right Hand of Dextra by David J. Lake (1977)
Description: Amphibious humanoids from a low-gravity world with unique physical adaptations.
Dilbian
Source: Spacial Delivery and Spacepaw by Gordon R. Dickson (1961)
Description: Bear-like aliens with a humorous and straightforward culture.
Dirdir
Source: The Dirdir by Jack Vance (1969)
Description: Predatory, aristocratic aliens from the planet Tschai, with a penchant for hunting.
Garnishee
Source: Star Smashers of the Galaxy Rangers by Harry Harrison (1973)
Description: Bureaucratic aliens who add a touch of absurdity with their comically officious nature.
Gowachin
Source: The Dosadi Experiment by Frank Herbert (1977)
Description: Frog-like creatures with a complex legalistic society, renowned for their cunning and strategy.
Guild Steersman
Source: Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert (1965)
Description: Mutated humans capable of navigating space using their prescient abilities, dependent on spice.
Ishtarians
Source: Fire Time by Poul Anderson (1974)
Description: Reptilian beings from a world with extreme seasonal changes, possessing a rich culture.
Ixchel
Source: A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle (1962)
Description: Kind, blind, tentacled creatures who aid the protagonists with their wisdom and empathy.
Ixtl
Source: The Voyage of the Space Beagle by A. E. van Vogt (1950)
Description: Malevolent, parasitic aliens capable of regenerating their bodies and creating life.
Lithian
Source: A Case of Conscience by James Blish (1958)
Description: Philosophical, reptilian aliens who challenge human concepts of morality and faith.
Masters
Source: The Tripods by John Christopher (1967)
Description: Alien overlords who enslave humanity using mind-control caps.
Medusan
Source: The Legion of Space by Jack Williamson (1947)
Description: Tentacled aliens with multiple eyes, a menacing presence in interstellar conflicts.
Merseian
Source: Ensign Flandry by Poul Anderson (1966)
Description: Humanoid aliens with a militaristic and expansionist agenda, rivals to humanity.
Mesklinite
Source: Mission of Gravity by Hal Clement (1954)
Description: Centipede-like beings adapted to extreme gravitational conditions on their home planet.
Mother
Source: Strange Relations by Philip José Farmer (1960)
Description: A nurturing yet bizarre alien entity capable of reproducing with other species.
Old Galactic
Source: Legacy by James H. Schmitz (1979)
Description: Ancient, powerful beings with enigmatic purposes.
Old One
Source: At the Mountains of Madness by H. P. Lovecraft (1936)
Description: Primeval beings from Earth\u2019s distant past, deeply tied to cosmic horror.
Overlord
Source: Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke (1953)
Description: Highly advanced aliens who shepherd humanity toward an evolutionary leap, with a devilish appearance.
Pnume
Source: The Pnume by Jack Vance (1970)
Description: Secretive subterranean aliens from Tschai, obsessed with cataloging the planet\u2019s history.
Polarian
Source: Cluster by Piers Anthony (1977)
Description: Shapeshifting energy beings with a role in interstellar politics.
Pierson\u2019s Puppeteers
Source: Neutron Star and Ringworld by Larry Niven (1968, 1970)
Description: Two-headed, cowardly aliens renowned for their intelligence and technological mastery.
Radiate
Source: Memoirs of a Spacewoman by Naomi Mitchison (1962)
Description: Starfish-like beings who communicate through radiated light patterns.
Regul
Source: The Faded Sun: Kesrith by C. J. Cherryh (1978)
Description: Large, slug-like creatures focused on commerce and manipulation.
Riim
Source: The Voyage of the Space Beagle by A. E. van Vogt (1950)
Description: Bird-like, enigmatic aliens with advanced technology.
Ruml
Source: The Alien Way by Gordon R. Dickson (1965)
Description: Empathic aliens who experience emotions and perspectives uniquely.
Salaman
Source: Wildeblood\u2019s Empire by Brian Stableford (1977)
Description: Intelligent lizard-like beings with strong social structures.
Sirian
Source: The Age of the Pussyfoot by Frederik Pohl (1969)
Description: Technologically superior aliens who interact humorously with humans.
Slash
Source: Kirlian Quest by Piers Anthony (1978)
Description: Ambitious, competitive aliens engaged in galactic power struggles.
Soft One
Source: The Gods Themselves by Isaac Asimov (1972)
Description: Multi-phase energy beings from another universe, crucial to the novel\u2019s physics.
Solaris
Source: Solaris by Stanisław Lem (1961)
Description: A sentient planet that manifests psychological experiences in visitors.
Sulidor
Source: Downward to the Earth by Robert Silverberg (1970)
Description: Elephantine beings with spiritual and ritualistic depth.
The Thing
Source: Who Goes There? by John W. Campbell (1938)
Description: A shapeshifting alien parasite that absorbs and mimics its victims.
Thrint
Source: World of Ptavvs by Larry Niven (1966)
Description: Telepathic, ancient conquerors with a history of enslaving entire civilizations.
Tran
Source: Icerigger by Alan Dean Foster (1974)
Description: Fur-covered, survivalist beings from an ice planet.
Triped
Source: Rule Golden by Damon Knight (1954)
Description: Sympathetic beings who induce empathy in others to avoid harm.
Tyreean
Source: Up the Walls of the World by James Tiptree (1978)
Description: Ethereal beings capable of controlling energy and wind.
Uchjinian
Source: Exiles at the Well of Souls by Jack L. Chalker (1978)
Description: Immortal, energy-manipulating beings from the Well of Souls universe.
Vegan
Source: Have Space Suit\u2014Will Travel by Robert A. Heinlein (1958)
Description: Peaceful, advanced aliens with a superior moral compass.
Velantian
Source: Children of the Lens by E. E. Smith (1954)
Description: Highly intelligent and scientifically advanced beings with telepathic abilities.