Alan Dean Foster
Encyclopedia
Alan Dean Foster is an American author of fantasy
and science fiction
. He currently resides in Prescott, Arizona
, with his wife, and is also known for his novelization
s of film scripts. He holds a bachelor's degree
in political science
and a MFA
from the University of California, Los Angeles
.
, an interstellar ethical/political union of species including humankind and the insectoid
Thranx. Many of these novels feature Philip Lynx ("Flinx")
, an empathic young man who has found himself involved in something which threatens the survival of the Galaxy. Flinx's constant companion since childhood is a minidrag named Pip, a flying, empathic snake capable of spitting a highly corrosive and violently neurotoxic
venom.
One of Foster's best-known fantasy work is the Spellsinger
series, in which a young musician is summoned into a world populated by talking creatures where his music allows him to do real magic whose effects depends on the lyrics of the popular songs he sings (although with somewhat unpredictable results).
Many of Foster's works have a strong ecological
element to them, often with an environmental
twist. Often the villains in his stories experience their downfall because of a lack of respect for other alien species or seemingly innocuous bits of their surroundings. This can be seen in such works as Midworld
, about a semi-sentient
planet that is essentially one large rainforest
, and Cachalot
, set on an ocean world populated by sentient cetacea
ns. Foster usually devotes a large part of his novels to descriptions of the strange environments of alien worlds and the coexistence of their flora
and fauna
. Perhaps the most extreme example of this is Sentenced to Prism
, in which the protagonist finds himself trapped on a world where life is based on silicon
rather than carbon
, as on Earth.
which had been credited solely to George Lucas
. When asked if it was difficult for him to see Lucas get all the credit for Star Wars, Foster said "Not at all. It was George's story idea. I was merely expanding upon it. Not having my name on the cover didn't bother me in the least. It would be akin to a contractor demanding to have his name on a Frank Lloyd Wright
house." Lucas brought to Foster the skeleton screen play, and Foster helped to flesh out the backstory of the time, place, planets, races, history and technology that exists in the entire Star Wars canon.
Foster also wrote Splinter of the Mind's Eye
, a Star Wars sequel published prior to the release of The Empire Strikes Back. Foster's story relied heavily on abandoned concepts that appeared in Lucas' early treatments for the first film.
Foster was stunned when Return of the Jedi revealed the characters of Luke and Leia as brother and sister; in Splinter, the characters have a lot of romantic and sexual energy.
Although Splinter was contradicted by later entries in the Star Wars film canon, it was the first "expanded universe
" entry written (although not the first published -- a Marvel Comics
story holds that honor), and as such remains highly regarded by many fans.
. He also penned 10 books based on episodes of Star Trek: The Animated Series
, the first six books each consisting of three linked novella-length episode adaptations, and the last four being full-length novelizations of single episodes. He later wrote the novelization of the 2009 film Star Trek, his first Star Trek novel in over 30 years.
The Damned Trilogy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
and science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
. He currently resides in Prescott, Arizona
Prescott, Arizona
Prescott is a city in Yavapai County, Arizona, USA. It was designated "Arizona's Christmas City" by Arizona Governor Rose Mofford in the late 1980s....
, with his wife, and is also known for his novelization
Novelization
A novelization is a novel that is written based on some other media story form rather than as an original work.Novelizations of films usually add background material not found in the original work to flesh out the story, because novels are generally longer than screenplays...
s of film scripts. He holds a bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
A bachelor's degree is usually an academic degree awarded for an undergraduate course or major that generally lasts for three or four years, but can range anywhere from two to six years depending on the region of the world...
in political science
Political science
Political Science is a social science discipline concerned with the study of the state, government and politics. Aristotle defined it as the study of the state. It deals extensively with the theory and practice of politics, and the analysis of political systems and political behavior...
and a MFA
Master of Fine Arts
A Master of Fine Arts is a graduate degree typically requiring 2–3 years of postgraduate study beyond the bachelor's degree , although the term of study will vary by country or by university. The MFA is usually awarded in visual arts, creative writing, filmmaking, dance, or theatre/performing arts...
from the University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, USA. It was founded in 1919 as the "Southern Branch" of the University of California and is the second oldest of the ten campuses...
.
History
He is best known for his science fiction novels set in the Humanx CommonwealthHumanx Commonwealth
The Humanx Commonwealth is a fictional interstellar ethical/political entity featured in the science fiction novels of Alan Dean Foster. The Commonwealth takes its name from its two major sapient species, who jointly inhabit Commonwealth planets and administer both the political and...
, an interstellar ethical/political union of species including humankind and the insectoid
Insectoid
Insectoid denotes any creature or object that shares a similar body or traits with common earth insects and arachnids. The term is a combination of "insect" and "-oid" . Compare "humanoid"....
Thranx. Many of these novels feature Philip Lynx ("Flinx")
Flinx
Philip Lynx is a fictional character, an adventurous young man with unusual qualities in a series of books set in the "Humanx Commonwealth", written by Alan Dean Foster and published by Del Rey Books.-Character biography:...
, an empathic young man who has found himself involved in something which threatens the survival of the Galaxy. Flinx's constant companion since childhood is a minidrag named Pip, a flying, empathic snake capable of spitting a highly corrosive and violently neurotoxic
Neurotoxin
A neurotoxin is a toxin that acts specifically on nerve cells , usually by interacting with membrane proteins such as ion channels. Some sources are more general, and define the effect of neurotoxins as occurring at nerve tissue...
venom.
One of Foster's best-known fantasy work is the Spellsinger
Spellsinger
Spellsinger is a series of fantasy novels written by Alan Dean Foster. At present the series consists of eight books, and although there was a significant gap between the writing of book six and book seven, it seems unlikely that any more will be written....
series, in which a young musician is summoned into a world populated by talking creatures where his music allows him to do real magic whose effects depends on the lyrics of the popular songs he sings (although with somewhat unpredictable results).
Many of Foster's works have a strong ecological
Ecology
Ecology is the scientific study of the relations that living organisms have with respect to each other and their natural environment. Variables of interest to ecologists include the composition, distribution, amount , number, and changing states of organisms within and among ecosystems...
element to them, often with an environmental
Environmentalism
Environmentalism is a broad philosophy, ideology and social movement regarding concerns for environmental conservation and improvement of the health of the environment, particularly as the measure for this health seeks to incorporate the concerns of non-human elements...
twist. Often the villains in his stories experience their downfall because of a lack of respect for other alien species or seemingly innocuous bits of their surroundings. This can be seen in such works as Midworld
Midworld
Midworld is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. It is set in his primary science-fiction universe, the Humanx Commonwealth.-Plot:...
, about a semi-sentient
Sentience
Sentience is the ability to feel, perceive or be conscious, or to have subjective experiences. Eighteenth century philosophers used the concept to distinguish the ability to think from the ability to feel . In modern western philosophy, sentience is the ability to have sensations or experiences...
planet that is essentially one large rainforest
Rainforest
Rainforests are forests characterized by high rainfall, with definitions based on a minimum normal annual rainfall of 1750-2000 mm...
, and Cachalot
Cachalot (novel)
Cachalot is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster.-Plot summary:Cachalot is an ocean planet where humans have begun building floating cities. It is also the same planet where all of Earth’s cetaceans were transplanted six hundred years ago after the Covenant of Peace was enacted with...
, set on an ocean world populated by sentient cetacea
Cetacea
The order Cetacea includes the marine mammals commonly known as whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Cetus is Latin and is used in biological names to mean "whale"; its original meaning, "large sea animal", was more general. It comes from Ancient Greek , meaning "whale" or "any huge fish or sea...
ns. Foster usually devotes a large part of his novels to descriptions of the strange environments of alien worlds and the coexistence of their flora
Flora
Flora is the plant life occurring in a particular region or time, generally the naturally occurring or indigenous—native plant life. The corresponding term for animals is fauna.-Etymology:...
and fauna
Fauna
Fauna or faunæ is all of the animal life of any particular region or time. The corresponding term for plants is flora.Zoologists and paleontologists use fauna to refer to a typical collection of animals found in a specific time or place, e.g. the "Sonoran Desert fauna" or the "Burgess shale fauna"...
. Perhaps the most extreme example of this is Sentenced to Prism
Sentenced to Prism
Sentenced to Prism is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster, and is a stand-alone entry in his Humanx Commonwealth series of books...
, in which the protagonist finds himself trapped on a world where life is based on silicon
Silicon
Silicon is a chemical element with the symbol Si and atomic number 14. A tetravalent metalloid, it is less reactive than its chemical analog carbon, the nonmetal directly above it in the periodic table, but more reactive than germanium, the metalloid directly below it in the table...
rather than carbon
Carbon
Carbon is the chemical element with symbol C and atomic number 6. As a member of group 14 on the periodic table, it is nonmetallic and tetravalent—making four electrons available to form covalent chemical bonds...
, as on Earth.
Star Wars
It has long been known that Foster wrote the original novel of Star WarsStar Wars Episode IV: A New Hope
Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, originally released as Star Wars, is a 1977 American epic space opera film, written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first of six films released in the Star Wars saga: two subsequent films complete the original trilogy, while a prequel trilogy completes the...
which had been credited solely to George Lucas
George Lucas
George Walton Lucas, Jr. is an American film producer, screenwriter, and director, and entrepreneur. He is the founder, chairman and chief executive of Lucasfilm. He is best known as the creator of the space opera franchise Star Wars and the archaeologist-adventurer character Indiana Jones...
. When asked if it was difficult for him to see Lucas get all the credit for Star Wars, Foster said "Not at all. It was George's story idea. I was merely expanding upon it. Not having my name on the cover didn't bother me in the least. It would be akin to a contractor demanding to have his name on a Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright
Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect, interior designer, writer and educator, who designed more than 1,000 structures and completed 500 works. Wright believed in designing structures which were in harmony with humanity and its environment, a philosophy he called organic architecture...
house." Lucas brought to Foster the skeleton screen play, and Foster helped to flesh out the backstory of the time, place, planets, races, history and technology that exists in the entire Star Wars canon.
Foster also wrote Splinter of the Mind's Eye
Splinter of the Mind's Eye
Splinter of the Mind's Eye is a 1978 science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. It is a sequel to both Star Wars and its novelization Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker...
, a Star Wars sequel published prior to the release of The Empire Strikes Back. Foster's story relied heavily on abandoned concepts that appeared in Lucas' early treatments for the first film.
Foster was stunned when Return of the Jedi revealed the characters of Luke and Leia as brother and sister; in Splinter, the characters have a lot of romantic and sexual energy.
Although Splinter was contradicted by later entries in the Star Wars film canon, it was the first "expanded universe
Star Wars Expanded Universe
The Star Wars Expanded Universe encompasses all of the officially licensed, fictional background of the Star Wars universe, outside of the six feature films produced by George Lucas. The expanded universe includes books, comic books, video games, spin-off films like Star Wars: The Clone Wars,...
" entry written (although not the first published -- a Marvel Comics
Marvel Comics
Marvel Worldwide, Inc., commonly referred to as Marvel Comics and formerly Marvel Publishing, Inc. and Marvel Comics Group, is an American company that publishes comic books and related media...
story holds that honor), and as such remains highly regarded by many fans.
Star Trek
Crossing one of the great boundaries in science fiction, Foster has the story credit for Star Trek: The Motion PictureStar Trek: The Motion Picture
Star Trek: The Motion Picture is a 1979 American science fiction film released by Paramount Pictures. It is the first film based on the Star Trek television series. The film is set in the twenty-third century, when a mysterious and immensely powerful alien cloud called V'Ger approaches the Earth,...
. He also penned 10 books based on episodes of Star Trek: The Animated Series
Star Trek: The Animated Series
Star Trek: The Animated Series is an animated science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe following the events of Star Trek: The Original Series of the 1960s...
, the first six books each consisting of three linked novella-length episode adaptations, and the last four being full-length novelizations of single episodes. He later wrote the novelization of the 2009 film Star Trek, his first Star Trek novel in over 30 years.
Commonwealth novels
- MidworldMidworldMidworld is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. It is set in his primary science-fiction universe, the Humanx Commonwealth.-Plot:...
(1975), ISBN 0-345-35011-1 - CachalotCachalot (novel)Cachalot is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster.-Plot summary:Cachalot is an ocean planet where humans have begun building floating cities. It is also the same planet where all of Earth’s cetaceans were transplanted six hundred years ago after the Covenant of Peace was enacted with...
(1980), ISBN 0-345-28066-0 - Nor Crystal TearsNor Crystal TearsNor Crystal Tears is a first contact novel written by Alan Dean Foster about the meeting of the insectoid Thranx and Man. This sets in motion the creation of the Humanx Commonwealth; the political body that is the union of human and thranx society which forms the foundation for many of Foster's...
(1982), ISBN 0-345-29141-7 - Voyage to the City of the DeadVoyage to the City of the DeadVoyage to the City of the Dead is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster.-Plot:Scientists Eitienne and Lyra Redowl come to the planet Horseye to study the entire length the immense Skar River and its spectacular river chasm, the largest in the whole Humanx Commonwealth...
(1984), ISBN 0-345-31215-5 - Sentenced to PrismSentenced to PrismSentenced to Prism is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster, and is a stand-alone entry in his Humanx Commonwealth series of books...
(1985), ISBN 0-345-31980-X - The Howling StonesThe Howling StonesThe Howling Stones is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster.-Plot summary:Two scientists race against their vicious alien nemesis, the AAnn, to secure a treaty for mining rights on the newly discovered planet Senisran, an oddity of most ocean dotted with thousands of islands...
(1997), ISBN 0-345-38375-3 - Drowning WorldDrowning WorldDrowning World is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster.-Plot summary:On the distant planet Fluva, torrential rains that leave it barely habitable also make it a treasure trove of rare botanical specimens...
(2003), ISBN 0-345-45035-3 - QuofumQuofumQuofum is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster.-Plot:Sent by the Humanx Commonwealth Science Council , a team of explorers manage to find the planet Quofum—which only occasionally appears on long range scans. Since the planet is outside of the Commonwealth territory their mission...
(2008), ISBN 978-0-345-49605-8
Novels featuring Pip and Flinx
- For Love of Mother-NotFor Love of Mother-NotFor Love of Mother-Not is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book is the first chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series, though it was written fourth, as a prequel to help flesh out Flinx’s early history.-Plot introduction:...
(1983), ISBN 0-345-30511-6 - The Tar-Aiym KrangThe Tar-Aiym KrangThe Tar-Aiym Krang is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. It is Foster’s first published novel and started both his Humanx Commonwealth universe and his two most popular recurring characters, Pip and Philip Lynx...
(1972), ISBN 0-345-29232-4 - BloodhypeBloodhypeBloodhype is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book is eleventh chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series, though it was written second, and it is an oddity for the characters since they only appear in the last third of the book...
(1973), ISBN 0-345-25845-2 - Orphan StarOrphan StarOrphan Star is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book is Foster's eighteenth published book, his fifth original novel, and is chronologically the third entry in the Pip and Flinx series...
(1977), ISBN 0-345-25507-0 - The End of the MatterThe End of the MatterThe End of the Matter is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book is fourth chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series.-Plot introduction:...
(1977), ISBN 0-345-25861-4 - Flinx in FluxFlinx in FluxFlinx in Flux is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book is fifth chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series....
(1988), ISBN 0-345-34363-8 - Mid-FlinxMid-FlinxMid-Flinx is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book is the sixth chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series....
(1995), ISBN 0-345-38374-5 - ReunionReunion (novel)Reunion is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book is the seventh chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series.-Plot summary:...
(2001), ISBN 0-345-41867-0 - Flinx's FollyFlinx's FollyFlinx's Folly is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book is the eighth chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series.-Plot summary:...
(2003), ISBN 0-345-45038-8 - Sliding ScalesSliding ScalesSliding Scales is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book is the ninth chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series.-Plot summary:In Sliding Scales Flinx is confounded by how to proceed with his life...
(2004), ISBN 0-345-46156-8 - Running from the DeityRunning from the DeityRunning from the Deity is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book is the tenth chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series.-Plot summary:...
(2005), ISBN 0-345-46159-2 - Trouble MagnetTrouble MagnetTrouble Magnet is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book is the twelfth chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series....
(2006), ISBN 0-345-48504-1 - PatrimonyPatrimony (novel)Patrimony is a science fiction novel by Alan Dean Foster. The book is the thirteenth chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series.-Plot:...
(2007), ISBN 978-0-345-48507-6 - Flinx TranscendentFlinx TranscendentFlinx Transcendent is a science fiction novel by Alan Dean Foster. The book is the fourteenth chronologically in the Pip and Flinx series, and was released in April 2009...
(2009), ISBN 978-0-345-49607-2
Icerigger trilogy
- IceriggerIceriggerIcerigger is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. Like many of Foster's science-fiction novels, Icerigger takes place within his Humanx Commonwealth universe-Plot:...
(1974), ISBN 0-345-23836-2 - Mission to MoulokinMission to MoulokinMission to Moulokin is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. It is the second entry in Foster's Icerigger Trilogy and is a part of his ever-growing series of books taking place within his Humanx Commonwealth.-Plot summary:...
(1979), ISBN 0-345-27676-0 - The Deluge DriversThe Deluge DriversThe Deluge Drivers is a science fiction novel written by American author Alan Dean Foster. It is the final entry in Foster's Icerigger Trilogy of books taking place in the Humanx Commonwealth book series.-Plot introduction:...
(1987), ISBN 0-345-33330-6
Founding of the Commonwealth
- PhylogenesisPhylogenesis (novel)Phylogenesis is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. It is the first novel in Foster's Founding of the Commonwealth Trilogy....
(1999), ISBN 0-345-41862-X - DirgeDirge (novel)Dirge is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The full title is sometimes shown as Dirge: Book Two of The Founding of the Commonwealth.-Plot summary:...
(2000), ISBN 0-345-41864-6 - Diuturnity's Dawn (2002), ISBN 0-345-41865-4
Media novelizations
- Luana (Italian film) (1974), ISBN 0-345-23793-5
- Dark StarDark Star (film)Dark Star is a 1974 American comedic science fiction motion picture directed by John Carpenter and co-written with Dan O'Bannon.-Backstory and plot:...
(1974), ISBN 0-345-24267-X - AlienAlien (film)Alien is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and starring Tom Skerritt, Sigourney Weaver, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm and Yaphet Kotto. The film's title refers to its primary antagonist: a highly aggressive extraterrestrial creature which...
(1979), ISBN 0-446-82977-3- AliensAliens (film)Aliens is a 1986 science fiction action film directed by James Cameron and starring Sigourney Weaver, Carrie Henn, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, William Hope, and Bill Paxton...
(1986), ISBN 0-446-30139-6 - Alien 3 (1992), ISBN 0-446-36216-6
- Aliens
- The Black HoleThe Black HoleThe Black Hole is a 1979 American science fiction film directed by Gary Nelson for Walt Disney Productions. The film stars Maximilian Schell, Robert Forster, Joseph Bottoms, Yvette Mimieux, Anthony Perkins, and Ernest Borgnine, while the voices of the main robot characters are provided by Roddy...
(1979), ISBN 0-345-28538-7 - Clash of the TitansClash of the Titans (1981 film)Clash of the Titans is an American 1981 fantasy–adventure film involving the Greek hero Perseus. It was released on June 12, 1981 and earned a gross profit of $41 million domestically, on a $15 million budget , by which it was the 11th highest grossing film of the year. A novelization of the film...
(1981), ISBN 0-446-93675-8 - OutlandOutland (film)Outland is a 1981 British science fiction thriller film written and directed by Peter Hyams.Set on Jupiter's moon Io, it has been described as a space Western, and bears thematic resemblances to High Noon....
(1981), ISBN 0-446-95829-8 - The Thing (1981), ISBN 0-553-20477-7
- KrullKrull (film)Krull is a 1983 heroic fantasy film directed by Peter Yates and produced by Ron Silverman. Released by Columbia Pictures, it stars Ken Marshall as Prince Colwyn and Lysette Anthony as Princess Lyssa....
(1983), ISBN 0-446-30642-8 - The Last StarfighterThe Last StarfighterThe Last Starfighter is a 1984 science fiction adventure film directed by Nick Castle. The film tells the story of Alex Rogan , an average teenage boy recruited by an alien defense force to fight in an interstellar war. It also featured Dan O'Herlihy, Catherine Mary Stewart, Robert Preston, Norman...
(1984), ISBN 0-425-07255-X - StarmanStarman (film)John Carpenter's Starman is a 1984 science-fiction fantasy film directed by John Carpenter that tells the story of an alien who has come to Earth in response to the invitation found on the gold phonograph record installed on the Voyager 2 space probe.The screenplay was written by Bruce A. Evans,...
(1984), ISBN 0-446-32598-8 - Shadowkeep (1984 computer game) (also a novel) (1984), ISBN 0-446-32553-8
- Pale RiderPale RiderPale Rider is a 1985 American western film produced and directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars in the lead role. This movie has plot similarities to the classic Western Shane , including in its final scene, as well as previous Eastwood films featuring his Man with No Name character and his 1973...
(1985), ISBN 0-446-32767-0 - Alien NationAlien Nation (film)Alien Nation is a 1988 American science fiction film directed by Graham Baker and produced by Gale Anne Hurd, Richard Kobritz and Bill Borden. The storyline was based on a screenplay written by Rockne S. O'Bannon. It stars James Caan, Mandy Patinkin, Terence Stamp, and Kevyn Major Howard...
(1988), ISBN 0-446-35264-0 - The DigThe DigThe Dig is a graphical adventure game developed by LucasArts and released in 1995, and a game based on an idea for an Amazing Stories episode by Steven Spielberg...
(computer game) (also a novelThe Dig (novel)The Dig is a novel by John Preston, published May 2007, set in the context of the 1939 Anglo-Saxon ship burial excavation at Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, England. The novel has been widely reviewed as ‘an account of the excavation at Sutton Hoo in 1939’...
) (1995), ISBN 0-446-51853-0 - The Chronicles of RiddickThe Chronicles of RiddickThe Chronicles of Riddick is a 2004 American science fiction film which follows the adventures of Richard B. Riddick, as he attempts to elude capture after the events depicted in the 2000 film Pitch Black, and details his meeting with Jack and Imam, his escape from the prison planet Crematoria, and...
(2004), ISBN 0-345-46839-2 - Star Trek (2009), ISBN 1-4391-5886-X
- Terminator SalvationTerminator SalvationTerminator Salvation is a 2009 American science fiction action film directed by McG and starring Christian Bale and Sam Worthington. The fourth installment in the Terminator series, the film is set in 2018 and focuses on the war between Skynet and humanity, with the human Resistance fighting...
(2009), ISBN 1-84856-085-0
Transformers
- Transformers (2007), ISBN 0-345-49799-6
- Transformers: Ghosts of YesterdayTransformers: Ghosts of YesterdayTransformers: Ghosts of Yesterday, is a prequel novel to the Michael Bay Transformers film. It was written by Alan Dean Foster, based on a story by David Cian.-Plot summary:...
(2007), ISBN 0-345-49798-8
- Transformers: Ghosts of Yesterday
- Transformers: Revenge of the FallenTransformers: Revenge of the FallenTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen is a 2009 American science fiction-action film directed by Michael Bay and produced by Steven Spielberg. It is the sequel to the 2007 film Transformers and the second installment in the live-action Transformers series...
(2009), ISBN 978-0-345-51593-3- Transformers: The Veiled ThreatTransformers: The Veiled ThreatTransformers: The Veiled Threat is a novel set in between the events of the 2007 movie Transformers and its 2009 sequel Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Alan Dean Foster, author of another Transformers novel and the novelizations of both movies, is the author of this novel also.The 304 page...
(2009), ISBN 0-345-51592-7
- Transformers: The Veiled Threat
Star Trek: The Animated Series
- Star Trek Log 1 (1974), ISBN 0-345-24014-6
- Star Trek Log 2 (1974), ISBN 0-345-25812-6
- Star Trek Log 3 (1975), ISBN 0-345-24260-2
- Star Trek Log 4 (1975), ISBN 0-345-24435-4
- Star Trek Log 5 (1975), ISBN 0-345-33351-9
- Star Trek Log 6 (1976), ISBN 0-345-24655-1
- Star Trek Log 7 (1976), ISBN 0-345-24965-8
- Star Trek Log 8 (1976), ISBN 0-345-25141-5
- Star Trek Log 9 (1977), ISBN 0-345-25557-7
- Star Trek Log 10 (1978), ISBN 0-345-27212-9
- Star Trek: The Motion Picture Photostory (novelization of Star Trek: The Motion PictureStar Trek: The Motion PictureStar Trek: The Motion Picture is a 1979 American science fiction film released by Paramount Pictures. It is the first film based on the Star Trek television series. The film is set in the twenty-third century, when a mysterious and immensely powerful alien cloud called V'Ger approaches the Earth,...
) (1980), ISBN 0-671-83089-9
Star Wars stories
- Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke SkywalkerStar Wars: From the Adventures of Luke SkywalkerStar Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker is the title of a science fiction novel credited to George Lucas, but actually ghostwritten by Alan Dean Foster and first published on November 12, 1976 by Ballantine Books....
(novelization of Star WarsStar Wars Episode IV: A New HopeStar Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, originally released as Star Wars, is a 1977 American epic space opera film, written and directed by George Lucas. It is the first of six films released in the Star Wars saga: two subsequent films complete the original trilogy, while a prequel trilogy completes the...
; as George LucasGeorge LucasGeorge Walton Lucas, Jr. is an American film producer, screenwriter, and director, and entrepreneur. He is the founder, chairman and chief executive of Lucasfilm. He is best known as the creator of the space opera franchise Star Wars and the archaeologist-adventurer character Indiana Jones...
) (1976), ISBN 0-345-26079-1 - Splinter of the Mind's EyeSplinter of the Mind's EyeSplinter of the Mind's Eye is a 1978 science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. It is a sequel to both Star Wars and its novelization Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker...
(1978), ISBN 0-345-27566-7 - The Approaching StormThe Approaching StormThe Approaching Storm is a novel set in the fictional Star Wars universe, in which Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker are sent to the planet Ansion to settle a dispute as growing unrest threatens the Republic's stability prior to Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones.-Plot:The Republic is...
(2002), ISBN 0-345-44300-4
The Damned TrilogyThe Damned TrilogyThe Damned Trilogy is a set of three science fiction novels by Alan Dean Foster , detailing human involvement in an interstellar war.-Plot summary:...
- A Call to Arms (1991), ISBN 0-345-35855-4
- The False Mirror (1992), ISBN 0-345-35856-2
- The Spoils of War (1993), ISBN 0-345-35857-0
Spellsinger
- SpellsingerSpellsinger (novel)Spellsinger is a fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book follows the adventures of Jonathan Thomas Meriweather who is transported from our world into a land of talking animals and magic...
(1983), ISBN 0-446-97352-1 - The Hour of the GateThe Hour of the GateThe Hour of the Gate is a fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book follows the continuing adventures of Jonathan Thomas Meriweather who is transported from our world into a land of talking animals and magic...
(1984), ISBN 0-446-90354-X - The Day of the DissonanceThe Day of the DissonanceThe Day of the Dissonance is a 1984 fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book follows the continuing adventures of Jonathan Thomas Meriweather who is transported from our world into a land of talking animals and magic...
(1984), ISBN 0-446-32133-8 - The Moment of the MagicianThe Moment of the MagicianThe Moment of the Magician is a fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book follows the continuing adventures of Jonathan Thomas Meriweather who is transported from our world into a land of talking animals and magic...
(1984), ISBN 0-446-32326-8 - The Paths of the PerambulatorThe Paths of the PerambulatorThe Paths of the Perambulator is a fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book follows the continuing adventures of Jonathan Thomas Meriweather who is transported from our world into a land of talking animals and magic...
(1985), ISBN 0-446-32679-8 - The Time of the TransferenceThe Time of the TransferenceTime of the Transference is a fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book follows the continuing adventures of Jonathan Thomas Meriweather who is transported from our world into a land of talking animals and magic...
(1986), ISBN 0-932096-43-3 - Son of SpellsingerSon of SpellsingerSon of Spellsinger is a fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book follows the continuing adventures of Jonathan Thomas Meriweather who is transported from our world into a land of talking animals and magic...
(1993), ISBN 0-446-36257-3 - Chorus SkatingChorus SkatingChorus Skating is a fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book follows the continuing adventures of Jonathan Thomas Meriweather who is transported from our world into a land of talking animals and magic...
(1994), ISBN 0-446-36237-9
Dinotopia
- Dinotopia Lost (1996), ISBN 1-57036-279-3
- The Hand of Dinotopia (1997), ISBN 1-57036-396-X
Journeys of the Catechist
- Carnivores of Light and Darkness (1998), ISBN 0-446-52132-9
- Into the Thinking Kingdoms (1999), ISBN 0-446-52136-1
- A Triumph of Souls (2000), ISBN 0-446-52218-X
The Taken trilogy
- Lost and Found (2004), ISBN 0-345-46125-8
- The Light-Years Beneath My Feet (2005), ISBN 0-345-46128-2
- The Candle of Distant Earth (2005), ISBN 0-345-46131-2
Story collections
- With Friends Like These (1977), ISBN 0-345-25701-4
- Who Needs Enemies? (1984), ISBN 0-345-31657-6
- The Metrognome and Other Stories (1990), ISBN 0-345-36356-6
- Montezuma Strip (1995), ISBN 0-446-60207-8
- Mad AmosMad AmosMad Amos is a 1996 short story collection by the American speculative fiction author Alan Dean Foster. The stories center on the character of Amos Malone, a mountain man in the 19th century American West...
(1996), ISBN 0-345-39362-7 - Impossible Places (2002), ISBN 0-345-45041-8
- Exceptions to Reality (2008), ISBN 0-345-49604-3
Other books
- The Man Who Used the Universe (1983), ISBN 0-446-90353-1
- The I Inside (1984), ISBN 0-446-32027-7
- Slipt (1984), ISBN 0-425-07006-9
- Into the Out OfInto the Out OfInto the Out Of is a horror/fantasy novel written by Alan Dean Foster.-Plot summary:The Maasai people become aware that a global crisis is approaching...
(1986), ISBN 0-446-51337-7 - Glory LaneGlory LaneGlory Lane is a science fiction novel written by Alan Dean Foster. The book takes place outside of either of Foster’s two usual universes, Spellsinger and the Humanx Commonwealth.-Plot:...
(1987), ISBN 0-441-51664-5 - Maori (1988), ISBN 0-441-51925-3
- To the Vanishing Point (1988), ISBN 0-446-51338-5
- Quozl (1989), ISBN 0-441-69454-3
- Cyber Way (1990), ISBN 0-441-13245-6
- Cat-a-lyst (1991), ISBN 0-441-64661-1
- Codgerspace (1992), ISBN 0-441-71851-5
- Greenthieves (1994), ISBN 0-441-00104-1
- Life Form (1995), ISBN 0-441-00218-8
- Design for Great-Day (with Eric Frank RussellEric Frank RussellEric Frank Russell was a British author best known for his science fiction novels and short stories. Much of his work was first published in the United States, in John W. Campbell's Astounding Science Fiction and other pulp magazines. Russell also wrote horror fiction for Weird Tales, and...
) (1995), ISBN 0-312-85501-X - Jed the Dead (1997), ISBN 0-441-00399-0
- ParallelitiesParallelitiesParallelities is a 1995 science fiction novel by Alan Dean Foster. The story centers on Max Parker, a Los Angeles tabloid reporter whose client accidentally inflicts him with a condition causing him to experience encounters with parallel worlds, dubbed "paras" in this novel...
(1998), ISBN 0-345-42461-1 - InterlopersInterlopersInterlopers is a 2001 science fiction novel by Alan Dean Foster. The story centers on Cody Westcott, a young archeologist, who returns from a dig at Apachetarimac having studied the Chachapoyansthat race. In an attempt to reconstruct an ancient potion whose ingredients he discovers in the dig, his...
(2001), ISBN 0-441-00847-X - Kingdoms of Light (2001), ISBN 0-446-52667-3
- Primal Shadows (2001), ISBN 0-312-87771-4
- The Mocking ProgramThe Mocking Program-Plot:A hard-boiled police procedural set in a highly imaginative megalopolis called the Montezuma Strip, which stretches along the old U.S.-Mexican border. When police inspector Angel Cardenas investigates the case of a male corpse found with most of its internal organs missing, the victim turns...
(2002), ISBN 0-446-52774-2 - Sagramanda (2006), ISBN 1-59102-488-9
- The Human Blend (2010), ISBN 9780345511973
Awards
Foster won the 2008 Grand Master award from the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers.External links
- Alan Dean Foster homepage
- 2011 Interview on the Geek's Guide to the Galaxy podcast
- Interview at SFFWorld.com
- All of Alan Dean Foster's audio interviews on the podcast The Future And You (in which he describes his expectations of the future)
- The Dig Museum's Exclusive Interview
- AvPGalaxy Interview with Alan Dean Foster
- SciFi.com Interview: Alan Dean Foster invites SF readers to peer inside his Mind's Eye
- Interview with Michael A. VentrellaMichael A. VentrellaMichael A. Ventrella founded Animato! in the mid 80s. He sold it in the early 90s. Under the pseudonym "Thelma Scumm" he wrote the gossip column and later continued that for fps magazine...