First impressions:

This book, published in 1996, feels like it was published a decade earlier! I say this as a complement because I feel strongly that the quality of a books published in the 80's was exceptional in inspiring me to take illustration first as a hobby and then as a career.

The book delivers well on it's title 'The Encyclopaedia of Fantasy & Science Fiction Art Techniques - A comprehensive A-to-Z directory of techniques, with an inspirational gallery of finishing works'. My only criticism might be that it shows only one example of the model makers art, focusing otherwise entirely on traditional 2D artwork, which is fine; but excludes a great many sculptors and 3D modellers. But since this is such an excellent book I could not bring myself to knock off even 1/2 a star, since it is unlikely that people purchasing this book would be expecting to find a model making companion.

Although the book does cover art techniques; you should not expect this to be a how-to-guide. It does cover them visually, even airbrushing; but, only in so much as cataloguing the styles rather than showing you how to achieve them yourself. But, as previously stated this was never the intention of the book in the first place.

There is some science fiction, but the book leans far over towards fantasy rather than hard-edged robots and spaceships. So, you are more likely to find men with wings than with lightsabres. But, there are at least six pages dedicated solely to 'Hardware', and a further eight dedicated to the theme of 'Space Operas'.

For those expecting equal rights; you should not be surprised to discover that the men are generally muscular and powerful; the women, scantily clad and there mainly as eye candy. So, I suggest that you get over it. This is after all a fantasy book.
A few exceptions show women in powerful dominant roles; but don't be fooled, I am sorry to disappoint any feminists by revealing that these likewise are there as 'male' fantasy objects too.
If you feel strongly against this portrayal of women and have enough talent and skill to produce a book redressing the matter, then I urge you to do so. I would be interested in seeing it done correctly.

This is one of those books that deserves a place on anyone's bookshelf who is interested in fantasy art. ( )