Hard fantasy

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Hard fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy in which the world (unlike other fantasy settings) closely follows the laws of science. It compares to normal fantasy in a fairly similar way to how hard science fiction compares to normal science fiction. Some hard fantasy settings feature alternative geography and cultures without the presence of magic, dragons, and elves, that are stereotypical of most normal fantasy settings, however others may feature those things, but with a more realistic bent, or just more detailed explanations for their presence in the world.

Some people consider fantasy set on the "real" Earth to be hard fantasy, especially if the presence of magic is limited, or explained in detail and operating in a consistent way.

[edit] Examples

Magic, Inc., Robert A. Heinlein (1941)

Trouble with Water, H. L. Gold (1939)

Dragon Cauldron, Laurence Yep (1991)

Three Hearts and Three Lions, Poul Andersen

[edit] References

The Encyclopedia of Fantasy by John Clute, John Grant. 1999 ISBN 0312198698