Pierre Boulle, “Planet of the Apes”, 1963 was a science-fiction novel about humans becoming dominated by apes. Pierre Boulle was earlier known for writing “Bridge over the River Kwai”, 1952. These two novels are both war stories, that became award-winning films. “Planet of the Apes” continues as film sequels to this day. Continue reading Pierre Boulle, “Planet of the Apes”, 1963.
Arthur C. Clarke, “2001: A Space Odyssey”, 1968 is a classic in the science-fiction genre. One of the characters is “HAL 9000”, who is cybernetic. Clarke earlier had the invention of “geostationary satellites”, and often had near-future inventions. The space is both “exosphere” and “cyberspace” in “2001: A Space Odyssey”, 1968 way ahead of its … Continue reading Arthur C. Clarke, “2001: A Space Odyssey”, 1968.
Peter Nicholls, “The Science in Science Fiction”, 1982 was a book about what must be probable or possible science. Science fiction is futuristic, but science must be in the story. Peter Nicholls gives examples, such as “cyborgs”, “starships”, “extraterrestrials”, and others in science-fiction. The science must be probable or possible for the plot to work. Continue reading Peter Nicholls, “The Science in Science-Fiction”, 1982.
Jules Verne, “From the Earth to the Moon”, 1865 is an example of what defines the Sci-Fi genre. Verne’s science-fiction novels are essentially ‘travelogue”. A “travelogue” is a book about places visited, and experiences encountered by a traveler. Jules Verne (1828-1905) was a master of the extraordinary voyage in his travelogue science-fiction. Continue reading Jules Verne (1828-1905), "From the Earth to the Moon", 1865.
“Time” magazine’s 100 best Fantasy novels of all time is a chronological listing. “Arabian Nights” in the 9th century, is followed by Lewis Carroll (“Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland” and, “Through the Looking Glass”) and onward to the present day. Any collection of Fantasy novels, contrasts with Science Fiction novels. Lewis Carroll writing Fantasy novels gives … Continue reading "Time’s 100 Best Fantasy Books of All Time".
