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A Reader's History of Science Fiction

Dec 21, 2020

In the 1960s, science fiction went through a major change as the New Wave moved it away from the hard sci-fi of the 50s into a softer, but more socially conscious space. In this episode, we overview the new ideas, themes, and authors of this period.

Book recommendation: The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester.

Selected...


Dec 7, 2020

Like books, movies and television also went through a golden age in science fiction in the 1950s. In this episode we explore the trends in the visual medium at the time and how they compared to print.

Movie recommendation: The Day the Earth Stood Still.

Rotten Tomatoes's list of top sci-fi...


Nov 23, 2020

Arthur C. Clarke was the fourth of the "Big Four" authors of the golden age of science fiction. In this episode, we explore his work and his unique writing style, especially centered around "sufficiently advanced technology."

Book recommendation: The City and the Stars.

Other books mentioned:
Childhood's End
A Fall of...


Nov 9, 2020

Ray Bradbury is most famous as the author of Fahrenheit 451, but he was an important and unique figure in science fiction at-large, a master of short fiction with a colorful, Hollywood-centered career. Here, we explore some of his most notable works, and his philosophy in writing.

Book recommendation: Fahrenheit 451.


Oct 26, 2020

Robert Heinlein's later career went to some unusual places, including books with heavy philosophical and political themes, while still continuing with his classic hard sci-fi rigor. In this episode, we explore the highlights of his later work.

Book recommendation: The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress.

Other books mentioned: