Fun Facts about Science Fiction

Science fiction is a broad category of literature and film that examines the interplay of technology and society.

Definition

Science fiction as defined by the Princeton Library's WordNet is literary fantasy that imagines what impact technology will have on society. It is a genre based partially in fact with a blend of fictional concepts to further tell the story and can take place in a futuristic or "alternative" Earth or other planet.

Origins

H. Bruce Franklin, who has authored several books about science fiction, indicates that science fiction was not entirely feasible until there was a shift from an agricultural to an industrialized society. He pinpoints the first use of the phrase "science fiction" in 1851. William Wilson's "A Little Earnest Book upon a Great Old Subject" defined science fiction as a pleasing story where the truths about science are revealed.

However, before science fiction was defined, there were several pieces of literature that today might fall under this genre. A few of these famous stories include "Gulliver's Travels" and "Frankenstein."

The "Father" of Science Fiction

While there are several authors considered to be the "father" of science fiction, two are primarily referenced as visionaries long before the genre became popular.

H.G. Wells, most often referenced as the "father" of the genre, wrote several well-known stories including "The Time Machine," "The Island of Dr. Moreau" and "The War of the Worlds."

The other author also cited is Jules Verne, who wrote works such as "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," "Around the World in Eighty Days" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth."

Other Notable Authors

Some other key people who have made great contributions are:

Isaac Asimov, the most published writer of all time, has written books on nearly every subject. His 1966 "Foundation Series" won the Hugo Award, which honors science fiction writers. He is also well known for his "Robot Detective" stories, such as "The Caves of Steel."

Ray Bradbury is the author of "Fahrenheit 451," which is ranked as the eighth best science fiction/fantasy book of all time by Adherents.com. He has also written "The Martian Chronicles" and "Something Wicked This Way Comes."

Arthur C. Clarke is the author of "2001: A Space Odyssey" and its sequels. He has also written "Rendezvous with Rama" and "Childhood's End." Both film versions of "2001" and "2010" won Hugo Awards for Best Dramatic Presentation.

Film and Television

While science fiction in films and television did not become popular until much later, American Movie Classics' (AMC) Filmsite, written and edited by Tim Durks, says the first science fiction film appeared in 1902. "Le Voyage Dans La Lune" ("A Trip to the Moon") is a 14-minute silent film by Georges Melies, who was inspired by Jules Verne and H.G. Wells.

Since then, science fiction has been popularized primarily through three franchises. The most notable, "Star Wars," featuring George Lucas' directorial skills, began its run in 1977 with "A New Hope." The film earned six Academy Awards and was followed by two sequels and three prequels.

The second franchise experiencing long-term success is "Star Trek." While it originally began as a television show, "Star Trek" did not become popular until its first film in 1979. Filmsite.org names the franchise as one of greatest film series of all time.

Finally, "Doctor Who," a popular British franchise, debuted in 1963. The television show has since featured 11 different Doctors and is the longest-running science fiction television show of all time. It has launched two successful spin-off series, "Torchwood" and "The Sarah Jane Adventures" (BBC).

References

• Science Fiction: The Early History
• Famous Science Fiction Authors
• AMC Filmsite