Science fiction is amazing. From aliens to spaceships to other worlds to imaginative technologies, it has pulled many people into its wide fold. But where did it get its start?
The history of the science fiction genre as a literary form isn't easily defined. Both scholars and fans still argue on when it made its first appearance.
Many die-hard fans place the genre's origins with Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, since it was the first novel of its kind. Some point to ancient texts, such as the Epic of Gilgamesh (earliest version: around 2150-2000 B.C.), as the first instance of science fiction. Others refute this, saying that science fiction could only be possible from the Scientific Revolution onward. This would have been when Galileo and Newton were making their discoveries in astronomy, physics, and mathematics - the building blocks of science fiction.
To add further fuel to the fire of discussion, the word "scientist" only first appeared in 1840. The first use of "science fiction" soon followed in 1851 in William Wilson's A Little Earnest Book upon a Great Old Subject. Quoted from the book, he says: "Science-Fiction, in which the revealed truths of Science may be given interwoven with a pleasing story which may itself be poetical and true."
Science fiction boomed in the 20th century, as new inventions and science led authors to explore the impact of those things on society. This has caused some to suggest that "real" science fiction only came into being with Jules Verne and H.G. Wells and others of their ilk.
The point is, there's little to no agreement on the exact origin of science fiction history. We don't know. And there's a lot of brain power being expended trying to figure it out.
I guess the real question to ask is: when do you think it started?
Or you could just watch this cool video on the genre. It requires no brain power.
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February 18, 1823
ReplyDeleteJo
In Which We Start Anew
Okay, I give - what's the significance of that date? :)
DeleteLOL Absolutely none... I made it up!
DeleteI guess it truly depends on what you think of as sci-fi.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point! Which probably only makes the discussion that much longer. ;)
Deleteinteresting sci-fi post this was
ReplyDeletedo check out my letters too at GAC a-z
Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI did a report on this is college - specifically about women emerging as a power in the sci-fi/fantasy realm as writers and readers. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt's an interesting history to say the least. Your report sounds like a fun read (to me, at least. ;)).
DeleteI agree with Amy. It depends on how you define science fiction. It makes me think other-world, but then again, that could be a definition of fantasy. Tough to nail down.
ReplyDeleteScience fiction and fantasy have often been mixed up in that way. Both can be very similar in some areas and vastly different in others. I think that's why the term "speculative fiction" has become popular.
Deletei love sci fi so i thoroughly enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
Happy A-Zing!
Glad to hear it, Nutschell. Thanks so much for taking the time to read it!
Deletegreek mythology, they had mechanical devices from the gods to help them, right? hee hee
ReplyDeleteor is that steampunk?
love sci fi!
Haha, stated that way, it sounds very steampunkish. I'm a mythology fan so I hesitate to lump it with either genre - seems to degrade it somewhat. :)
DeleteHmmm... I think about the origins of genres the same way as the origin of earth. Does it matter when or how? All I need to know is that it's there. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGood point! Though finding out the why of something satisfies a lot of people, probably why the discussion is so widespread - even if the why can't be answered. ;)
DeleteMaybe any fiction that pushes the imagination of technology might count. I'm trying to visit all the A-Z Challenge Blogs this month.
ReplyDeleteIt may. This is where I think that the definition in each reader's mind is more important than any "official" definition.
DeleteThanks for stopping in!
Just dropping in to visit. Nice sci-fi theme you have here. Hope your technical difficulties get resolved. It has to be very frustrating. Good luck.
ReplyDeletePatricia, Sugar & Spice & All Things ? Nice
Thanks Patricia and thanks for taking the time to look around! I think I got them all worked out though I'm still unsure what caused the problem in the first place. I suspect that it will remain one of the mysteries of cyberspace. ;)
DeleteInteresting post... I don't really think about science fiction too much, though I should think about it a bit more than I do. Though... I wouldn't consider Frankenstein to be science fiction despite the science elements it has. It seems more fitting in the horror genre, to me.
ReplyDeleteI've always considered it to be more horror, as well, but I have to admit that thinking of it as science fiction seems to hit the mark really well, too. Then again, I picture many horror stories to be science fiction in disguise. ;)
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