Top-5 Tuesday- Four Eras of Sci-fi History We've Been Through and One We're about to Enter

There are very many opinions- scholarly, and not-so-scholarly- on how to divide the history of science fiction. Since we are about to enter a period of science fiction history considered by many to be the “Golden Age”, I thought it was about time to add my not-so-scholarly opinion to the pile.

So, here is a list of what I consider to be the four eras of science fiction we’ve explored so far, and the one era we are about to explore.  It is, of course, in chronological order.

1. Romantic Dread

For the first fifty or so years of science fiction, the genre was dominated by romanticist authors such as Mary Shelley and Edgar Allan Poe. The romanticists watched as man tried to conquer nature, and envisioned the future this could lead to. Stories such as Frankenstien, and “Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar”, as well as satirical,political stories, such as A Voyage to the Moon by George Tucker defined this era.

2. The Gilded Future

When Jules Verne burst onto the scene in the 1860s, he placed a more positive spin on the industrialist future. His machines allowed for adventure and exploration. The speculation of H.G. Wells normalized many of the quintessential elements of science fiction, including time travel and alien invasions. This era lasted approximately until the Great War.

3. Escapist Artists

The bulk of the science fiction produced from the 1910s to the early 1920s was pulp-style action adventure, such as the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs, and the serialized Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.  It appealed to a war-torn populous looking for bright, hopeful futures, and pristine heroes.

4. Popular Mechanics

The first science fiction magazines began to be published in the mid-1920s, bringing science fiction as a genre into the mainstream. Short stories like “124C41+”, and movies such as Metropolis, were the contributions of this era to the body of work that is science fiction.

5. The Golden Age

Who am I to argue with the experts? Many place the golden age of science fiction between 1937 and 1950- and with good reason. This era boasts some of the biggest names in science fiction literature, such as Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, and even C.S. Lewis.

I can’t wait to dive into the history and ideas of science fiction in the golden age with you all. I’ll be back tomorrow, as we begin in the 1930s.

Keep on glowing in the dark,

Elora

Top 5 Tuesday- Fictional Planets

So, you’re in space. What are you looking for? The stars are nice. Comets are interesting. You may even see some interstellar junk floating around. But you aren't really looking for all those things. You want to explore strange, new worlds, right? I thought so. So, here are five of the best and most interesting sci-fi planets for you to visit.

5. Naboo (Star Wars)-

Say what you will about the Star Wars prequels, but they have some pretty cool planets. Naboo was unique for its two separate cultures- underwater and on land- lush scenery, and hints of an epic history.

4.  Vulcan (Star Trek)-

A rather mysterious member of Star Trek’s United Federation of Planets, Vulcan is famous for its emotionless, highly intellectual people who have a bizarre sense of spirituality. It is a beautiful desert planet whose moons are of...questionable existence.

3. Krypton (DC Comics)-

This planet first appeared in fiction in the year 1939 as the birthplace of Superman. The many different forms it has taken over the years, as well as its destruction early on in the Superman story give it a mysterious flare, like Vulcan. In fact, the name “Krypton” actually comes from the Greek word Κρύπτός, which means “hidden one”. Bits and pieces of Krypton always seem to be popping up everywhere and causing trouble. You've probably said that something or other was your “kryptonite” before.

2. Bradbury’s Mars (The Mars Chronicles)-

One moment, it is an ancient and glorious empire, and the next, a quaint American town. Sci-fi giant Ray Bradbury paints Mars as a planet of paradoxes: the old alongside the new, hope alongside horror. Mars seems to be a character of its own in this memorable fictional portrait of the red planet.

1. Coruscant (Star Wars)-

Though its not nearly as classic or iconic as some on this list, Coruscant is definitely another thing the prequels did right. It employs the intriguing concept of a planet-sized city and displays it with stunning visuals. Though it may not be the ideal place to live, it certainly captures the imagination.

So, what are some of your favorite fictional planets? Where have you always wanted to visit? Let me know in the comments!
Keep on glowing in the dark,
Elora