Visions of the Future: The 1880s- The New World

Automobiles, aircraft, Coca Cola, the 1880s saw the beginnings of many cultural and scientific phenomena that are commonplace in today’s world. After this decade, the status quo of society would be forever changed.

History:

War seems to be a constant in human history. When one uprising is quelled somewhere, another skirmish begins somewhere else. The American Indian Wars which had been raging since colonists first came to the American continent, continued into the 1880s, bringing with them the same bitterness and cruelty they had always carried. A milestone in the struggle occurred in 1881, when Chief Sitting Bull of the Lakota people was forced to surrender to the American army with 186 of his men.

1881-82 were marked by four assassinations, and one failed assassination attempts. In 1888, the world was baffled and appalled by the slew of unsolved murders committed by the mysterious “Jack the Ripper”.

However, in spite of all the bloodshed, many interesting advances were made in various areas of study. In 1884, a conference was held to decide where the Prime Meridian was on the globe.

Also, I will have you know that in 1886, the Moody Bible Institute was founded. It is a fine institute which I am currently attending.

Science:

The 1880s saw an explosion in science and technology that revolutionized the world and changed the status quo. Society began to look more and more like what we see today. Steel frame skyscrapers began to rise, changing the landscape of cities around the world, and the first attempt at the Panama Canal was made.

An army airship called the La France was first launched in 1884. The same year, the Nipkow disc, an early image scanning disc that gave way to inventions such as television was invented. The next year, 1885, Benz patented the motorwagen, which was the first automobile. In 1886, the first commercial automobiles were released. Another interesting cultural development began when Coca Cola was first distributed in 1887.

Stories:

In 1884, E.A. Abbott produced Flatland. Though more of a mathematical adventure than a scientific one, it still carries many of the traits of the sci-fi of this era. It described a two-dimensional world inhabited by shapes, points, and lines with personalities, and their view of the world. Of course, it was meant to provide Abbott’s commentary on his own society.

In 1886, Robert Louis Stevenson wrote the ground-breaking classic The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, which explored the nature of mankind, and the relationship between good and evil. These concepts and the characters that embody them have since been expounded on and parodied to no end.

This same year, Jules Verne wrote another airborne adventure, Robur the Conqueror. It told the tale of a crazed man named Robur, who took over the world using airplanes.

1888 saw another milestone novel in the history of the utopian genre. Edward Bellamy wrote Looking Backward: 2000-1887, which told of a man who fell asleep in 1887, and awoke in the socialist utopia that would be America in 2000, according to Bellamy’s reasoning.

Also in that year, Albert Robida wrote a realistic future war story called The Twentieth Century War, which would go on to inspire Arthur C. Clarke; and W.H. Hudson wrote of a postapocalyptic society in A Crystal Age.

In 1889, Mark Twain, (yes, Mark Twain of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn), made advances in the subgenre of time travel with A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court. It is a comedic tale in which the titular Connecticut Yankee ends up in the titular King Arthur’s Court and attempts to civilize Camelot according to his 19th century sensibilities.

Worldview:

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzche rose to prominence around the 1880s. He is both famous and infamous for declaring the death of God, and for questioning nature of truth and reality. His thoughts are especially influential in the modern day as they pertain to the worldview of Postmodernism.

The 1880s saw a shift in the world from the way things had always been. Technology and philosophy were shaping the society in ways they never had before, and especially through the medium of science fiction.

Keep on glowing in the dark,

Elora

Top-5 Thursday-Early Space Adventures

Science fiction seems to have a fixation with the final frontier. Even before the Space Race, Star Trek, and Star Wars, enterprising authors sent their characters to the stars. (Yes, enterprising. There’s another Star Trek pun I can...Chekov my list. Not even sorry).

Here is a list of some of the most interesting, and influential space stories from the early days of the genre.

5. “The Brick Moon” by Edward Everett Hale (1869)-

This short story written in the form of a journal was the first to describe an inhabited, artificial satellite. It accounts the marvelous journey of people accidentally launched into space with the brick sphere they constructed as a navigational tool.

4. “The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall” by Edgar Allan Poe (1835)-

Intended by Poe to be released as a true account, and later revealed as a hoax, this satirical piece of fiction describes the journey of the titular Hans Pfaall to the moon in a balloon that converted the vacuum of space into breathable air.

3. Lumen by Camille Flammarion (1872)-

A dialogue framed in a work of highly philosophical fiction, Lumen speculates about the existence and nature of extraterrestrial life, and makes rather accurate assumptions about the speed of light.

2. A Voyage to the Moon by George Tucker (1827)-

Not only the earliest space adventure on this list, but also one of America’s oldest works of science fiction, George Tucker’s A Voyage to the Moon, described a Lunarian civilization that satirized the politicians and scientists of its time.

1. From the Earth to the Moon by Jules Verne (1865)-

It had to be Verne, didn’t it? Yes, it did. Not only was this novel one of the most influential space adventures of its time, it also described the process of getting to the moon in a nearly realistic way… As I’ve already described on this blog multiple times.

So, there are some precursors to the inspiring space age stories we know and love. Have you read any of them? Are you inspired to? I’d love to hear any thoughts in the comments!

Keep on glowing in the dark,

Elora

Visions of the Future: The 1870s-The Quest for Order

It was as if the world were trying to cover up the wounds created by the wars of the last decade without treating them. Politicians and scientists saw the future as bright and inviting, even as war, turmoil, and discontent continued just outside their comfortable, padded world.

History:

The British Empire continued to expand its borders during the 1870s, setting up comfortable, western colonies in the far corners of the earth where they weren’t always welcome. The United States, meanwhile, was recovering from their bloody Civil War. The rather unbalanced and ineffectual period of Reconstruction lasted in the States until 1877.

Elsewhere in Europe, the Franco-Prussian War raged from 1870-1871. This struggle led to the collapse of the Second French Empire,the formation of the French Third Republic, and the unification of Germany into the German Empire, or the Second Reich.

Science:

  [The Paris Exhibition of 1878]

Many inventions that are indispensable in the modern day were first devised in the 1870s, such as the lightbulb and the phonograph, invented by Thomas Edison. 1876 saw a prototype telephone created by Alexander Graham Bell. At the same time, an Austrian physicist named Ludwig Boltzmann was developing important theories and equations concerning entropy, and its relation to thermodynamics.

The popularity of scientific exhibitions continued to rise. In 1873, The Weltausstellung, (World Exhibition), was held in Vienna. The Centennial Exposition took place in Philadelphia in 1876, and the Exposition Universelle was held in Paris in 1878.

Stories:

French writer Jules Verne continued to dominate the genre in the 1870s. The year 1870 saw the release of perhaps his most famous work, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. On an expedition to destroy a giant sea monster, a French marine biologist, his servant, and a Canadian whaler discover that their supposed monster is, in fact, a marvelous submarine, the Nautilus, piloted by vengeful scientist-prince, Captain Nemo. The title, which has caused some confusion, refers to the distance travelled around the earth, not the depth below the sea.

In 1971, Colonel George Chesney wrote an important precursor to invasion literature, The Battle of Dorking, which told the story of a terrifying future war.

That same year, Edward Bulwer-Lytton wrote a book called The Coming Race, which described an underground civilization of supermen, who controlled an energy form known as vril, an all-permeating substance, which to me sounds very similar to the force of Star Wars. This book, and the substance it described, sparked the interest of some occultist groups, who believed it to be real.

In 1872, Samuel Butler produced another classic of the growing utopian genre, Erewhon. It describes a utopia that satirized Victorian culture. The name of the place is Erewhon, which is a nearly-backwards spelling of the word “nowhere”.

The same year, French astronomer Camille Flammarion published Lumen, a highly philosophical story that explored and introduced ideas about the speed of light, and alien lifeforms.

Another interesting, but rather obscure contribution to science fiction was Edward Page Mitchell’s story, “The Tachypomp”, published in 1874. It details one mathematically-challenged man, and his quest for love, and the secret of infinite speed.

Worldview:

The mindset of the 1870s was rather scientific. People of the western world generally believed that nature was simple, orderly, and theirs to command.

In a decade full of political and social problems, a new social and scientific era was beginning, and the genre of science fiction started coming into its own, with ideas and themes that would keep readers thinking and enjoying for years to come.

Keep on glowing in the dark,

Elora

A One-Year, Fifty-Post Special List!

It’s April 16th. Somehow, by some miracle, this blog has lasted for a whole year! Not only that, but it’s also managed to make it to fifty posts! I’m very grateful to be able to write about these things that I love in light of God’s truth, and share my thoughts with other people. It has been a great privilege and a great blessing. If you’ve been reading this blog from the beginning, or if this is the first post of mine you’ve ever read, I’m grateful for you!

Since it’s sort of a special occasion, I thought I’d write a special sort of post. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, and I might do some more of them later on. However, never fear, your regularly scheduled sci-fi history posts will resume after this week. For now, thanks for reading, and supporting me in this crazy blogging venture, and I hope you enjoy this Star Trek “starter kit”.

If you are a geek, you probably want to share the objects of your geeky affections with your friends. However, asking your friends to watch 1960s television, or read 1930s literature with you may attract strange stairs. Suppose for a minute, though, that someone finally caves in to your constant nagging, or perhaps you meet a fellow geek who wants to understand the thing you enjoy better. How do you introduce them to your favorite TV series, book subgenre, or set of movies? That’s what this list is for.

As you’ve all figured out by now, I am a huge fan of Star Trek: The Original Series. Oftentimes, I reference the show, then have to explain myself.  Occasionally, someone will offer to watch it with me, in order to attempt to understand my particular brand of weird. If they follow through with this decision, I have to decide which episode/episodes to show them. So, finally, I compiled a list of what I believe to be the ten most “user-friendly” episodes of Star Trek, that give people a good feel for what the series is. All in good fun, of course.

So, whether you are new to the series yourself, are trying to educate a reboot fan, or just want to do a mini-marathon with your nerdy friends for the fiftieth anniversary next year, I hope you enjoy this list.

1. “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield” (S03-E15)-

I wanted my first episode on this list to include the entire main crew that continues to appear throughout the movies and reboot stuff. So yes, I was doing a lot of nitpicking concerning the helm for this spot on the list. “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield” has everyone: Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Uhura, Chekov, and Sulu. Aside from characters, this episode also gives a good feel for the bold, no-nonsense way The Original Series addresses the issues of its day. The endless struggle between the two different groups of aliens on Cheron makes a poignant statement about race relations. Plus, Captain Kirk gives some great speeches, and almost self-destructs the entire Enterprise.

2. “Devil in the Dark” (S01-E25)-

The Original Series introduces so many iconic creatures that it was hard to decide which ones to put on this list, much less which ones to put first. Finally, I decided upon the scary but sympathetic, silicon-based Horta. The antagonist that ends up having sympathetic qualities is a recurring  plot device in Star Trek, and the Horta is a good example of it. Plus, Spock performs a harrowing mind-meld, Bones says some iconic lines, and lots of redshirts die.

3. “The Trouble With Tribbles” (S02-E15)-

Perhaps the most iconic Star Trek episode. Everyone loves tribbles, (except for Klingons). Delta airlines even has tribbles in their safety procedures video. Look it up! Aside from the lovable but prolific furballs, this episode is also notable as one of the few Original Series episodes featuring the Klingons. Plus, all the characters are over the top! Bones and Spock banter, Kirk yells at bureaucrats, Scotty punches the Klingons that insult his ship, Chekov says that everything was inwented in Russia. It’s just fun.

4. “Amok Time” (S02-E01)-

The first episode of the second season introduces a lot of the things people regularly associate with Star Trek- the Vulcan salute, the fight music, Chekov. Plus, it has the entire cast, develops the Vulcan race, and features Kirk and Spock fighting!

5. “City on the Edge of Forever” (S01-E28)-

I’ll freely admit that “City on the Edge” is the best episode of the original series. It presents a fascinating time-travel conundrum, and the characters react in a very realistic, human way. It is a great episode of science fiction television, and provides good character development for the characters. So, why didn’t I put it first? Because, I think the real heart of Star Trek- even when the stories aren’t as good as “City on the Edge”- is the characters. When you get to know the characters first, you’ll enjoy them even more in the very best episode, and you’ll still like them even in “The Way to Eden”- if you can make it through all the singing.

6. “Space Seed” (S01-E22)-

Because you want them to understand Wrath of Khan, right? This episode is a great story of the corrupting influence of power, betrayal, loyalty, genetic engineering and suspended animation starring a well-acted and intriguing villain on its own. But when you pair it with the Wrath of Khan, all sorts of themes, ideas, excitement, crying, screaming, and a little bit of confusion, (who was where what season, huh?) ensue.

7. “The Naked Time” (S01-E04)-

Once you get to know a set of characters, it’s fun to watch them act all out of sorts. Like Spock crying, everyone wants to see Spock crying, (it’s sad, though. I feel for the guy). I’m impressed that the writers were able to so develop the characters in the first three episodes, that the differences in this episode were notable. Also, they invent time warp. Plus, Sulu fences everyone he sees, Kirk dotes on the ship, Kevin Riley, and a lot more clothes than the title implies.

8. “Balance of Terror” (S01-E14)-

This is one of those great, thought-provoking episodes of Star Trek that makes you wonder things like: “are the people I hate really all that different from me?” It introduces the alien race, the Romulans, and their tumultuous relationship with the Federation- a conflict that continues to be an important plot point even into the reboot movies.

9. “Mirror, Mirror” (S02-E04)-

This is the quintessential alternate universe episode of science fiction television. You have probably heard or seen jokes about or references to Spock’s beard even if you haven’t seen this episode. It is an interesting look into the twisted “could-be” Star Trek universe, and brings the characters face to face with the darker side of their natures. Also, Uhura slaps Sulu in the face, Spock calls people illogical, Chekov screams (it happens a lot in the series and the movies, so get used to it), and everyone smiles creepily.

10. “By Any Other Name” (S02-E22)-

This is one of those episodes where you get to see all the characters in their element. Well, except for the ones who get turned into salt cubes. They are in their elements too, just those elements happen to be sodium chloride… Anyway, Kirk, Spock, McCoy and Scotty have to work together to stop some aliens from the Andromeda galaxy from taking over our galaxy. It’s good, old fashioned Star Trek fun. Also, they almost self-destruct the Enterprise, Kirk gets the girl and gets in a fight, and the only female redshirt to die in the entire series meets her demise.

Thanks for reading. I hope you had fun reading through this list, because I most certainly had fun writing it. Thanks for your support and encouragement over this past year. If you have any thoughts on great Star Trek episodes, or any ideas of things you want to see on the blog moving forward, let me know in the comments!

Keep on glowing in the dark,

Elora