SF/UK: How British Science Fiction Changed the World [Paperback]

Daniel O'Brien (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2000

An illuminating survey of British science fiction and its powerful influence on film, television, literature, art, and other media. Featuring 100 photos.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In SF: UK: How British Science Fiction Changed the World, Daniel O'Brien (Clint Eastwood: Filmmaker) explores 20th-century pop representations of the last frontier. O'Brien traces different sci-fi strains from their inception; H.G. Wells's 1896 The Island of Dr. Moreau and its film incarnations, for instance, highlight our preoccupation with "science without a conscience." 100 b & w photos.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From the Publisher

Science fiction is chiefly an invention of British authors, and, to this day, British science fiction has retained its own unique flavor. From the uneasy technological scenarios of H.G. Wells to the bleak postmodern dystopias of J.G. Ballard; from the Faustian pact of Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein" to the meddling scientists of the "Quartermass films;" from the political paranoia of 1984 to the cosmic paranoia of 2001--it is frequently a dark and dangerous vision of the future. "SF/UK" delves into the background, the past, and the astounding future as depicted by Britain's science fiction authors, filmmakers, and artists. Drawing on novels, film, television, videos, music, and art, the book incorporates a remarkable range of interviews and sources. "SF/UK" also includes a provocative introductory chapter by author Kim Newman, placing the story of British science fiction in a wider context and throwing out a challenge to the coming generation of UK SF practitioners.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Reynolds & Hearn (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1903111161
• ISBN-13: 978-1903111161
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,212,574 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Examines the future as depicted by British writers, June 6, 2001

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: SF/UK: How British Science Fiction Changed the World (Paperback)

In SF/UK: How British Science Fiction Changed The World, Daniel O'Brien maintains that science fiction is largely an invention of British authors; spiced with the peculiar visions and unique perspective of British authors. This examines works of the earliest writers through modern times and is based on the Channel Four series, examining the future as depicted by British writers. Black and white photos and illustrations throughout.