A Historical Overview of Science Fiction: Key Figures, Definitions, and Time Periods, Quizzes of English Language

Download A Historical Overview of Science Fiction: Key Figures, Definitions, and Time Periods and more Quizzes English Language in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 Adventure Dominant Sci-Fi (time period) DEFINITION 1 1926-1938 TERM 2 Science Dominant Sci-Fi (time period) DEFINITION 2 1938-1950 TERM 3 Sociology Dominant Sci-Fi (time period) DEFINITION 3 1950-1965 TERM 4 Style Dominant Sci-Fi (time period) DEFINITION 4 1966-present day TERM 5 Homer DEFINITION 5 mentioned mechanical servants (robots) in the Iliad (8th c. BC) TERM 6 Lucian DEFINITION 6 born 125 AD, wrote a number of satirical dialogues involving interplanetary travel, including journeys to the moon, called: "Journey through the Air". TERM 7 Plato DEFINITION 7 427-348 BC, wrote The Republic, the first utopia TERM 8 Thomas More DEFINITION 8 wrote Utopia (1516) TERM 9 Mary Shelley DEFINITION 9 write the very first true sci-fi novel, Frankenstein (1818). TERM 10 Edgar Allen Poe DEFINITION 10 a gothic writer considered to be the father of the short story and the detective story, wrote two sci-fi's: "The Facts in the Case of M.Valdemar"--about mesmerism, and "The narrative of A. Gordon Pym" (1836) --about a sea voyage. TERM 21 Edgar Rice Burroughs DEFINITION 21 1875-1950, very successful author of 70 books, such as "Tarzan of the Apes" (1912), "A Princess of Mars" (1912, big for interplanetary adventure) and many more.... TERM 22 the play and playwright who invented the word "robot" DEFINITION 22 Karl Capek - "RUR" TERM 23 Hugo Gernsbach DEFINITION 23 (1884-1967)-Born in Luxembourg, immigrated to US in 1904, publisher of Modern Electronics, worlds first radio magazine, coined the term Science Fiction (after his first idea, "scientification" failed) wrote "Ralph124C41+", which sucked, but was the first pure sci-fi TERM 24 John W. Campbell DEFINITION 24 In January 1930, the first issue of Astounding was published. By 1938, Campbell was the editor at age 27, and helped to usher in The Golden Age with the advent of more analytical stories, the Golden Age is said to have ended in the 1950's with the Space Race. Campbell's era with Astounding was marked by aliens and space travel. Campbell was an intellectual who believed human action had impact in the universe in a positive manner. TERM 25 Robert Heinlein DEFINITION 25 (1907-1988) was a right-wing anarchist and libertarian. He demonstrated the way to incorporate scientific and cultural information efficiently and unobtrusively into the development of plot and characters. Wrote, "The Roads Must Roll", "Starship Troopers" (1959), also won two Hugo Awards for "Stranger in a Strange Land" (1961), and "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress" (1966) TERM 26 Isaac Asimov DEFINITION 26 (1920-1992) began writing sci-fi as a teen, wrote over 500 books. "Nightfall" was written at Campbell's suggestion, voted best sci-fi story of all-time. "The Foundation Series" (1942-1950) inspired by Campbell again, originally a trilogy. ROBOT STORIES - began with "Robbie", "Reason" and "Runaround" which introduced Asimov's robotics, and 3 Laws of Robotics. Wrote juvenile novels featuring a character named Lucky Starr. Won Hugo and Nebula award in 1973 with "The Gods Themselves" TERM 27 Asimov's 3 Laws of Robotics DEFINITION 27 1. A robot may not injure a human being, or through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm. 2. A robot must obey orders given to it by a human being, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law. 3. A robot must protect his own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law. TERM 28 Theodore Sturgeon DEFINITION 28 (1918-1985) is considered one of the greatest thinkers and stylists in science fiction. "Microcosmic God", "Killdozer!" (basis for Steven Spielberg's first feature, made-for-TV movie called "Duel"), "Thunder and Roses", "Baby is Three"--which turned into More Than Human. TERM 29 Damon Knight DEFINITION 29 (1922-2002) founder and president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He is also known for the term, "second-order idiot plot"--a story set in a society that only functions because almost everyone is an idiot. TERM 30 George Orwell DEFINITION 30 1903-1950, major contribution is "1984", a dystopian future world. TERM 31 James Blish DEFINITION 31 famous for "Pantropy" tales, collected in The Seedling Stars book, where humans are formed to adapt to alien environments. TERM 32 Ray Bradbury DEFINITION 32 important. prolific. wrote "The Martian Chronicles" --short stories about the colonization of Mars. TERM 33 Alfred Bester DEFINITION 33 1913-1987, wrote for Astounding until 1950, when editor John Campbell became pre-occupied with Scientology. TERM 34 Walter Miller DEFINITION 34 1923-1996, wrote "A Canticle for Leibowitz", a post- apocalyptic novel of the Catholic Church. His only novel, considered a serious discussion of faith and morality in science-fiction. TERM 35 John Wyndham DEFINITION 35 1903-1969, very concerned with character development. Visionary in terms of problems of earth and ecological disasters. Also an early advocate of feminism. The Day of the Triffids, The Kraken Wakes, The Chrysalids, The Midwich Cuckoos.