Science Fiction: The Evolutionary Mythology of the Future

This presentation provides an overview of the three published volumes in my book series on the evolution of science fiction, highlighting my newly published volumes 2 and 3. Volume 1 examines ancient mythology and the origins of science fiction through the late nineteenth century. Volume 2 covers the years 1895 to 1930, from H. G. Wells’ futurist novel The Time Machine and many of his other books, through numerous famous dystopias and utopias and finishing with von Harbou and Lang’s classic movie Metropolis. Volume 3 focuses on the 1930s, covering Superman and the emergence of super-heroes and space operas, and concluding with Olaf Stapledon’s cosmic Last and First Men and Star Maker that examine in philosophical depth the possibilities of the evolution of consciousness and intelligence.