Saving The World Through Science Fiction

One of the major figures in science fiction for more than sixty years, James Gunn has been instrumental in making the genre one of the most vibrant and engaging areas of literary scholarship. His genre history Alternate Worlds and his The Road to Science Fiction anthologies introduced countless readers to science fiction. He founded the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction in 1982. But Gunn has also been one of the genre's leading writers. His classic novels Star Bridge (with Jack Williamson), The Joy Makers, The Immortals and The Listeners helped shape the field. Now in his nineties, he remains a prominent voice. His forthcoming novel is Transformation. Drawing on materials from Gunn's archives and personal interviews with him, this study is the first to examine the life, career and writing of this science fiction grandmaster.

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of The Martian, a lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this “propulsive” (Entertainment Weekly), cinematic thriller full of suspense, humor, and fascinating science—in development as a major motion picture starring Ryan Gosling. HUGO AWARD FINALIST • ONE OF THE YEAR’S BEST BOOKS: Bill Gates, GatesNotes, New York Public Library, Parade, Newsweek, Polygon, Shelf Awareness, She Reads, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal • “An epic story of redemption, discovery and cool speculative sci-fi.”—USA Today “If you loved The Martian, you’ll go crazy for Weir’s latest.”—The Washington Post Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish. Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it. All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company. His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species. And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone. Or does he? An irresistible interstellar adventure as only Andy Weir could deliver, Project Hail Mary is a tale of discovery, speculation, and survival to rival The Martian—while taking us to places it never dreamed of going.

One of the major figures in science fiction for more than sixty years, James Gunn has been instrumental in making the genre one of the most vibrant and engaging areas of literary scholarship. His genre history Alternate Worlds and his The Road to Science Fiction anthologies introduced countless readers to science fiction. He founded the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction in 1982. But Gunn has also been one of the genre's leading writers. His classic novels Star Bridge (with Jack Williamson), The Joy Makers, The Immortals and The Listeners helped shape the field. Now in his nineties, he remains a prominent voice. His forthcoming novel is Transformation. Drawing on materials from Gunn's archives and personal interviews with him, this study is the first to examine the life, career and writing of this science fiction grandmaster.

This enhanced eBook includes video, audio, photographic, and linked content, as well as a bonus short story. Hear TAMMY talk. Learn the origins of Minor Universe 31. See the TM-31. Take a trip in it. Photos and illustrations appear as hyperlinked endnotes. Video and audio are embedded directly in text. *Video and audio may not play on all readers. Check your user manual for details. National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Award winner Charles Yu delivers his debut novel, a razor-sharp, ridiculously funny, and utterly touching story of a son searching for his father . . . through quantum space–time. Minor Universe 31 is a vast story-space on the outskirts of fiction, where paradox fluctuates like the stock market, lonely sexbots beckon failed protagonists, and time travel is serious business. Every day, people get into time machines and try to do the one thing they should never do: change the past. That’s where Charles Yu, time travel technician—part counselor, part gadget repair man—steps in. He helps save people from themselves. Literally. When he’s not taking client calls or consoling his boss, Phil, who could really use an upgrade, Yu visits his mother (stuck in a one-hour cycle of time, she makes dinner over and over and over) and searches for his father, who invented time travel and then vanished. Accompanied by TAMMY, an operating system with low self-esteem, and Ed, a nonexistent but ontologically valid dog, Yu sets out, and back, and beyond, in order to find the one day where he and his father can meet in memory. He learns that the key may be found in a book he got from his future self. It’s called How to Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe, and he’s the author. And somewhere inside it is the information that could help him—in fact it may even save his life. Wildly new and adventurous, Yu’s debut is certain to send shock waves of wonder through literary space–time.

James Gunn--one of the founding figures of science fiction scholarship and teaching--wrote in 1951 what is likely the first master's thesis on modern science fiction. Portions were in the short-lived pulp magazine Dynamic but it has otherwise remained unavailable. Here in its first full publication, the thesis explores many of the classic Golden Age stories of the 1940s and the critical perspective that informed Gunn's essential genre history Alternate Worlds and his anthology series The Road to Science Fiction. The editor's introduction and commentary show the historical significance of Gunn's work and its relevance to today's science fiction studies.

"Unveiling the Light Within": Introduction The year is 2175. After global wars and disasters, humanity is ruled by Oblivion Corporation, a powerful conglomerate promising order in exchange for freedom. Their surveillance state monitors all aspects of life. But deep beneath Oblivion's gleaming cities, the Earth's core has become unstable, threatening imminent collapse. However, not all hope is lost. Renowned geologist Dr. Kuumba Nia detects strange electromagnetic irregularities coming from within the planet itself. Though Oblivion dismisses his findings, Kuumba's theories catch the attention of his son Malike, leader of an underground rebellion against the oppressive regime. Malike wonders - could Oblivion be hiding a coming catastrophe that could destroy the world? With help from his tech prodigy son Baraka, Malike is determined to unveil the truth and save humanity from disaster. This sweeping Afrofuturistic saga follows three generations of the Nia family as they confront destruction, uncover secrets, and harness science to protect the future of Earth. Through their courage and vision, humanity will transcend darkness and unveil the light within us all. “The Plan to Save the Earth” Introduction The year is 2300. The planet is in peril. Decades of pollution, climate disasters, and overpopulation have led to the collapse of nations and ecosystems. Most of humanity is crammed into overcrowded megacities, deprived of resources and hope. Powerful megacorporations control the world's governments, hoarding wealth and influence for themselves. The masses struggle day-to-day, constantly monitored by omnipresent surveillance. Rebel groups wage a covert war for liberation, but feel hope slipping away. However, in the verdant hills surrounding the megacity of New Atlantis lives the Rhodes family. For three generations they have silently fought for justice using their gifts. Isaac and Janelle Rhodes, renowned physicians, possess wisdom and resilience. Their son, leading physicist Malik Rhodes, and his wife Aisha spread knowledge that sparks revolution. Malik's teenage son Jamal, a tech prodigy, has skills that could turn the tide. United with a vision of an equitable world, the Rhodes' refuse to surrender. They know that with science, technology, and determination, a better future is possible. As the year 2300 unfolds, this exceptional black family is humanity's greatest hope. Their plan to save Earth is already in motion... This sweeping sci-fi saga follows the three generations of the Rhodes amid the fight for freedom in a dark future. Through their courage and intellect, we explore the power each person holds to change the world. "Melanin's Legacy: Guardians of Gaia” Introduction Welcome to "Melanin's Legacy: Guardians of Gaia," an Afrofuturistic tale set in the year 2550. In this captivating narrative, we follow the extraordinary journey of three generations of black men—Elder Samuel, his son Malik, and Samuel's grandson, Kofi—as they become the unlikely saviors of Earth in the face of unprecedented climate change. In a world ravaged by the consequences of humanity's past neglect, our heroes rise to the challenge, armed with their collective wisdom, unbreakable bonds, and the power of melanin, a genetic inheritance that holds extraordinary potential. Guided by a deep connection to the Earth, they embark on a mission to harness the power of melanin, technology, and their unwavering determination to restore balance and harmony to a planet on the brink of collapse. Within the pages of this book, you will witness the trials and triumphs of these remarkable individuals as they confront resistance, navigate socio-political landscapes, and challenge the status quo. Their journey takes them from the depths of despair and environmental degradation to the heights of hope and transformation. As you delve into "Melanin's Legacy: Guardians of Gaia," you will be immersed in a world where the intricacies of melanin's properties are uncovered, unlocking solutions to environmental crises and illuminating a path towards a sustainable future. From the foundational wisdom of Elder Samuel to the innovative brilliance of Malik and the boundless potential of Kofi, each generation adds a layer to the legacy, passing on their knowledge, determination, and love for the Earth. Through this Afrofuturistic lens, the story explores the power of culture, heritage, and ancestral wisdom, weaving a tapestry of resilience and innovation. It invites readers to reflect on the interconnectedness of all beings and the vital importance of protecting and nurturing the planet we call home. "Melanin's Legacy: Guardians of Gaia" challenges conventional narratives, reimagines our relationship with nature, and emphasizes the urgency of collective action in the face of global challenges. Its pages carry a message of empowerment, reminding us that each individual possesses the power to make a difference and shape a future that prioritizes environmental stewardship, justice, and equity. So, join us on this extraordinary journey as we explore the legacy of Elder Samuel, Malik, and Kofi—a legacy rooted in love for the Earth, fueled by the power of melanin, and built upon the resilience of black excellence. Together, let us embark on a path towards a world where humanity and nature stand in harmonious coexistence, embodying the spirit of "Melanin's Legacy: Guardians of Gaia."

As Andrzej Sapkowski was fleshing out his character Geralt of Rivia for a writing contest, he did not set out to write a science textbook--or even a work of science fiction. However, the world that Sapkowski created in his series The Witcher resulted in a valuable reflection of real-world developments in science and technology. As the Witcher books have been published across decades, the sorcery in the series acts as an extension of the modern science it grows alongside. This book explores the fascinating entanglement of science and magic that lies at the heart of Sapkowski's novel series and its widely popular video game and television adaptations. This is the first English-language book-length treatment of magic and science in the Witcher universe. These are examined through the lenses of politics, religion, history and mythology. Sapkowski's richly detailed universe investigates the sociology of science and ponders some of the most pressing modern technological issues, such as genetic engineering, climate change, weapons of mass destruction, sexism, speciesism and environmentalism. Chapters explore the unsettling realization that the greatest monsters are frequently human, and their heinous acts often involve the unwitting hand of science.

Since they began appearing in the 1970s, Michael Bishop's science fiction and fantasy stories have been recognized for their polished prose and their depth of thought and feeling. His award-winning fiction includes No Enemy but Time (1982), Unicorn Mountain (1988), Brittle Innings (1994) and the outstanding short story "The Pile" (2008). After the 2017 publication of his collection Other Arms Reach Out to Me, Bishop was inducted into the Georgia Writers' Hall of Fame. Revision and republication of much of Bishop's fiction in recent years have renewed interest in Bishop's explorations of religion, belief and the pursuit of human truth. This book is the first comprehensive study of Michael Bishop's literary body, examining his work in full. Featured are close readings of all his novels and studies of short stories, poetry and essays that Bishop himself identified for special attention.