Science Fact and Science Fiction: An Encyclopedia

Stableford B.0415974607, 9780415974608

Science fiction is a literary genre based on scientific speculation. Works of science fiction use the ideas and the vocabulary of all sciences to create valid narratives that explore the future effects of science on events and human beings. Science Fact and Science Fiction examines in one volume how science has propelled science-fiction and, to a lesser extent, how science fiction has influenced the sciences. Although coverage will discuss the science behind the fiction from the Classical Age to the present, focus is naturally on the 19th century to the present, when the Industrial Revolution and spectacular progress in science and technology triggered an influx of science-fiction works speculating on the future. As scientific developments alter expectations for the future, the literature absorbs, uses, and adapts such contextual visions. The goal of the Encyclopedia is not to present a catalog of sciences and their application in literary fiction, but rather to study the ongoing flow andcounterflow of influences, including how fictional representations of science affect how we view its practice and disciplines. Although the main focus is on literature, other forms of science fiction, including film and video games, are explored and, because science is an international matter, works from non-English speaking countries are discussed as needed.

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Table of contents :
Contents……Page 6
Alphabetical List of Entries……Page 8
Thematic List of Entries……Page 14
Introduction……Page 18
Acknowledgements……Page 26
A……Page 28
B……Page 82
C……Page 102
D……Page 144
E……Page 164
F……Page 204
G……Page 230
H……Page 252
I……Page 270
J……Page 280
K……Page 284
L……Page 286
M……Page 306
N……Page 348
O……Page 366
P……Page 374
R……Page 454
S……Page 482
T……Page 540
U……Page 566
V……Page 574
W……Page 582
X……Page 598
Z……Page 600
Bibliography……Page 604
Index……Page 616
Back cover……Page 758