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Frankenstein Dreams

400 pages, 2017

Takeaways
Description

Long before 1984, Star Wars, or The Hunger Games, Victorian authors imagined a future where new science and technologies reshaped the world and universe they knew.

The great themes of modern science fiction showed up surprisingly early: space and time travel, dystopian societies, and even dangerously independent machines, all inspiring the speculative fiction of the Victorian era.

In Frankenstein Dreams, Michael Sims has gathered many of the very finest stories, some by classic writers such as Jules Verne, Mary Shelley, and H.G. Wells, but many that will surprise general readers. Dark visions of the human psyche emerge in Thomas Wentworth Higginson's "The Monarch of Dreams."

At the same time, Mary E. Wilkins Freeman provides a glimpse of “the fifth dimension” in her provocative tale "The Hall Bedroom.'

With contributions by Edgar Allan Poe, Alice Fuller, Rudyard Kipling, Thomas Hardy, Arthur Conan Doyle, and many others, each introduced by Michael Sims, whose elegant introduction provides valuable literary and historical context, Frankenstein Dreams is a treasure trove of stories known and rediscovered.

The Evolution of Science Fiction

In Frankenstein Dreams, Michael Sims takes us on a journey through the evolution of science fiction. He explores how the genre has changed and developed over time, offering a fascinating insight into its history. If you're a fan of sci-fi, you'll definitely want to check this out.

The Influence of Victorian Era

The book shows how the Victorian era had a significant influence on the development of science fiction. Sims explores how the scientific discoveries and societal changes of the time shaped the genre. It's a great way to see how history can impact literature.

The Power of Imagination

One of the key takeaways from Frankenstein Dreams is the power of imagination. Sims shows how authors used their creativity to envision future technologies and societies. It's a reminder of how important imagination is in writing and in life.

The Role of Fear in Science Fiction

Sims digs into the role of fear in science fiction. He shows how authors use fear of the unknown, fear of technology, and fear of the future to create compelling stories. If you're interested in the psychology of fear, you'll find this aspect of the book particularly intriguing.

The Importance of Context in Literature

Frankenstein Dreams highlights the importance of understanding the context in which a piece of literature was written. By exploring the societal and scientific context of various science fiction stories, Sims helps us to better understand and appreciate them. It's a great reminder to always look beyond the text itself when reading.

Recommendations

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173 books

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