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From Here to Infinity

An Exploration of Science Fiction Literature

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About this listen

 Science fiction literature and films have contributed indelible images to the popular imagination, from H. G. Wells's War of the Worlds to Ray Bradbury's Martian Chronicles to the fiction of "cyberpunks". In addition to enthralling readers with breathtaking narratives and dazzling the imagination with mind-bending glimpses of possible futures, the best science fiction asks essential questions: What does it mean to be human? Are we alone in the universe, and what does it mean if we're not?

Esteemed professor Michael D. C. Drout traces the history of science fiction in this series of stimulating lectures. From Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to today's cutting- edge authors, Drout offers a compelling analysis of the genre, including a look at hard-boiled science fiction, the golden age of science fiction, New Wave writers, and contemporary trends in the field.

©2006 Michael D. C. Drout (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC Science Fiction Oral Tradition
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Where does From Here to Infinity rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the best no lecture based books Drout is clear and to the point

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This account of a history of science fiction was excellent covers the main writers but falls short for the more recent works.Much emphasis on modern US writers, but does not really look at British writers, Arthur C Clarke for example, while mentioned does not get the credit I feel he should, maybe I am biased but equally no mention of writers such as Alistair Reynolds, or Iain M Bank. Any selection will show a preference as does my idea that they should be included but a pity as otherwise an excellent history.

Excellent but a little US centred

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There is a lot to commend in Professor Drout's lectures on Science Fiction Literature.

The speaker's delivery is impeccable; no pause or hesitation, for almost 8 hours. It is also clear that Professor Drout knows a lot about the Science Fiction genre (although his area of specialization is Fantasy, most specifically J.R. Tolkien).



Until the end of the lecture on Heinlein, I really enjoyed the contents. But, afterwards, the lectures ceased to be on Science Fiction and became English Litterature, focusing on Surrealism and weird avant-garde authors, whose books often could not be classified as Science Fiction, and are extremely hard to read, by the lecturer's own admission. The last few lectures also got more and more politically correct, with the lecturer choice of "the best ever Science Fiction story" being just over the top (hint, to use PC-parlance, it was not written by a DWM).

If, like me, Science Fiction is entertainment for you, then you'll also disconnect when the lectures start covering the 1970's and 1980's (though I did listen to the very end). If, however, you are an English Litterature scholar, then you may enjoy learning about Science Fiction from a fellow scholar.

Excellent Until Halfway

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