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9th November 2009
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Themes in British Science Fiction

Still from Out of the Unknown, BBC Science fiction anthology series

British Science Fiction writers were there at the birth of the genre and remain in the vanguard today. But what does the character of British Science Fiction tell us about ourselves?

In this section you can read features and watch over 50 exclusive video interviews exploring some of the key themes in British Science Fiction, as examined in the BBC Four series The Martians and Us.

Nuclear explosion

Catastrophe

All around are ruins: why on Earth are we British so obsessed with catastrophe?
The television adaptation of 1984

Dystopia

I hate the world and want to go home: the dystopia - British science fiction's great big moan.
The Mekon from Dan Dare

Evolution

From apes to men to bloodthirsty invading aliens: British science fiction's obsession with Darwin's theory of evolution.
Science fiction pioneer H G Wells

Origins and Development

From Scientific Romance to Space Opera via 'Inner Space' and the New Wave - it's been a well-travelled road for British science fiction.
Extract from The Creation of Adam on the roof of the Sistine Chapel

Religion and God

Answering the Ultimate Question: British science fiction's curious relationship with God.

Highly recommended


We asked some of our top contributors to suggest their favourite tales on the site. Here's a few of the ones they picked:

paulvonscott likes this memory of Day of the Triffids
"It's great to be a thicky!"

Lostinthought recommends this writer on Ringworld
"Excellent piece on the book and author."

Eloise_R likes a contribution about The Chrysalids
"Couldn't have said it better myself, and didn't!"

Paulg1974 likes this wry take on Crime Traveller
"Things like this can only be made due to the unique way the BBC is funded..."

darrenhf liked this personal account of Red Dwarf
"Red Dwarf is part of a marriage now."

Sourdust appreciated an analysis of Invasion of the Body Snatchers
"Exposes the shallowness of the lazy critical orthodoxy."
 
Note: some of the content on My Science Fiction Life is generated by members of the public. The views expressed are theirs and unless specifically stated are not those of the BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of any external sites referenced.


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