Book ID: CBB074226848

A History of the Future: Prophets of Progress from H. G. Wells to Isaac Asimov (2017)

unapi

Bowler, Peter J. (Author)


Cambridge University Press


Publication Date: 2017
Physical Details: 298 pages
Language: English

In this wide-ranging survey, Peter J. Bowler explores the phenomenon of futurology: predictions about the future development and impact of science and technology on society and culture in the twentieth century. Utilising science fiction, popular science literature and the novels of the literary elite, Bowler highlights contested responses to the potential for revolutionary social change brought about by real and imagined scientific innovations. Charting the effect of social and military developments on attitudes towards innovation in Europe and America, Bowler shows how conflict between the enthusiasm of technocrats and the pessimism of their critics was presented to the public in books, magazines and exhibitions, and on the radio and television. A series of case studies reveals the impact of technologies such as radio, aviation, space exploration and genetics, exploring rivalries between innovators and the often unexpected outcome of their efforts to produce mechanisms and machines that could change the world.

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Reviewed By

Review Roger Luckhurst (2019) Review of "A History of the Future: Prophets of Progress from H. G. Wells to Isaac Asimov". Annals of Science: The History of Science and Technology (pp. 389-391). unapi

Review Mark B. Adams (2021) Review of "A History of the Future: Prophets of Progress from H. G. Wells to Isaac Asimov". Isis: International Review Devoted to the History of Science and Its Cultural Influences (pp. 205-206). unapi

Citation URI
https://data.isiscb.org/isis/citation/CBB074226848/

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Authors & Contributors
Ljudmilla Chapovalova
Franz Haas
Nicoletta Brazzelli
Raffaella Vassena
Francesca Ripamonti
Camilla Storskog
Concepts
Science and literature
Science fiction
Science and culture
Science and ethics
Futurism
Science and society
Time Periods
20th century
Modern
19th century
21st century
20th century, late
Medieval
Places
Europe
United States
Russia
United Kingdom
London (England)
Sweden
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