How Great Science Fiction Works
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Narrated by:
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Gary K. Wolfe
About this listen
Robots, spaceships, futuristic megacities, planets orbiting distant stars. These icons of science fiction are now in our daily news. Science fiction, once maligned as mere pulp, has motivated cutting-edge scientific research, inspired new technologies, and changed how we view everyday life - and its themes and questions permeate popular culture. Take an unparalleled look at the influence, history, and greatest works of science fiction with illuminating insights and fascinating facts about this wide-ranging genre. If you think science fiction doesn't have anything to do with you, this course deserves your attention. And if you love science fiction, you can't miss this opportunity to trace the arc of science fiction's evolution, understand the hallmarks of great science fiction, and delve deeply into classics while finding some new favorites.
These 24 captivating lectures reveal the qualities that make science fiction an enduring phenomenon that has been steadily gaining popularity. You'll grasp the context and achievements of authors like Arthur C. Clarke, H.G. Wells, Isaac Asimov, Ursula K. LeGuin, and many more. You'll experience the wonder, horror, and incredible imagination of works like Frankenstein, the Foundation series, Stranger in a Strange Land, and dozens of more recent stories as well. You'll also see this genre's influence in movies like Star Wars and TV shows like The Twilight Zone.
Science fiction can take us places in time and space where no other form of fiction can - outer space, the far future, alternate universes, unfathomable civilizations. The best science fiction expands our imaginations and makes its mark on our reality. And while few writers would ever claim to predict the future, sometimes authors get it almost eerily right: Gernsback describing radar in 1911, Bradbury describing giant flatscreen TVs in 1951, Gibson inventing "cyberspace" in 1984, and so on.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.
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Can literature change our real world society? At its foundation, utopian and dystopian fiction asks a few seemingly simple questions aimed at doing just that. Who are we as a society? Who do we want to be? Who are we afraid we might become? When these questions are framed in the speculative versions of Heaven and Hell on earth, you won't find easy answers, but you will find tremendously insightful and often entertaining perspectives.
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A very enjoyable and educational audiobook
- By NH on 04-06-17
By: Pamela Bedore, and others
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How Science Shapes Science Fiction
- By: Charles L. Adler, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Charles L. Adler
- Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
- Original Recording
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Science fiction can often seem to be pure imaginative fantasy, but many authors are more fluent in real science than many readers and viewers may realize. Professor Charles L. Adler of St. Mary’s College of Maryland was the perfect choice for this subject, as he is both a longtime science-fiction fan and a real-world scientist. Professor Adler’s talent for using literature to shine a light on science - both the accurate and not-so-accurate versions employed by creators, spanning two centuries - makes this course a great survey for fans of both science fact and science fiction.
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A+ Science behind Sci-Fi lecture series
- By Annabells on 11-19-20
By: Charles L. Adler, and others
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Writing Creative Nonfiction
- By: Tilar J J. Mazzeo, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Tilar J J. Mazzeo
- Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins
- Original Recording
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Performance
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Story
Bringing together the imaginative strategies of fiction storytelling and new ways of narrating true, real-life events, creative nonfiction is the fastest-growing part of the creative writing world. It's a cutting-edge genre that's reshaping how we write (and read) everything from biographies and memoirs to blogs and public speaking scripts to personal essays and magazine articles.
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Not what I expected but useful
- By Nancy on 04-14-14
By: Tilar J J. Mazzeo, and others
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How to Write Best-Selling Fiction
- By: James Scott Bell, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: James Scott Bell
- Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins
- Original Recording
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Performance
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Story
Most people think the way to write a best seller is to have a lot of talent and even more luck. As you will learn, there is a recipe for success, and luck may be the least important ingredient in creating a best seller. No one has cracked the code better than James Scott Bell. A best-selling author himself, and the author of the number-one best seller for writers, Plot & Structure, Mr. Bell has been teaching the principles of best-selling fiction for over 20 years, principles that apply to any genre or style.
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I'm a writer and this course is to blame.
- By accentrique on 07-22-19
By: James Scott Bell, and others
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A Day's Read
- By: The Great Courses, Emily Allen, Grant L. Voth, and others
- Narrated by: Arnold Weinstein, Emily Allen, Grant L. Voth
- Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins
- Original Recording
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Join three literary scholars and award-winning professors as they introduce you to dozens of short masterpieces that you can finish - and engage with - in a day or less. Perfect for people with busy lives who still want to discover-or rediscover-just how transformative an act of reading can be, these 36 lectures range from short stories of fewer than 10 pages to novellas and novels of around 200 pages. Despite their short length, these works are powerful examinations of the same subjects and themes that longer "great books" discuss.
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Stories not included, only discussed
- By Julie Jester on 01-15-16
By: The Great Courses, and others
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Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy
- By: The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor David K. Johnson PhD University of Oklahoma
- Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
The science fiction genre has become increasingly influential in mainstream popular culture, evolving into one of the most engaging storytelling tools we use to think about technology and consider the shape of the future. Along the way, it has also become one of the major lenses we use to explore important philosophical questions. The origins of science fiction are most often thought to trace to Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, a story born from a night of spooky tale-telling by the fireside that explores scientific, moral, and ethical questions that were of great concern in the 19th century - and that continue to resonate today.
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Weak philosophy loaded with misapplied facts and personal bias
- By KENDRA GOODMAN on 11-22-18
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Great Utopian and Dystopian Works of Literature
- By: Pamela Bedore, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Pamela Bedore
- Length: 12 hrs and 27 mins
- Original Recording
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
Can literature change our real world society? At its foundation, utopian and dystopian fiction asks a few seemingly simple questions aimed at doing just that. Who are we as a society? Who do we want to be? Who are we afraid we might become? When these questions are framed in the speculative versions of Heaven and Hell on earth, you won't find easy answers, but you will find tremendously insightful and often entertaining perspectives.
-
-
A very enjoyable and educational audiobook
- By NH on 04-06-17
By: Pamela Bedore, and others
-
How Science Shapes Science Fiction
- By: Charles L. Adler, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Charles L. Adler
- Length: 11 hrs and 49 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Science fiction can often seem to be pure imaginative fantasy, but many authors are more fluent in real science than many readers and viewers may realize. Professor Charles L. Adler of St. Mary’s College of Maryland was the perfect choice for this subject, as he is both a longtime science-fiction fan and a real-world scientist. Professor Adler’s talent for using literature to shine a light on science - both the accurate and not-so-accurate versions employed by creators, spanning two centuries - makes this course a great survey for fans of both science fact and science fiction.
-
-
A+ Science behind Sci-Fi lecture series
- By Annabells on 11-19-20
By: Charles L. Adler, and others
-
Writing Creative Nonfiction
- By: Tilar J J. Mazzeo, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Tilar J J. Mazzeo
- Length: 12 hrs and 16 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bringing together the imaginative strategies of fiction storytelling and new ways of narrating true, real-life events, creative nonfiction is the fastest-growing part of the creative writing world. It's a cutting-edge genre that's reshaping how we write (and read) everything from biographies and memoirs to blogs and public speaking scripts to personal essays and magazine articles.
-
-
Not what I expected but useful
- By Nancy on 04-14-14
By: Tilar J J. Mazzeo, and others
-
How to Write Best-Selling Fiction
- By: James Scott Bell, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: James Scott Bell
- Length: 12 hrs and 38 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Most people think the way to write a best seller is to have a lot of talent and even more luck. As you will learn, there is a recipe for success, and luck may be the least important ingredient in creating a best seller. No one has cracked the code better than James Scott Bell. A best-selling author himself, and the author of the number-one best seller for writers, Plot & Structure, Mr. Bell has been teaching the principles of best-selling fiction for over 20 years, principles that apply to any genre or style.
-
-
I'm a writer and this course is to blame.
- By accentrique on 07-22-19
By: James Scott Bell, and others
-
A Day's Read
- By: The Great Courses, Emily Allen, Grant L. Voth, and others
- Narrated by: Arnold Weinstein, Emily Allen, Grant L. Voth
- Length: 18 hrs and 25 mins
- Original Recording
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Join three literary scholars and award-winning professors as they introduce you to dozens of short masterpieces that you can finish - and engage with - in a day or less. Perfect for people with busy lives who still want to discover-or rediscover-just how transformative an act of reading can be, these 36 lectures range from short stories of fewer than 10 pages to novellas and novels of around 200 pages. Despite their short length, these works are powerful examinations of the same subjects and themes that longer "great books" discuss.
-
-
Stories not included, only discussed
- By Julie Jester on 01-15-16
By: The Great Courses, and others
-
Sci-Phi: Science Fiction as Philosophy
- By: The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor David K. Johnson PhD University of Oklahoma
- Length: 13 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The science fiction genre has become increasingly influential in mainstream popular culture, evolving into one of the most engaging storytelling tools we use to think about technology and consider the shape of the future. Along the way, it has also become one of the major lenses we use to explore important philosophical questions. The origins of science fiction are most often thought to trace to Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein, a story born from a night of spooky tale-telling by the fireside that explores scientific, moral, and ethical questions that were of great concern in the 19th century - and that continue to resonate today.
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Weak philosophy loaded with misapplied facts and personal bias
- By KENDRA GOODMAN on 11-22-18
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Writing for Emotional Impact
- Advanced Dramatic Techniques to Attract, Engage, and Fascinate the Reader from Beginning to End
- By: Karl Iglesias
- Narrated by: Karl Iglesias
- Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins
- Unabridged
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Story
There are three kinds of feelings when reading a story: boredom, interest, and wow! To become a successful writer, you must create the wow feeling on as many pages as possible, and this requires writing that engages the reader emotionally. In his best-selling book, screenwriter Karl Iglesias explored the working habits of A-list Hollywood scribes. Now, he breaks new ground by focusing on the psychology of the reader.
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Best audiobook by far for writing screenplays
- By FilmmakerSuperNova on 07-04-20
By: Karl Iglesias
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The Evolution of American Federalism
- By: Joseph L. Hoffmann, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Joseph L. Hoffmann
- Length: 12 hrs and 19 mins
- Original Recording
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The promise of America is that the country is based on an idea, one where everyone is created equal and equally free to chart their own course. From 13 newly independent states ratifying a national constitution to the heated debates in the halls of Congress today, American politics is about negotiation over what our country is—and where we are going.
By: Joseph L. Hoffmann, and others
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The Theory of Evolution: A History of Controversy
- By: Edward J. Larson, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Edward J. Larson
- Length: 6 hrs and 10 mins
- Original Recording
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Performance
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Story
Charles Darwin's theory of organic evolution-the idea that life on earth is the product of purely natural causes, not the hand of God-set off shock waves that continue to reverberate through Western society, and especially the United States. What makes evolution such a profoundly provocative concept, so convincing to most scientists, yet so socially and politically divisive? These 12 eye-opening lectures are an examination of the varied elements that so often make this science the object of strong sentiments and heated debate.
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Little mistakes here and there
- By Daniel on 06-21-16
By: Edward J. Larson, and others
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Food: A Cultural Culinary History
- By: Ken Albala, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Ken Albala
- Length: 18 hrs and 22 mins
- Original Recording
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Eating is an indispensable human activity. As a result, whether we realize it or not, the drive to obtain food has been a major catalyst across all of history, from prehistoric times to the present. Epicure Jean-Anthelme Brillat-Savarin said it best: "Gastronomy governs the whole life of man."
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One of my top 3 favorite courses!
- By Jessica on 12-28-13
By: Ken Albala, and others
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Secrets of the Occult
- By: Richard B. Spence, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Richard B. Spence
- Length: 11 hrs and 44 mins
- Original Recording
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From spirituality to politics and science, the occult has had an astonishing influence on the human experience across the centuries. It may surprise you to learn that everyday activities like attending church services or reading your daily horoscope all fit the broad definition of the occult. As you will see in the 24 illuminating episodes of Secrets of the Occult, the mystic and obscure are threaded through our ordinary lives in more ways than you may realize.
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insightful and well-presented.
- By Robert H. on 12-14-22
By: Richard B. Spence, and others
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The Life and Writings of C. S. Lewis
- By: Louis Markos, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Louis Markos
- Length: 6 hrs and 5 mins
- Original Recording
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What can we still learn from C.S. Lewis? Find out in these 12 insightful lectures that cover the author's spiritual autobiography, novels, and his scholarly writings that reflect on pain and grief, love and friendship, prophecy and miracles, and education and mythology.
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Basically a collection of sermons
- By Richard on 11-20-13
By: Louis Markos, and others
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The Secrets to Creating Character Arcs
- A Fiction Writer's Guide to Masterful Character Creation (Growing Authors Out of Writers)
- By: John S. Warner
- Narrated by: Angus Freathy
- Length: 3 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
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When you think of unforgettable characters from books you’ve read, who comes to mind? James Bond, Harry Potter, Scarlett O’Hara, Elizabeth Bennett, Atticus Finch, Sherlock Holmes? These are just some of the most iconic characters in fiction. They are so memorable that even decades or centuries later, they still captivate our imagination. But what exactly is it about them that keeps generations so invested in them? Writers apply certain rules and tricks with their characters to make their stories shine. With this guide, you’ll find out exactly what they are.
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Great foundations
- By JB9K on 07-18-24
By: John S. Warner
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The Iliad of Homer
- By: Elizabeth Vandiver, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Elizabeth Vandiver
- Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
- Original Recording
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For thousands of years, Homer's ancient epic poem the
Iliad has enchanted readers from around the world. When you join Professor Vandiver for this lecture series on the Iliad, you'll come to understand what has enthralled and gripped so many people. Her compelling 12-lecture look at this literary masterpiece -whether it's the work of many authors or the "vision" of a single blind poet - makes it vividly clear why, after almost 3,000 years, the
Iliad remains not only among the greatest adventure stories ever told but also one of the most compelling meditations on the human condition ever written.
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Vandiver never disappoints
- By Machteacher on 07-23-13
By: Elizabeth Vandiver, and others
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Effective Editing
- How to Take Your Writing to the Next Level
- By: Molly McCowan, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Molly McCowan
- Length: 5 hrs and 18 mins
- Original Recording
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Book coach and editor Molly McCowan takes you through the self-editing process in 13 detailed lessons, using a step-by-step method designed to reduce overwhelm and to structure the revision process in the most productive way possible. Working from the big to the little picture of your work, Molly shows you how to strengthen character development, find and fix plot holes, build stronger scenes, focus on smooth pacing and point-of-view issues, elevate your language, and much more.
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This is excellent
- By M.Biblioswine on 08-19-21
By: Molly McCowan, and others
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Understanding the Mysteries of Human Behavior
- By: Mark Leary, The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Mark Leary
- Length: 12 hrs and 11 mins
- Original Recording
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Every day of your life is spent surrounded by mysteries that involve what appear to be rather ordinary human behaviors. What makes you happy? Where did your personality come from? Why do you have trouble controlling certain behaviors? Why do you behave differently as an adult than you did as an adolescent?Since the start of recorded history, and probably even before, people have been interested in answering questions about why we behave the way we do.
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I wanted to like this course
- By Diane Tincher on 08-06-18
By: Mark Leary, and others
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The Fantasy Fiction Formula
- By: Deborah Chester
- Narrated by: Tanya Eby
- Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
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There's more to writing a successful fantasy story than building a unique world or inventing a new type of magic. From the writing of strong, action-packed scenes to the creation of dynamic, multi-dimensional characters, fantasy author Deborah Chester guides novices and intermediate writers through a step-by-step process of story construction. Whether offering tips on how to test a plot premise or survive what she calls the dark dismal middle, Chester shares the techniques she uses in writing her own novels.
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Ended up buying the paperback version
- By Brianna Burnings on 04-20-21
By: Deborah Chester
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Neuroscience of Everyday Life
- By: The Great Courses
- Narrated by: Professor Sam Wang
- Length: 17 hrs and 55 mins
- Original Recording
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Your nervous system is you. All the thoughts, perceptions, moods, passions, and dreams that make you an active, sentient being are the work of this amazing network of cells. For many centuries, people knew this was true. But no one was sure how it happened. Now, thanks to the exciting new field of neuroscience, we can chart the workings of the brain and the rest of the nervous system in remarkable detail to explain how neurons, synapses, neurotransmitters, and other biological processes produce all the experiences of everyday life, in every stage of life.
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Release date!
- By Amazon Customer on 04-03-19
What listeners say about How Great Science Fiction Works
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Matthew
- 02-25-16
Not Impressed
This was definitely a good, not great course. the topic is huge, I recognize that, but Dr. Wolfe didn't focus enough on limited examples of his themes.
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3 people found this helpful
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- August Chesser
- 11-09-16
it's ok
made some interesting points but it's less a lecture than a collection of short summaries of a long list of sci fi books the professor had read
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2 people found this helpful
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- Jessica
- 01-18-23
Great read
I wanted to start to read science fiction since it’s not a genre I usually gravitate towards. ( unless it’s a Star Wars, Star Trek or Firefly book) Truthfully I didn’t know where to start so when I searched in audible science-fiction this was one of the first pop ups so I thought I’d listen to this and then read a few of the recommended books in the PDF that comes with the course. Being that I don’t know a lot about science fiction this was a really nice introduction for me into the genre. Gary Wolfe is an amazing speaker. I was worried the subject would go over my head but I didn’t feel that way at all. If anything this course made me really excited to start to read science fiction. I also liked learning about the different stories, I ended up finding a lot of them on audible and was able to add them to my library. I ended up reading 15 Stories that he lectures on in one month and I really enjoyed them some of them have even become part of my all-time favorite books.
Here is a list of a few of my new favorites
The Ones Who Walk Away From Omela by Ursula E Le Guin.
The John Carter series (read first three books) by Edgar Rice Burroughs
The Scarlet Plague by Jack London
The Machine Stops by Carey Mulligan
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1 person found this helpful
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- MELVIN C. WASHINGTON
- 11-08-16
S F an Adventure into the Possibilities
Loved the lectures. Very Informative with insight into the various types of Sci-fi available for review.
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- Daniel
- 03-06-20
A MUST LISTEN
In this truly great Course, world-renowned sci-fi expert Gary K. Wolfe, leads the listener through the world of science fiction. He starts with the history of sci-fi and then leading his way to the important aspects of science-fiction, like Planets, Alien Encounters, Spaceships, Robots or Galactic Wars, each of these themes has its own chapter. If you are an aspiring writer you will learn a lot about world-building and writing, if you are an avid reader, you will probably learn a lot of new titles that you will want to start reading immediately.
How Great Science Fiction Works is a must-listen for every Sci-Fi Fan.
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- Jason Maldonado
- 11-30-21
great lessons
The book took an in depth analysis on All science fiction works throughout the century. If you want a history on science fiction and an insight to what defines science fiction along with many examples of science fiction then this is a book for you. As a science fiction enthusiast I was a big fan of this book and I hungry recommend it for anybody who is into science fiction or even fantasy.
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- Brian Keith Moon
- 03-28-17
If you are looking for SciFi books to read ...
Would you consider the audio edition of How Great Science Fiction Works to be better than the print version?
The lecturer's voice was easy to listen to.
What was one of the most memorable moments of How Great Science Fiction Works?
His recommendation of The Starmaker, Olaf Stapledon was awesome. So was City and the Stars by Sir Arthur C Clark
Any additional comments?
I am an aspiring sci-fi writer I thought this would be a good course to take. The lecturer speaks of many great titles of sci-fi stories. I in turn ordered many of these audio books and enjoyed all but one of them. If you enjoy Science fiction and what a road map to the books to read, then take this course!
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- Kenny S
- 06-19-19
Insightful and Well Organized
Deeply enjoyed this series of lectures!
The professor brought a joy and passion to each segment which was truly marvelous. If you're looking to grow as a writer or simply wanting to know more about your favorite genre, I highly recommend this audio book!
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- Douglas
- 06-22-23
Great survey of the Sci Fi universes.
Any thinking reader, writer, or viewer of sci fi will be glad they took advantage of Gary Wolfe’s insights into the depth and breadth of the landscape and world of sci fi.
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- M&K
- 05-19-24
Informative and fun
A must for any sci fi fan who wants a deep understanding of the genre.
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