Imagining Albion (Prog. 3, of 4)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/imaginingalbion/pip/jgive/
Monday 10 July 2006 0:15-0:45 (Radio 4 FM)
Francis Spufford charts the history of Britain through its Science Fiction. Francis won't quite be arguing that every starship in British SF is a milkfloat in disguise, but the diversity of ideas in British SF means that these novels do give startling alternative snapshots of Britain down the years. Science Fiction has always been a genre of ideas, and so, contrary to its escapist image, can provide a hugely evocative record of the time in which it was written.
In the work of HG Wells, therefore, we find Fabian dreams of a future without poverty, nightmares about overpopulation and dark eugenic designs; in Huxley, a fascination with intelligence, and how it can be achieved; in Iain M Banks, curious echoes of the benign Wilson-era Britain in which the author grew up. This series features some of the biggest names in British Science Fiction, past and present, including Arthur C Clarke.
In the 1960s, JG Ballard and Michael Moorcock rebelled against the rocket dreams of much contemporary science fiction, and chose instead to explore 'inner space' - the darker recesses of the human soul. Francis charts the relationship between science fiction and rebellious counterculture from its earliest days.
And, from the British Library website.Michael Moorcock said:http://www.multiverse.org/fora/showthread.php?p=159655#post159655
Moorcock's Miscellany. 04-02-2009
While you're here -- just to let people know that Alan Moore and I will be having one of our conversations at The British Library, June 29th, 2009. I'm much looking forward to this.
http://www.bl.uk/whatson/events/event92528.html
Michael Moorcock and London
Mon 29 Jun 2009, 18.30 – 20.00
Conference Centre, British Library
Price: £6 / £4 concessions
Coming soon for 29 Jun 2009, 18.30 – 20.00
Michael Moorcock is one of the most popular and prolific writers in the English language, bringing vast literary invention to a host of genres. Best known for his fantasy and science fiction, he edited New Worlds from 1964 to 1980, making it into one of the truly important and experimental magazines of its time. Among his most acclaimed novels is Mother London, a triumph of the imagination delving deep into the multiplicity of London life. On a rare visit to the capital, the city and his relationship with its forms will comprise the core of the evening’s conversation.
Tickets for this event will go on sale at the start of May.
This event is part of The Story of London, a month long festival celebrating London’s past, present and future.
Please see below for other Story of London events at the British Library.
That Rose Red Empire: Hackney and London’s East End
Doctor Who? In search of Samuel Johnson
Southall: Music and Life
Anome_ said:I'll actually be in London, then. Not sure I want to carry around a bunch of Jerry Cornelius books to get them signed, though.
You could always bring your favourite.Anome_ said:I'll actually be in London, then. Not sure I want to carry around a bunch of Jerry Cornelius books to get them signed, though.
Timble2 said:I'd suggest, Behold the Man it's one of his non-series novels, about a time traveller to the Holy Land circa 30 AD....
The Elric of Melibone, novels are as good as place as any to start with his fantasy novels, thought I prefer the Chronicles of Corum.
If you want to try the Jerry Cornelius Novels, start with "The Final Programme" or you won't have clue what's going on.
He's also written three steam-punkish/parallel universe stories, The Warlord of the Air, The Land Leviathan, and The Steel Tsar.
Some might contend even if you start with The Final Programme you won't have a clue what's going on.Timble2 said:If you want to try the Jerry Cornelius Novels, start with "The Final Programme" or you won't have clue what's going on.
Kondoru said:Give me `Dancers at the end of Time` any day
The book's been getting some quite decent reviews. There's even one on 'Den of Geek'.http://www.multiverse.org/?q=node/195
Doctor Who: The Coming of the Terraphiles by Michael Moorcock is published by BBC Books on 14th October 2010, £16.99
Sunday 17 October
Cheltenham Festival
4-5pm The Inkpot, Imperial Gardens, Cheltenham – British sci-fi panel event with Iain M Banks, Gwyneth Jones and China Miéville
6-7pm Town Hall, Cheltenham – talk and signing
For tickets, please visit http://cheltenhamfestivals.com/
Tuesday 19 October
Signing
6.30pm Waterstone’s Manchester Deansgate
91 Deansgate
Manchester M3 2BW
For further details, please call 0843 290 8485
Thursday 21 October
Signing
6-7pm Forbidden Planet, London Megastore, Shaftesbury Avenue
179 Shaftesbury Avenue
London WC2H 8JR
For further details, please call 0207 803 1900
...