The history of Science Fiction

In 1953, the year 2000 seemed so far away - almost half a century in the future - and unimaginable. We thought that technology at the turn of the century would bring cars that drove themselves, computers that you could hold, men would live on the moon, and we would be watching color televisions. We dreamed of these great technologies while fearing that nuclear war would break out, that aliens would invade, or that machines would take over the world. After all, it was only 8 years after the end of World War 2, and while we dreamed about big accomplishments we were also fearing our demise.

Today, the future is all about technology based on the microchip - the newest cell phone, computer, or other devices based on technological advances (does anyone have Dick Tracy's telephone watch?). In the early 20th century, "the next big thing" was electricity. Kitchen appliances, washing machines, radios, clocks . . . anything powered by electricity was welcomed and made our daily chores easier. Do you remember any of these new-fangled gadgets? Do you still have some?

Reading used to be so formal. When a minority of the populace could read, writers wrote just for the "elite". As more people were able to read, comic books, graphic novels, science fiction, bodice rippers, potboilers, mysteries and more genres became popular. This collection of photos highlights some of the popular authors and writers of their time.