Feature: The Big Picture - Exhibition - Out of this World Science Fiction but not as you know at the British Library
Published: 19 May, 2011
OUT of this World: Science Fiction but not as you know it is the British Library’s first exhibition to explore science fiction through literature, film, illustration and sound. It will challenge visitors’ perceptions of the genre by uncovering gems of the Library’s collections from the earliest science fiction manuscripts to the latest best-selling novels.
Guest-curated by Andy Sawyer, Director of Science Fiction Studies MA at the University of Liverpool, the exhibition will trace the development of the genre from True History by Lucian of Samosata, written in the 2nd century AD, to the recent writings of Cory Doctorow and China Miéville, showing how science fiction has turned from a niche into a global phenomenon.
Visitors will discover an interactive space based on “other worlds” presented by science fiction: Alien Worlds; Future Worlds; Parallel Worlds; Virtual Worlds; the End of the World and the Perfect World.
Each area will draw on a variety of exhibits, multi-media interactives, film and sound to experience new surroundings and ask questions such as: Who are we? Why are we here? What is reality? What does the future hold?
Among the highlights is HG Wells’ The War of the Worlds (1906). From its first appearance in Pearson’s Magazine in 1897, The War of the Worlds was a vastly influential description of an alien race. The narrator travels through the suburbs of London as the Earth is invaded by Martians.
It is one of the earliest stories that details a conflict between mankind and an alien race. It is also variously interpreted as a critique of evolutionary theory, British imperialism, and generally Victorian fears and prejudices.
• Out of this World: Science Fiction but not as you know it is open from May 20-September 25, 2011, in the PACCAR Gallery at the British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1. Admission FREE. Monday 9.30am-6pm, Tuesday 9.30am-8pm, Wednesday-Friday 9.30am-6pm, Saturday 9.30am-5pm, Sunday and public holidays 11am-5pm.
A programme of special events accompanies the exhibition. www.bl.uk/sciencefiction