Women In Speculative Fiction
Women have always been represented among science fiction writers and fans. Frankenstein (1818) by Mary Shelley has been called the first science fiction novel, although women wrote utopian novels even before that, with Margaret Cavendish, the Duchess of Newcastle, publishing the first, The Blazing World, in the 17th century. In fantasy, the rich heritage of myth, religion and folktales emerged from oral cultures transmitted by both men and women. Early published fantasy was written by and for both genders – for example gothic romances, ghost stories, and similar stories. Other examples of speculative fiction include utopias and surreal fiction, both of which, again, were written and enjoyed by women as well as men. However, genre science fiction in particular has traditionally been viewed as a genre orientated toward a male readership.
Read more about Women In Speculative Fiction: Writers and Professionals, Fans, Gender, Influence of Political Movements
Famous quotes containing the words women in, women and/or fiction:
“There is very little difference between men and women in space.”
—Helen Sharman (b. 1963)
“Are we talking about a church founded by the Son of God made man? Or are we talking about simply a social gathering that we can rebuild as we wish?”
—Donna Steichen, U.S. opponent of women in the ministry. As quoted in Time magazine, p. 54 (November 23, 1992)
“Individual science fiction stories may seem as trivial as ever to the blinder critics and philosophers of today—but the core of science fiction, its essence ... has become crucial to our salvation if we are to be saved at all.”
—Isaac Asimov (1920–1992)