History of Science Fiction

History Of Science Fiction

The literary genre of science fiction is diverse. Since there is little consensus of definition among scholars or devotees, its origin is an open question. Some offer works like the Sumerian Epic of Gilgamesh (earliest Sumerian text versions BCE ca. 2150-2000) as the primal text of science fiction. Others argue that science fiction began in the late Middle Ages, or that science fiction became possible only with the Scientific Revolution, notably discoveries by Galileo and Newton in astronomy, physics, and mathematics. Some place the origin with the gothic novel Frankenstein.

Science fiction developed and boomed in the 20th century, as the deep penetration of science and inventions into society created an interest in literature that explored technology's influence on people and society. Today, science fiction has significant influence on world culture and thought.

Read more about History Of Science Fiction:  Early 20th Century, The Golden Age, Contemporary Science Fiction and Its Future

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