Exploring classic science fiction, with a focus on the 1950s to the 1990s. Weekly articles and podcast at andyjohnson.xyz
Classic SF with Andy Johnson
Master and Commander (1969) by Patrick O'Brian ✅ - supremely detailed, convincing, and deep historical novel. Hard to imagine how such a thing could be achieved.
Classic SF with Andy Johnson
For me, Brunner's novel is prescient in a particular sense - not in terms of predicting events per se, but in anticipating the bewildering nature of the 21st century, and especially its information and media environments.
My favourite artist, his work a frequent presence in SF spaces over the years. I was fortunate to be able to explore the Escher museum in the Hague in 2025.
I agree with the sentiment expressed here that the failures of SoZ are part of what makes it interesting. It is a messy, probably overlong book, but I think it needs to be overwhelming because it is about being overwhelmed.
Personally, I think we should retire the term "Club of Rome quartet" used to refer to these novels - not least because three of them were written before the Club's Limits to Growth report was published in 1972. "Tract novels" is the term used by the SFE.
At the End of Time, superpowered Decadents enjoy a life of outlandish leisure. But what has love got to do with it? This week's essay looks at The Dancers at the End of Time (1972-6) by Michael Moorcock.
A very worthwhile and engaging listen here on John Brunner's Stand on Zanzibar (1968), though I'm surprised by the view that it is "a relatively easy book to get your head around"!
A very worthwhile and engaging listen here on John Brunner's Stand on Zanzibar (1968), though I'm surprised by the view that it is "a relatively easy book to get your head around"!
