New Historicism in Science Fiction

[Rob Sanders]

I can think of lots of examples of classic science fiction novels in which future settings and events actually represent present day (for the author writing the novel) concerns and ideas. Can this be observed happening on a smaller time scale? Have you read a science fiction novel lately and can see the connection to things happening in the world / the news right now? : )

[ian_sales]

According to John Clute, every science fiction novel has three dates: the time it is written, the time it is about, and the time it is set.

[psikeyhackr]

Try David Weber's Harrington novel Flag in Exile.

psik

[Valerie]

Brasyl, not quite on my top list but it is not a bad book.

[Danogzilla]

According to John Clute, every science fiction novel has three dates: the time it is written, the time it is about, and the time it is set.

And William Gibson says every book, regardless of when it is set or what it is about is always about the time and place it was written in.

[psikeyhackr]

And William Gibson says every book, regardless of when it is set or what it is about is always about the time and place it was written in.

From someone who didn't know anything about computers when he wrote Neuromancer.

The psychology of the author and his/her perspective on their current culture is going to influence what goes into their work. Some authors are more shallow and some are more insightful and some are more imaginative and some have an ax to grind.

psik