Archive for the Science Fiction Category

Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader…..Kind of.

Posted in Fantasy, Movie/Film Inspiration, Science Fiction, World Literature with tags , , , on December 29, 2010 by dakota1917

Color illustrated edition of the novel

Like many young adults around the world, “The Chronicles of Narnia” are a series of masterpieces that were read at a young age and taken at face value by their captive audience: fantastical adventure novels akin to Tolkien describing the unfolding drama of a fictional and whimsical land called Narnia , tales of  talking animals and ancient royalty amid the ubiquitous battle of good versus evil.  C.S Lewis has crafted great stories that are both relatively easy and very enjoyable to read.  However, I now understand that the purpose of C.S Lewis’ famed fantasy series were Christian allegories concerning and illustrating Christian morals and ideals.  A literary or theological critique of Lewis is a different topic altogether, but Lewis quite brilliantly accomplishes an introduction to Christian morals through his characters in a way that requires little analysis or theological knowledge to ascertain valuable information.

Perhaps like myself, you my readers watched the BBC versions of “The Chronicles of Narnia” at a young age as well.  I loved these films when I was growing up.  Indeed, they were undoubtedly filmed in a “made-for-TV” format, but they consisted of quality entertainment and acting.  These are films that I consider to be impressive renditions of Lewis’ classic series. Read more »

Sir Arthur C. Clarke: A Testament to Time

Posted in Birthday Wishes, Horror/Suspense, Movie/Film Inspiration, Science Fiction, World Literature with tags , , , , on December 17, 2010 by dakota1917

Sir Arthur C. Clarke Dec. 16, 1917-March 19, 2008.

I had every intention of posting this my most recent for my readers yesterday.  Yesterday would have been the 91st birthday of the late great Sir Arthur C. Clarke.  I began writing yesterday and after about 30 minutes of stumbling through my own words of laudation, I waved the white flag of defeat.  Think about this: this is Sir Arthur C. Clark I’m attempting to give reverence.  I felt like I was giving a speech in a crowed room with an ill-researched presentation laden with “ums” and “uhs”, followed by a deluge of tears and toppling over the podium.  To my chagrin, I gave this task up.  As usual, I remain a day late and a dollar short.

Now that I have had a night to sleep on it, I decided that I would instead relay what Sir Arthur C. Clarke and his work meant to me.

I read 2001: A Space Odyssey when I was still in middle school.  I had a copy that I bought at a library book sale that was held together lovingly with Scotch tape. Read more »

Happy Birthday Jules Verne!

Posted in Birthday Wishes, Etc., Paranormal, Science Fiction, World Literature with tags , , , , , , , , on February 8, 2010 by dakota1917

Science fiction is one of the most beloved genres in the world today.  Science fiction movies, books and TV shows are the in the forefront of popular culture these days.  In fact, cable television has a channel that is solely dedicated to the genre.  Jules Verne accepts your thanks!

Verne, born this day in 1828, was born in France, the first of 5 children.  Later in life his studied law.  After graduation,

Jules Verne in his prime

to his parents’ dismay, he became interested in theatre, forsook his new career and lice a bohemian live.  He travelled around helping with stage crews and writing.  In fact, while travelling, Verne met friends and contemporary writers of the time including Victor Hugo and Alexander Dumas.

His writing career began in 1863 upon publication of 5 Weeks in A Balloon, a tale about five men who travel around in a balloon.  As can be understood, this was a forerunner to Around the World in 80 Days.  Other works include 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Journey to the Center of the Earth, From the Earth to the Moon, Michael Strogoff and my favorite, Master of the World. Read more »

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