#26 – Vonnegut, Adams, and Modern Satire – A Reader's History of Science Fiction
While many early works of proto-sci-fi were satires like Gulliver's Travels, satirical works also appear in modern sci-fi. In this episode, we take a look at the two most famous authors of this subgenre, Kurt Vonnegut and Douglas Adams. Book recommendation: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut. Vonnegut's letter to his family during World War II. Other works discussed: Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
H. P. Lovecraft brought the Gothic horror of the previous century into the modern era with his new genre of cosmic horror, which placed humankind at the mercy of vast and inscrutable alien entities. Despite a tarnished legacy, he is still considered the master of sci-fi-horror and a great influence on the genre ever since.
Book recommendation: At the Mountains of Madness by H. P. Lovecraft.
Other stories mentioned:
The Call of Cthulhu
The Shadow Out of Time
The Shadow over Innsmouth
The Dunwich Horror
Lovecraft’s stories may be read at hplovecraft.com.
