Alex R. Howe
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Monthly Archives: June 2021
#29 – Larry Niven and the Return of Hard Sci-Fi
By 1970, the New Wave in science fiction had made peace with a surge of new hard sci-fi works and writers. At the forefront of this trend was Larry Niven, who took a unique path in hard sci-fi by proposing … Continue reading
Ringworld Theory: Did Teela Brown Have Bad Luck?
In Larry Niven’s Ringworld, the alien Puppeteers have secretly been selectively breeding humans for being lucky, which they believe (correctly) is actually a psychic probability manipulation ability. (This seems a little weird because natural selection already involves a lot of … Continue reading
Posted in Science Fiction, Story Analysis
Tagged Larry Niven, Ringworld, Teela Brown, Theory
2 Comments
The Science of Project Hail Mary
Andy Weir’s latest book, Project Hail Mary, is a very good hard science fiction tale about a journey to another solar system in search of a way to save Earth from disaster. Mr. Weir always does mostly pretty good science … Continue reading
Posted in Physics, Science Fiction, Story Analysis
Tagged andy weir, Planetary Atmospheres, Project Hail Mary, Relativity, Rocket Equation
5 Comments
Essay: Who Was Really the Richest Person in History?
Every so often, some business magazine or other notable publication will publish a list of the richest historical figures of all time. Topping the list is usually John D. Rockefeller, the founder of Standard Oil and the first person ever to earn a billion United States dollars. … Continue reading
Posted in Essays, History
Tagged Alan Rufus, Billionaires, Jeff Bezos, Marcus Licinus Crassus, Richest Historical Figures
1 Comment
Writer’s History #3 – Dr. Benjamin Stevens Interview
Dr. Benjamin Stevens is a professor of classical studies who researches the relationship between the ancient/classical tradition and science fiction and fantasy. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss what makes sci-fi distinctive, classicism and modernity, ancient aliens, and more. Dr. … Continue reading
Posted in A Reader's History of Science Fiction, Interviews, Uncategorized
Comments Off on Writer’s History #3 – Dr. Benjamin Stevens Interview
Science Meets Fiction 