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Out of This World:
Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy
Illustration: Paul Rivoche
Out of This World: Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy is an exhibition produced after four years of time, travel and research into Canada's considerable body of science fiction and fantasy literature. Produced by the National Library of Canada in conjunction with the Toronto Public Library's Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy, this is the electronic version of the exhibition which originally opened May 13, 1995 at the National Library of Canada in Ottawa.
The purpose of this exhibition is both to celebrate and define the rich heritage of Canadian science fiction and speculative fiction within a historical and international context. The items presented represent a variety of media including books and magazines, as well as the artistic and intellectual achievements of an evolving high-tech world in the form of sound, visuals, music and animation.
Science fiction and fantasy are more than specialized genres -- they have become an enduring source of themes, ideas and characters in our popular culture. This exhibition is divided into six major themes that encompass and explore Canadian science fiction and fantasy. They are:
Here are some useful definitions to guide you through this exhibition:
- Science Fiction - plausible speculations based on scientific premises.
- Fantastic Literature - all genres and subgenres that portray impossible or very unlikely worlds.
- Speculative Fiction - stories intended to ask "What If...?".
- Utopian Literature - involves societies that are radically different from our own.
- Alternate History - portrayals of a world where historical events have developed differently.
- Fantasy - where the story involves myth, legend or the supernatural. Fantasy includes high fantasy, ghost stories, horror fiction, magic realism and surrealism.
Indices
All the items contained within this exhibit can also be located through three separate indices organized by:
Destination: Out of This World
This publication was produced in conjunction with the exhibition and contains descriptions of the exhibition's themes and a corresponding bibliography.
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