Ep. 265 - The History of Science Fiction w/Ben Yalow

Oct 12, 2024

Ben Yalow, an expert in science fiction and a known figure at the Hugo Awards, takes listeners through the fascinating history of the genre. He highlights Hugo Gernsback's pivotal role in establishing science fiction and discusses the cultural significance of pulp magazines. The conversation delves into the evolution from the Golden Age to the New Wave, touching on the use of pen names and their creative impact. Yalow also explores how science fiction has shaped technological advancements and the artistry behind iconic book covers.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Understanding the Hugo Awards and Worldcon Membership

03:16 • 3min

The Foundations of Science Fiction and Hugo Gernsback's Impact

06:26 • 4min

The Legacy of Pulp: Science Fiction's Origins

10:06 • 7min

Exploring the Science Fiction Spectrum

16:56 • 5min

The Evolution of Science Fiction

22:01 • 13min

Exploring the Evolution of Science Fiction: Golden Age vs. New Wave

35:18 • 5min

Pen Names and Identity in Science Fiction

40:00 • 11min

Fiction Meets Innovation: The Legacy of Sci-Fi

51:06 • 7min

The Art of Book Collecting and Sci-Fi Covers

58:29 • 10min

Exploring Science Fiction Awards and Influences

01:08:40 • 21min

in episode 264 of the Parker's Pensées Podcast, I'm joined by Ben Yalow to discuss all things Science Fiction! Ben has edited From These Ashes which is the complete collection of Fredic Brown's short stories--which are some of my all time favorites!! →Sponsors/Discounts Check out https://murdycreative.co/PARKERNOTES and use promo code PARKERNOTES at check out for 10% off your entire order!! Grab a Field Notes notebook or memo book wallet like the one from the video from my affiliate link here to support my work and use promo code PARKERNOTES for 10% off your entire order: https://fieldnotesbrand.com/products/daily-carry-leather-notebook-cover?aff=44 I'm finally a Saddleback affiliate so if you like their stuff buy something from my link and you can also support my work! Check out the catalog here: https://saddlebackleather.com/leather-moleskine-cover-medium/?ktk=d0pac01BLWJmZWY1MmZiYTFi Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYbTRurpFP5q4TpDD_P2JDA/join Join the Facebook group, Parker's Pensées Penseurs, here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/960471494536285/ If you like this podcast, then support it on Patreon for $3, $5 or more a month. Any amount helps, and for $5 you get a Parker's Pensées sticker and instant access to all the episode as I record them instead of waiting for their release date. Check it out here: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/parkers_pensees If you want to give a one-time gift, you can give at my Paypal: https://paypal.me/ParkersPensees?locale.x=en_US Check out my merchandise at my Teespring store: https://teespring.com/stores/parkers-penses-merch Come talk with the Pensées community on Discord: dsc.gg/parkerspensees Sub to my Substack to read my thoughts on my episodes: https://parknotes.substack.com/ 0:00 - The Hugo Awards 7:09 - What is Science Fiction? 11:43 - Comic Books, SF, and 'Genre' 19:40 - John Campbell and the Atomic Bomb 33:13 - Golden Age and Multiple Pen Names 44:58 - Finding truth in science fiction 51:13 - Hard vs soft science fiction 54:30 - SF and cover art 1:05:38 - The Nebulas and other SF awards 1:15:14 - Star Wars