Newton, Michael, ed. The Origins of Science Fiction. Oxford World´s Classics. Oxford: Oxford Univ. Press, 2023. ISBN 978-0-19-889194-9.
Reviewed by Julieta Nava Granados
What happens when human ambition pushes the boundaries of science too far? From alchemy to chemistry, scientific work has always encountered ethical dilemmas. In The Origins of Science Fiction, Michael Newton compiles a list of seventeen stories from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries that reveal that these concerns are not new. Featuring works by Mary Shelley, Edgar Allan Poe, George Eliot, H. G. Wells, and E. M. Forster, this anthology explores the ethical consequences of human ambition.
The collection brings together a diverse selection of science fiction stories. The editor´s decision to present them chronologically allows for a deeper understanding of the genre’s early evolution. Stories such as “Rappaccini’s Daughter” (1844), “The Machine Stops” (1909), and “The Comet” (1920) underline the tension between progress and responsibility, showing how early science fiction was deeply engaged with moral and social issues. These narratives explore themes such as scientific ego, technological dependence, and social inequality. Although some of these stories were written over two centuries ago, the collection showcases how the social issues of their time remain relevant today.
Newton presents cautionary tales about the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and experimentation. In “The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar” (1845), Poe interrogates the effects of mesmerism, or what we refer to now as hypnotism. The story illustrates the pitfalls of human experimentation and pushing the boundaries between life and death. Similarly, “Rappaccini’s Daughter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne presents a scientist who, in his pursuit of knowledge, transforms his daughter into a poisonous being. These texts reflect a recurring theme in science fiction: the fear that scientific progress without ethical consideration can lead to unforeseen consequences. Furthermore, they warn against the dangers of treating science as an end in itself rather than as a tool for humanity’s advancement.
The anthology also highlights early science fiction’s anxiety about technology’s potential to serve as either a tool of progress or a source of ruin. In “The Machine Stops,” Forster imagines a future where humanity is entirely dependent on an automated system. When this machine fails, society follows suit, demonstrating the dangers of overreliance on technology. Likewise, Rudyard Kipling’s “Wireless” (1902) explores the potential of radio waves to revolutionize communication, but it also underlines the unease that usually accompanies new technologies. The story describes both the excitement of discovery and the fear of unintended consequences. Newton guides the reader through these works to illustrate the genre’s concern with the loss of personal autonomy in a technology-driven world.
Newton not only compiles works examining the ethical implications of scientific progress, but many of the narratives also perform social critique. W. E. B. Du Bois’s “The Comet” is an example of science fiction’s engagement with social issues. In this story, Du Bois uses a comet’s catastrophic impact on Earth to critique racial inequality, highlighting how social divisions become meaningless in the face of a global crisis. Similarly, Gertrude Barrows Bennet’s “Friend Island” (1918) questions gender roles and critiques societal expectations placed on women. The story explores themes of autonomy, identity, and the struggle for equality. These works demonstrate the genre’s role as a tool for both scientific and social reflection.
The Origins of Science Fiction is a valuable resource for a wide range of readers. It offers an accessible entry point for those interested in the works of early science fiction. The inclusion of both well-known and lesser-known stories ensures that readers are exposed to a diverse set of perspectives, providing a comprehensive view of the genre’s evolution. The stories, rich with philosophical insights and social critiques, make the book a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the moral implications of technological and scientific advances. Overall, Newton’s compilation demonstrates how science fiction has never been only about the future but also about humanity’s choices.
Julieta Nava Granados is a Fulbright-García Robles fellow and PhD student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Rice University.
Cover image: From the Archive of the British Library, Shelfmark 1609/5429
This review was solicited by SEL Studies in English Literature 1500–1900. A review copy of The Origins of Science Fiction (Oxford University Press, 2023) was provided by the publisher.