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Kate
Unregistered User
(9/2/01 12:02:34 pm)
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Coining of Term Science Fiction?
Dear all,
I know that by posting this question I am probably opening a can of worms (sorry for the cliche). But perhaps there is a plain, simple answer to it before the debate begins . . .!
I'm curious to know--and forgive my ignorance if I should know the answer (I feel that I might but am suffering amnesia on it!)--if there is documentation of the first use of the term 'science fiction'. I am also interested in the derivation of the term 'speculative fiction.' Now, I'm sure I will feel like a complete idiot when someone quickly posts the obvious response as to who first used the phrases and in what context, so please, please, please, forgive my stupidity, here. I'm merely seeking a historical nod to the moment of consciousness and naming of it in literature, by a particular body or individual . . . rather than a debate on what it is . . .
I'm working on a review of a body of work that is broadly considered science fiction (yet my review approaches it differently).
Kate
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Gregor9
Registered User
(9/7/01 11:53:59 am)
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Re: Coining of Term Science Fiction?
Kate,
To my knowledge, the first use of a term meaning "Science fiction" was in French, and may have been applied to the works of Verne--or maybe the novel "L'Anee 2xxx" (Sorry, can't recall the year in the title. I'll have to go digging to see if I remember that correctly.
I believe the term "speculative fiction" didn't come about until the '60s, possibly as part of the New Wave movement in sf and thus may be British in origin.
(Now that I've shot my mouth off on this, someone's sure to have documentation to the contrary.)
Greg
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