Canadian science fiction
A strong element in contemporary Canadian culture is rich, diverse, thoughtful and witty science fiction.
History of Canadian science fiction
The first recorded Canadian works of science fiction or proto-science fiction include Napoléon Aubin's unfinished serial, Mon Voyage à la Lune, a satirical Moon voyage published in 1839, and James De Mille's novel, A Strange Manuscript Found in a Copper Cylinder, published posthumously in 1888.[1]
Another early instance is the 1896 work Tisab Ting, or, The Electrical Kiss, a pseudonymous first novel by an Ida May Ferguson of New Brunswick under the pseudonym "Dyjan Fergus". Set in late 20th century Montreal, it features an "electrical genius": a "learned Chinaman" who woos and wins a Canadian wife through his superior scientific knowledge as embodied in "the Electrical Kiss".[2] It is of interest mainly because of its early publication date and female authorship;[3] a microfiche reprint was issued in 1980.[4]
In 1948, the
Like many aspects of Canadian culture, Canadian science fiction emerged from a variety of isolated sources, including A. E. van Vogt, the fantasy works of John Buchan, the poetry of Phyllis Gotlieb, and a handful of other writers. In the late 20th century, political upheaval in the United States brought such talents as Spider Robinson and Judith Merril to Canada.
In 1973, the
In the early 1980s, the Ontario Science Fiction Club was set up by Robert J. Sawyer, while the Bunch of Seven became the first known science fiction writing circle in Canada, helping the success of authors like S. M. Stirling and Tanya Huff, which later led to the Cecil Street Irregulars which included writers like Cory Doctorow. De Lint, Huff and Guy Gavriel Kay became notable for using Canadian settings in science fiction and fantasy, and William Gibson pioneered the cyberpunk subgenre with his novel Neuromancer.
In Quebec,
Regular annual science fiction conventions, notably Ad Astra, brought fans and writers together to further broaden awareness and appreciation of science fiction literature in Canada.
By the 1990s, Canadian science fiction was well established and internationally recognized; mainstream authors such as Margaret Atwood began including SF in their repertoire.
SF Canada, Canada's National Association of Speculative Fiction Professionals, was established in 1992.[6]
Canadian science fiction authors
Some of the most famous Canadian writers of
Canadian science fiction in film and television
The
Some of the most popular science fiction movies and TV shows seen around the world are made primarily or entirely in Vancouver & Toronto which are both often called Hollywood North, or elsewhere in Canada. Quebec produces shows in French. Canadian studios also produced a large volume of animation, notably specializing in 3D animation.
Canadian science fiction films of note include:
Awards
- Aurora Awards—Canadian science fiction novels (English and French), administered by the Canadian Science Fiction & Fantasy Association
- Prix Boréal - Canadian science fiction awards for works in French
- Sunburst Awards- annual juried award for Canadian speculative fiction novel in two categories: adult and young adult
- Constellation Awards - given to actors, writers, and technical artists for excellence in science fiction film and television, as selected by the Canadian viewing public
References
- ^ David Ketterer, "A Historical Survey of Canadian Science Fiction", Science Fiction Studies, Vol. 10, No. 1 (Mar., 1983), p. 87.
- ^ unsigned review "Canadian Fiction" The Canadian Magazine Vol. VIII No. 3 (January, 1897); p. 284
- ^ Ketterer, David, Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy, Indiana University Press, 1992; p. 17
- ISBN 0665030894
- ^ Cameron, R.G., ed. WSCFSAzine #11 (July 2008) "CELEBRATING THE 6Oth ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1948 WORLDCON IN TORONTO!"
- ^ "About SF Canada". Archived from the original on 2011-11-10.
External links
- SF Canada, Canada's national association of SF professionals
- Made in Canada comprehensive website about Canadian science fiction (No longer updated)
- Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy at the Library and Archives of Canada site
- SF Site - world-renowned resource on science fiction literature (based in Ottawa)
- The Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Speculation - major science fiction library collection, part of the Toronto Public Library system