If there’s a zeppelin, it’s alternate history. If there’s a rocketship, it’s science fiction. If there are swords and/or horses, it’s fantasy. A book with swords and horses in it can be turned into science fiction by adding a rocketship to the mix. If a book has a rocketship in it, the only thing that can turn it back into fantasy is the Holy Grail.
—Debra Doyle
Science fiction or fantasy? A rigorous definition
2 October 2013 by 5 Comments
Finally, a replacement for that outmoded Damon Knight definition! So clunky and useless. Thank you sir, you’ve done us all a service.
Thank Debra Doyle! I had been trying to remember the exact wording for some time, and when I ran across the original earlier today, I decided to make a note of it and stick it in a place where I would not forget it.
“If a book has a rocketship in it, the only thing that can turn it back into fantasy is the Holy Grail.”
Or M John Harrison. Think Viriconium….
*Falls over laughing.* That’s exactly what happened to some stories I wrote in the 2011-2012 winter: they contain dragons, vampires, magic (and wizards) etc., but because they take place in space, with high-tech spaceships, replicators, computers and robots, everybody labeled them space opera. Not that I mind, as long as people liked them…
I comment each time I especially enjoy a article on a website or
if I have something to add to the discussion.
Usually it’s caused by the passion displayed in the article I
looked at. And after this article Science fiction or fantasy?
A rigorous definition. I was actually moved enough to drop a commenta response
😉 I actually do have some questions for you if it’s okay.
Is it simply mee or does it seem like some of
the responses appear like they are left by brdain
dead people? 😛 And, if you are posting at other online sites,
I’d like to follow everything new you have to post.
Would you list all of all your shared pages like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?