Frankenstein
It is perhaps astounding to discover that English author Mary Shelly began writing this classic sci-fi horror when she was just eighteen. It has stood the test of time as one of the finest gothic masterpieces of the ages. Frankenstein is a young scientist (and not the monster as is often misconstrued) who is experimenting with playing god following the death of his mother. He successfully breathes life into an abomination, and the ensuing carnage is as heartbreaking as it is horrifying. Shelly herself called it a “hideous idea,” but it has nonetheless transfixed readers for generations, spawning countless adaptations in the process, but receiving understandably mixed reviews on its anonymous release back in 1818.
The Invisible Man
Whenever people are asked what superpower they would like to have, a regular response is often to become invisible. This is what the character of Griffin manages to achieve in H.G Wells’ sci-fi horror, only to discover he is unable to reverse the effects of his experiments. While many have fantasised about the possibilities of such an endeavour, the 1897 work was seen as a modern retelling of Plato’s Ring of Gyges, exploring the direction of a human’s moral compass should nobody be able to see us. The Invisible Man gave birth to an iconic character and has inspired thousands of comics, movies, songs, series, books, plays and dodgy Halloween costumes since.
1984
Arguably the most famous dystopian novel, Orwell’s classic was actually published in 1949, and focuses on a frightening vision of the future. Fictitious Oceania is one of three world superstates ravaged by perpetual conflict, where citizens are suppressed by totalitarian governments. It was the novel that coined the term “big brother” which continues to hold significant cultural impact with its use today; in everything from political party voyeurism to superfluous speed camera usage and mundane, reality television shows. 1984 was written during the early stages of the cold war and draws heavy influences from the geopolitical quagmire that was to become Europe in its post WW2 ashes.
Fahrenheit 451
Bradbury’s seminal 1953 work is, without doubt, his most enduring, continuing to be revered and studied in educational and literary circles. Protagonist Guy Montag is a fireman, but not as we know it. In a not too distant future (and an alarmingly conceivable one) his task is to burn books, destroying access to knowledge while reporting anyone harbouring such literature – a crime punishable by death. But a chance meeting inspires Guy’s curiosity, and he sets out on a dangerous path of retribution. The title alludes to the exact temperature that paper will burn, and Fahrenheit 451 ignited the world’s imagination, cleaning up with awards, as well as serving as an important cautionary tale for fascist government control.
Dune
Without Dune, there would be no Star Wars. George Lucas himself admitted he borrowed heavily from Frank Herbert’s 1965 science fiction behemoth, and the epic space sagas share a number of undoubted similarities. Dune centres on the desert planet Arrakis in the distant future – the only location in the universe home to the priceless spice Melange. Young Paul Atreides and his family are entrusted as guardians, only to be betrayed and cast out into the dangerous sandy wastes. But Atreides has more power than he realises and returns to lead a planetary uprising. Five sequels were penned, but the original is still the best-selling science fiction novel of all time and continues to inspire movies, books, games, music and even space exploration itself.
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