Blazing Worlds! Science Fiction by Women

Exhibition at Dundee Central Library Foyer from Monday 6th to Saturday 18th February

Public ‘round table’ discussion with students and staff: Friday 10th February 5:30pm-7:00pm

‘Blazing Worlds! Science Fiction by Women’ draws on research by Dr Keith Williams, a world-leading expert on the history of Science Fiction and related genres at the University of Dundee, and Rachel Harrison, whose doctoral research is remapping the neglected history of female-authored SF, as well as the creative practice of Michael Kirkham and his illustration students at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design.

This word-and-image exhibition celebrates the lives and works of influential or forgotten female authors from 1600 to the present: Margaret Cavendish, Mary Shelley, Margaret Atwood, Katherine Burdekin, Marge Piercy, Alice Sheldon, Mary Bradley Lane, and Elizabeth Burgoyne Corbett.

It is suitable for all ages, with a particular focus on young adults or anyone interested in Science Fiction or female authors. There will also be a ‘round table’ discussion with students and staff on Friday 10 February 5:30-7:00, to which all members of the public are warmly welcome.

Viewers and participants will discover a wealth of new information about influential or forgotten female authors. Even a famous former Dundee resident such as Mary Shelley will be shown in a new light – not only as the ground-breaking creator of Frankenstein but also the author of The Last Man and other works. Far from being a male-dominated genre, modern SF has been built by pioneering women who have not only broken the proverbial ‘glass ceiling’ but reached through it for the stars.