One of the major figures in science fiction for more than sixty years, James Gunn has been instrumental in making the genre one of the most vibrant and engaging areas of literary scholarship. His genre history Alternate Worlds and his The Road to Science Fiction anthologies introduced countless readers to science fiction. He founded the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction in 1982. But Gunn has also been one of the genre's leading writers. His classic novels Star Bridge (with Jack Williamson), The Joy Makers, The Immortals and The Listeners helped shape the field. Now in his nineties, he remains a prominent voice. His forthcoming novel is Transformation. Drawing on materials from Gunn's archives and personal interviews with him, this study is the first to examine the life, career and writing of this science fiction grandmaster.

One girl and her doppelgangers try to stop the end of the world in this YA sci-fi adventure When Hazel Stanczak was born, an interdimensional rift tore open near her family’s home, which prompted immediate government attention. They soon learned that if Hazel strayed too far, the rift would become volatile and fling things from other dimensions onto their front lawn—or it could swallow up their whole town. As a result, Hazel has never left her small Pennsylvania town, and the government agents garrisoned on her lawn make sure it stays that way. On her sixteenth birthday, though, the rift spins completely out of control. Hazel comes face-to-face with a surprise: a second Hazel. Then another. And another. Three other Hazels from three different dimensions! Now, for the first time, Hazel has to step into the world to learn about her connection to the rift—and how to close it. But is Hazel—even more than one of her—really capable of saving the world?

One of the major figures in science fiction for more than sixty years, James Gunn has been instrumental in making the genre one of the most vibrant and engaging areas of literary scholarship. His genre history Alternate Worlds and his The Road to Science Fiction anthologies introduced countless readers to science fiction. He founded the Gunn Center for the Study of Science Fiction in 1982. But Gunn has also been one of the genre's leading writers. His classic novels Star Bridge (with Jack Williamson), The Joy Makers, The Immortals and The Listeners helped shape the field. Now in his nineties, he remains a prominent voice. His forthcoming novel is Transformation. Drawing on materials from Gunn's archives and personal interviews with him, this study is the first to examine the life, career and writing of this science fiction grandmaster.

"Unveiling the Light Within": Introduction The year is 2175. After global wars and disasters, humanity is ruled by Oblivion Corporation, a powerful conglomerate promising order in exchange for freedom. Their surveillance state monitors all aspects of life. But deep beneath Oblivion's gleaming cities, the Earth's core has become unstable, threatening imminent collapse. However, not all hope is lost. Renowned geologist Dr. Kuumba Nia detects strange electromagnetic irregularities coming from within the planet itself. Though Oblivion dismisses his findings, Kuumba's theories catch the attention of his son Malike, leader of an underground rebellion against the oppressive regime. Malike wonders - could Oblivion be hiding a coming catastrophe that could destroy the world? With help from his tech prodigy son Baraka, Malike is determined to unveil the truth and save humanity from disaster. This sweeping Afrofuturistic saga follows three generations of the Nia family as they confront destruction, uncover secrets, and harness science to protect the future of Earth. Through their courage and vision, humanity will transcend darkness and unveil the light within us all. “The Plan to Save the Earth” Introduction The year is 2300. The planet is in peril. Decades of pollution, climate disasters, and overpopulation have led to the collapse of nations and ecosystems. Most of humanity is crammed into overcrowded megacities, deprived of resources and hope. Powerful megacorporations control the world's governments, hoarding wealth and influence for themselves. The masses struggle day-to-day, constantly monitored by omnipresent surveillance. Rebel groups wage a covert war for liberation, but feel hope slipping away. However, in the verdant hills surrounding the megacity of New Atlantis lives the Rhodes family. For three generations they have silently fought for justice using their gifts. Isaac and Janelle Rhodes, renowned physicians, possess wisdom and resilience. Their son, leading physicist Malik Rhodes, and his wife Aisha spread knowledge that sparks revolution. Malik's teenage son Jamal, a tech prodigy, has skills that could turn the tide. United with a vision of an equitable world, the Rhodes' refuse to surrender. They know that with science, technology, and determination, a better future is possible. As the year 2300 unfolds, this exceptional black family is humanity's greatest hope. Their plan to save Earth is already in motion... This sweeping sci-fi saga follows the three generations of the Rhodes amid the fight for freedom in a dark future. Through their courage and intellect, we explore the power each person holds to change the world. "Melanin's Legacy: Guardians of Gaia” Introduction Welcome to "Melanin's Legacy: Guardians of Gaia," an Afrofuturistic tale set in the year 2550. In this captivating narrative, we follow the extraordinary journey of three generations of black men—Elder Samuel, his son Malik, and Samuel's grandson, Kofi—as they become the unlikely saviors of Earth in the face of unprecedented climate change. In a world ravaged by the consequences of humanity's past neglect, our heroes rise to the challenge, armed with their collective wisdom, unbreakable bonds, and the power of melanin, a genetic inheritance that holds extraordinary potential. Guided by a deep connection to the Earth, they embark on a mission to harness the power of melanin, technology, and their unwavering determination to restore balance and harmony to a planet on the brink of collapse. Within the pages of this book, you will witness the trials and triumphs of these remarkable individuals as they confront resistance, navigate socio-political landscapes, and challenge the status quo. Their journey takes them from the depths of despair and environmental degradation to the heights of hope and transformation. As you delve into "Melanin's Legacy: Guardians of Gaia," you will be immersed in a world where the intricacies of melanin's properties are uncovered, unlocking solutions to environmental crises and illuminating a path towards a sustainable future. From the foundational wisdom of Elder Samuel to the innovative brilliance of Malik and the boundless potential of Kofi, each generation adds a layer to the legacy, passing on their knowledge, determination, and love for the Earth. Through this Afrofuturistic lens, the story explores the power of culture, heritage, and ancestral wisdom, weaving a tapestry of resilience and innovation. It invites readers to reflect on the interconnectedness of all beings and the vital importance of protecting and nurturing the planet we call home. "Melanin's Legacy: Guardians of Gaia" challenges conventional narratives, reimagines our relationship with nature, and emphasizes the urgency of collective action in the face of global challenges. Its pages carry a message of empowerment, reminding us that each individual possesses the power to make a difference and shape a future that prioritizes environmental stewardship, justice, and equity. So, join us on this extraordinary journey as we explore the legacy of Elder Samuel, Malik, and Kofi—a legacy rooted in love for the Earth, fueled by the power of melanin, and built upon the resilience of black excellence. Together, let us embark on a path towards a world where humanity and nature stand in harmonious coexistence, embodying the spirit of "Melanin's Legacy: Guardians of Gaia."

United Nations Champion of the Earth, climate scientist, and evangelical Christian Katharine Hayhoe changes the debate on how we can save our future in this nationally bestselling “optimistic view on why collective action is still possible—and how it can be realized” (The New York Times). Called “one of the nation’s most effective communicators on climate change” by The New York Times, Katharine Hayhoe knows how to navigate all sides of the conversation on our changing planet. A Canadian climate scientist living in Texas, she negotiates distrust of data, indifference to imminent threats, and resistance to proposed solutions with ease. Over the past fifteen years Hayhoe has found that the most important thing we can do to address climate change is talk about it—and she wants to teach you how. In Saving Us, Hayhoe argues that when it comes to changing hearts and minds, facts are only one part of the equation. We need to find shared values in order to connect our unique identities to collective action. This is not another doomsday narrative about a planet on fire. It is a multilayered look at science, faith, and human psychology, from an icon in her field—recently named chief scientist at The Nature Conservancy. Drawing on interdisciplinary research and personal stories, Hayhoe shows that small conversations can have astonishing results. Saving Us leaves us with the tools to open a dialogue with your loved ones about how we all can play a role in pushing forward for change.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Anathem, Reamde, and Cryptonomicon comes an exciting and thought-provoking science fiction epic—a grand story of annihilation and survival spanning five thousand years. What would happen if the world were ending? A catastrophic event renders the earth a ticking time bomb. In a feverish race against the inevitable, nations around the globe band together to devise an ambitious plan to ensure the survival of humanity far beyond our atmosphere, in outer space. But the complexities and unpredictability of human nature coupled with unforeseen challenges and dangers threaten the intrepid pioneers, until only a handful of survivors remain . . . Five thousand years later, their progeny—seven distinct races now three billion strong—embark on yet another audacious journey into the unknown . . . to an alien world utterly transformed by cataclysm and time: Earth. A writer of dazzling genius and imaginative vision, Neal Stephenson combines science, philosophy, technology, psychology, and literature in a magnificent work of speculative fiction that offers a portrait of a future that is both extraordinary and eerily recognizable. As he did in Anathem, Cryptonomicon, the Baroque Cycle, and Reamde, Stephenson explores some of our biggest ideas and perplexing challenges in a breathtaking saga that is daring, engrossing, and altogether brilliant.

James Gunn--one of the founding figures of science fiction scholarship and teaching--wrote in 1951 what is likely the first master's thesis on modern science fiction. Portions were in the short-lived pulp magazine Dynamic but it has otherwise remained unavailable. Here in its first full publication, the thesis explores many of the classic Golden Age stories of the 1940s and the critical perspective that informed Gunn's essential genre history Alternate Worlds and his anthology series The Road to Science Fiction. The editor's introduction and commentary show the historical significance of Gunn's work and its relevance to today's science fiction studies.