This critical history explores the concept of the multi-generational interstellar space voyage in science fiction between 1934, the year of its appearance, into the 21st century. It defines and analyzes what became known as the generation starship idea and examines the science and technology behind it, also charting the ways in which generation starships manifest themselves in various sf scenarios. It then traces the history of the generation starship as a reflection of the political, historical, and cultural context of science fiction's development.

This book presents a history of Iain M. Banks' Culture series from its inception in the mid-1970s to the last novel, The Hydrogen Sonata , which was published less than a year before Banks' death. Included in this history are Banks' origins as a writer, the development of his political and ethical thinking, his struggles to become a published author, his eventual success in 1984 with The Wasp Factory , and the publication of the first Culture novel-- Consider Phlebas --in 1987. Also included are his 1994 essay ""A Few Notes on the Culture,"" the range of critical responses to the ten Culture...