Strange Constellations ― A History of Australian Science Fiction

Australia captured the imagination of European writers in the nineteenth century, and with the beginning of settlement, Australia became the setting for various "lost world" stories. Australia has since developed a rich national literature, and perhaps because of its exotic and ancient nature, the continent has inspired numerous science fiction writers. This book surveys the history of Australian science fiction from its nineteenth century origins to the close of the twentieth century. Included are discussions of Australian writers who have been substantially engaged with science fiction as a genre. The volume proceeds chronologically, with sections devoted to Australian science fiction before 1925, the rise of traditional science fiction from 1926 through 1959, the international recognition of Australian science fiction from 1960 to 1974, and the serious acclaim given to Australian science fiction writers in the last 25 years.

RUSSELL BLACKFORD is a legal consultant and freelance writer. He has published several books includingThe Tempting of the Witch King (1983), Urban Fantasies (1985), and Contrary Modes (1985), and his articles have appeared in several scholarly journals.

VAN IKIN is Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Western Australia. He has published numerous essays on science fiction and on Australian literature.

SEAN MCMULLEN is the author of several works of science fiction including Call to the Edge (1992),Voices in the Light (1994), Mirrorsun Rising (1995), and The Centurion's Empire (1998).