Out of this World at British Library

Out of this World at British Library brings together all kinds of fascinating novels, comics and manuscripts that explore our fascination with the conception of other worlds. Subtitled Science Fiction but not as you know it, the exhibition sets out to chart the history of sci fi and it's long held influence on our culture.

Out of this World at British Library
Set out in various different sections that concentrate on various concepts such as alien worlds, future worlds, virtual worlds and parallel worlds, each interactive area invites you to take a look at sci fi inspired exhibits, and ask questions on who we are, what is reality and what will the future be like.

Sci fi classics
When you think of classic science fiction novels you may come up with the likes of Day of the Triffids and Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy, but sci fi writing goes back a lot further than the 20th century. On show in Out of this World at British Library are examples of science fiction from as far back as the 17th century. Originally dating from the 2nd century, Lucian's True History tells the story of a group of adventurers who visit a number of fantastical lands and are deposited on the moon by a giant water spout.

Exhibition highlights
Alongside the likes of Thomas More's Utopia from 1516 and a Bovril ad from 1890, the name of which was taken from the Edward Bulwer-Lytton story The Coming Race, which featured advanced beings called the Vril-ya, visitors to the exhibition are able to see an early edition of H. G. Wells The War of the Worlds from 1906. One of the earliest stories that involves a battle between humans and an alien race, the book is still being adapted into film in the 21st century, and highlights Wells as one of the biggest influences on sci fi writing and cinema in the last 100 or so years.

Get hands on
As well as getting to grips with ancient and modern versions of science fiction, visitors to Out of this World at British Library can also contribute their own opinions about the future. Design your own alien, take part in a sci fi quiz, and learn more about popular sci fi characters, both past and present. There will also be a series of talks with well known sci fi writers, including the likes of Audrey Niffenegger, Michael Moorcock and Iain M Banks.

Out of this World at British Library takes place from Friday 20th May - Sunday 25th September 2011. Opening times are 9.30am - 6pm Monday, 9.30am - 8pm Tuesday, 9.30am - 6pm Wednesday - Friday, 9.30am - 5pm Saturday, and 11am - 5pm Sunday.

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