Category Archives: Politics

Utopia without Fascism

Posted on March 27, 2017 by

The 1000-page bulk of Austin Tappan Wright’s Islandia had sat intimidatingly on the shelf since I acquired it. Only in the period of forced leisure after an operation did I get round to reading it. Long hours in bed gave … Continue reading →

Posted in Fiction, Politics, science fiction | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

The Rogue One Terrorists

Posted on December 21, 2016 by

I used to think of Star Wars as a fairy tale in space. In filling a tempting gap in the storyline, Rogue One offers less in the way of mythological resonance and more of gritty realism. It’s telling that some key … Continue reading →

Posted in film, Politics, science fiction, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Kindness to Strangers

Posted on November 1, 2016 by

The first thing I need to report about my expedition to New Caledonia is the incredibly generous hospitality I received there. From all kinds of people: indigenous Kanak, white Caledonians, metropolitan French, and other expatriates. They welcomed me into their … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

What’s the Story to Get to a Better Society?

Posted on June 28, 2016 by

I wanted to write something else about the EU referendum – or rather about one aspect of the consequences now unfolding at dizzying speed. How, though, to make that relevant to the focus of this blog? Well, when you stand … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, science fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Like a Slow-Motion Car Crash

Posted on June 20, 2016 by

I’ve sometimes wondered what it must be like to live in a time when you can see that your society is wilfully racing towards political disaster – war, say, or violent revolution, or fascist supremacy – and no appeal either … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, science fiction | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Crafting Utopias – by Kirsty Hartsiotis

Posted on April 12, 2016 by

It’s a long way from Central Africa to Gloucestershire, but it’s ideas and commitment, not location, that make a utopia. In Anthony Nanson’s Deep Time we are introduced to a number of different communities, some striving for an ideal and … Continue reading →

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