From Garrett P. Serviss (Class of 1872) to the Mars Rover, Parallax: Exploring Cornell Luminaries of Science Fiction features the seminal work and theories of prominent Cornell writers of science fiction and celebrates Cornell’s contributions to the astronomy and science fiction literature. Highlights include an early astronomical star finder designed by Serviss (a member of Cornell’s first four-year graduating class), and early serialized editions of science fiction literature. Other Cornell luminaries brought to light through this exhibition are Kurt Vonnegut (Class of 1943), Joanna Russ (Class of 1957), Thomas Pynchon (Class of 1959), Carl Sagan (faculty), and Ron D. Moore (Class of 1986).
Today our change in perspective (the parallax of our more technologically advanced civilization) has rendered previous thoughts of science fictioninto science fact. Of course, not all the works explored in Parallax have materialized into such concrete examples as the Mars Rover or the Arecibo Telescope. Literary imagination nonetheless continues to explore the stars and their limitless possibilities.
Visit the exhibition in its three locations in Olin Library:
- Across from the Circulation Desk (Ground Floor)
- Outside the Current Periodicals Reading Room (Ground Floor)
- Outside the entrance to the Maps & Media Reading Room (Lower Level)
Or explore the online version of the exhibition, beginning with Garrett P. Serviss, Class of 1872, Science Fiction Pioneer.
