We all know science fiction, or sci-fi. It's films and games and books with spaceships, time travel and aliens. But where did it come from? Has it always been around? And is it possible to come up with a more precise definition of what it is (and isn't)?

This lively illustrated talk traces the origins of science fiction to Mary Shelley's shocking novel FRANKENSTEIN - and beyond, to much earlier forms of storytelling.

Is it a coincidence that science fiction became popular around the time of the industrial revolution?

This talk can be adapted to any audience. It can be eye-opening and informative to book groups and film societies. Or it can be delivered to more academic audiences.

The speaker, Phil Nichols, completed his PhD in the English Department at Liverpool University, working with leading scholars of science fiction. He is Senior Consultant to the Ray Bradbury Center at Indiana University, and has a lot to say about Bradbury and other leading writers of science fiction's so-called "golden age".