The Honest Broker

The Honest Broker

The Vault

When Science Fiction Grew Up

Ted Gioia's avatar
Ted Gioia
Jan 01, 2000
∙ Paid

1.

Science fiction finally gave up childish things in the 1960s. But like many adolescents, it only grew up because the ugly real world intruded on its immature fantasies.

Let's put a measuring tape to it. In the summer of 1957, just a few weeks before the launch of the first Sputnik space satellite, some 23 science fiction magazines were operating in the…

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Ted Gioia.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Ted Gioia · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture