Earth, Cosmos and Culture: Geographies of Outer Space in Britain, 1900-2020

This book explores the development of diverse British cultures of outer space, tracing visionary ideas from H. G. Wells and Olaf Stapledon to the British space program of the 1960s and the cultural identity of space missions. It advocates geography as a critical lens for studying outer space, highlighting its relationships with exploration, the sublime, science, and imagination.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of diverse British cultures of outer space, employing a multitude of geographical concepts such as landscape, place, and national identity. It explores the early visionary ideas of renowned writers H. G. Wells and Olaf Stapledon, examines the ambitious British space program of the 1960s, and weaves narratives of British cultural identity that accompanied the remarkable space missions of Helen Sharman, Beagle 2, and Tim Peake. Through its comprehensive exploration, the book sheds light on the emergence of the British Interplanetary Society and its profound significance in pre-war and post-war periods. The chapters delve into utopian and dystopian representations of space exploration, examine the enigmatic phenomenon of UFO culture, and contemplate humanity's imagined future across interstellar space. Geographical perspectives are championed throughout, serving as a fertile ground for critical studies of outer space. This book makes an exceptional contribution to the field of social sciences, offering a unique and innovative approach to understanding the complexities of outer space in Britain and beyond. Its insights have significant implications for future teaching and research, shaping the way we perceive and explore the vast expanse of the universe.

Weight: 371g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367762407