Through the years, science fiction — although of popular origin — has developed into a demanding and sophisticated literature. Often accused of being little more than an evasion, it can delve deep into reality because, far from focusing only on a certain image of the future, it constantly provides insight into the present.
This tension, which accounts for its rich diversity, is the subject of this book, whose aim is to draw a parallel between the history of science fiction and its historical content.
By referring as well to rarely cited sources, this work sheds new light on the most progressive and literary aspects of a genre that allows readers to see the world in a particularly enlightening way.

Raphaël Colson has already penned several magazine articles and essays. He regularly teaches courses on the interpretation of Hollywood cinema.

André-François Ruaud has directed short-story anthologies of science fiction, fantastic and imaginary genres, and is also the editor of Yellow Submarine magazine. He has published several works and is the director of Les moutons électriques, a French publishing house.