Other Worlds: Podcast

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Image: Cover illustration by Mike Hinge from Analog science fiction, science fact, April 1976.

Explore the imaginative worlds of science fiction in this vibrant exhibition featuring books, magazines, comics and posters from Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections. Science fiction allows readers and writers to imagine other worlds, whether they’re mind-bending, hopeful or downright terrifying. 

Learn about the big ideas and publishing history of this expansive genre and immerse yourself in its incredible settings and eye-popping artwork. Trace themes and tropes from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to William Gibson’s Neuromancer, and discover the close connections between science fact and speculative fiction. Enjoy seeing early editions of your favourite works and be inspired to find your next read.

The exhibition is open Monday - Saturday from February 19th - August 2nd, 2025, at Central City Library. 

In this blog, you can listen to in-depth discussions with the curators who navigate sci-fi themes within the exhibition, case by case. 

1. Fahrenheit 451 

In this first episode, we discuss one of the most important and thought-provoking books of the 20th century — Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. First published in 1953 as a short story call 'The Fireman', this novel has captivated generations of readers with its chilling portrayal of a dystopian world of book burning. Beyond its gripping narrative, Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 offers us a powerful reflection on censorship and the importance of intellectual freedoms.

To discuss this masterpiece, Sue Berman is joined by Other Worlds exhibition curator, Renee Orr.


2. Robots and Monsters

In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of robots and monsters, and the intersection of science fiction writing and pop culture. Robots and monsters have clearly captivated the imagination of writers and artists for centuries, to discuss this theme is exhibition curator Renee Orr.

We discuss magazines with evocative cover art, 19th and 20th century classics like Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein' and Frank Herbert’s 'Dune', and objects like the Blade runner origami unicorn and a gorilla soldier from Planet of the Apes.


3. Colonisation

In this episode, we discuss colonisation, a theme explored through science fiction writing. Joining Sue Berman to discuss this theme is curator Renee Orr.

We talk about how writers have used science fiction to explore very real and complex aspects of human society and history, and, how the themes of invasion, colonisation, language and cultural difference come up again and again in speculative fiction.


4. Utopia and Dystopia

In this episode, we explore some of the most iconic works of dystopian and utopian literature and the value of reading these works within the science fiction genre.

Joining Sue Berman to discuss this theme is curator Renee Orr. We talk about Aldous Huxley's 'Brave New World', Margaret Atwood’s 'The Handmaid's Tale', the utopian vision of Charlotte Perkins Gilman in 'Herland' and the 1970s classic, Marge Piercy’s 'Woman on the Edge of Time'.


5. Fandom

In this episode, we discuss an important part of the history and development of the science fiction genre - the power and influence of fans! 

Exhibition curator, Andrew Henry examines how the influence of fandom has helped shape and define science fiction since its inception as a genre, and just how integral the fan base is to the development of seminal works.


6. Science Fact

In this episode, we explore the literary convergence of science fiction and science fact.

To explore this theme, Sue Berman is joined by curator Andrew Henry. We discuss the exciting crossroads between science fiction and real world scientific developments, illustrated through published material that intone seer-like qualities to the authors - everything from consumer electronics to future war machines.


7. Inner Worlds

In this episode, we explore the notion of Inner Worlds by looking closely at the idea of inner space vs. outer space - the power and problems of our own minds.

Exploring these ideas with Sue Berman is curator Andrew Henry. We discuss a range of texts including 'Return to Tomorrow' and 'Dianetics' by L. Ron Hubbard, 'The World of Null-A' by A.E. Van Vogt, and 'The Dreaming Jewels' by Theodore Sturgeon as well as the well-known Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic 'Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde'.


8. Empty City

In this episode, we explore the theme and concept ‘The Empty City’. This theme stretches across time, art, literature, and imagination as we examine the many ways that the empty city, or the city emptied of its people, has been represented in science fiction.

Joining Sue Berman to discuss this theme is curator Andrew Henry.


9. Mars

In this episode, we explore how the mysterious red planet has fascinated writers and scientists for centuries. Mars has inspired many different narratives, including Martian invasions, philosophical reflections on life beyond Earth, visions of terraforming and colonisation.

Joining Sue Berman to discuss the works of H.G. Wells to modern depictions of a colonised Mars in Kim Stanley Robinson’s 'Green Mars' and many more great reads, is curator Renee Orr.


10. Beyond Books

In this episode, we look Beyond Books into the fascinating world of science fiction related pop culture, and the artefacts that bring these worlds to life.

We check out pop up books and bubble gum cards, 8mm film, figurines and LPs in this romp through collectables and material culture. To look at this theme Sue Berman is joined by two exhibition curators, Brent Giblin and Andrew Henry.


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