Vintage SciFi 2: Australia Advanced 2
Welcome to “Vintage SciFi,” the podcast that explores the early imaginings of science fiction through historical dialogues and narratives. In episode 2, we dive into an intriguing conversation from the 1832 publication “Australia Advanced: Or Dialogues for the Year 2032” by Mephistophole the Younger. This dialogue offers a fascinating glimpse into the speculative vision of the future held by early Australians.
The conversation between the Australian and the Traveller touches on advanced urban planning, the transformation of the environment with imported flora, and the rapid population growth fueled by colonial expansion. They discuss the influence of print media with a variety of newspapers and periodicals, reflecting the colony’s intellectual and cultural development. Most striking are the speculative reflections on Australia’s potential global role, with references to technological advancements in transportation, communication, and governance. The characters speculate about the future dominance of New Holland in global affairs and the potential for the colony to influence and reshape the ancient systems of Asia, showcasing early science fiction themes of future technologies and geopolitical shifts.
Enjoy!