Page 6
University Daily Kansan
Friday, Oct. 28, 1955.
Science Fiction Is Tomorrow's Myth, Free-Lance Writer Tells Class
"Science fiction is the myth of the future," James Gunn, free-lance writer and managing editor of the Alumni Magazine, told the Children's Literature class yesterday.
"Myth contains the philosophy and wisdom of a race," he said. "Science fiction is not fantasy, but an honest extrapolation of the known. Extrapolation is moving from what is known to what is unknown, with a basis in fact behind you," he explained.
"Any consistent orientation of our society is future-directed," he continued. "We are interested in
what has happened, but we are even more interested in what will happen tomorrow when today's problems are solved."
The dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in 1945 was responsible for new interest in science fiction, Mr. Gunn said. In 1945, there were about seven science fiction magazines but a few years later, about 40 science magazines were being published, he said.
Stories about atomic bombs were written earlier on the basis of laboratory discoveries and experimentation, he said. In 1942 a story was
published about the political problems of possessing an atomic weapon, he said.
"It is unfortunate that persons responsible did not start thinking about the problems then," he added.
He related a story he said had been frequently told.
"In 1944, Astounding Science Fiction magazine announced a forthcoming story of the atomic bomb. Editor John W. Campbell Jr. said members of the FBI wanted to know who on the Manhattan project had been talking. The editor
said all the stories were based on scientific fact from 1938 and 1939 journals.
To Attend 'Picnic'
"When the FBI wanted the magazine to cut parts of the story, Mr. Campbell convinced it that omission would be a greater tip off to foreign agents than publication."
Fifty-six Northeast High, Kansas City, Mo., students will attend the University Theatre production, "Picnic," tonight. Fifteen College of Emporia students will see the closing performance tomorrow.
Follies Auditions Begin Tuesday
Auditions for the Homecoming Follies will be held in the Jayhawk Room of the Student Union Tuesday and Thursday.
The Follies committee had pre-
viously reported to the Kansan
that tryouts would be held Nov. 8
and 10.
One of every four school pupils in the United States rides to school in a school bus.
Fellows and Gals ...
Come rain, sleet or snow you'll be warm and dry in your
B-9 PARKA
The fiercest Mt. Oread winter won't phase you in your B-9 PARKA
Sizes:
10 to 20
36 to 50
Available in olive drab or royal blue. Lots of other warm jackets, too.
LAWRENCE SURPLUS
The Original Army & Navy Store 740 Mass. 935 Mass.
Prescriptions Our Specialty
ROUND CORNER DRUGS
801 Mass. VI 3-0200
Quick Efficient Service
Friendly Student Atmosphere
Jayhawk Cafe
PAUL, STUDENT'S FRIEND
1340 Ohio
Your Shoes Repaired To Look Like New at such Low Cost
FILKINS 820 Massachusetts
Phone K.U.376
FOR KANSAN CLASSIFIED ADS
- LOST • FOUND
• FOR SALE • TO RENT
—25 WORDS OR LESS—
1 day 3 days 5 days
50c 75c $1.00
Quick,
Service
Accurate
Reusch-Guenther Jewelry
824 Mass. VI 3-5445
For All Your Smoking Needs Stop in at
GEORGE'S PIPE SHOP Exclusive dealer in Lawrence
'Perfect Pipe Mixture and Sugar Barrel Tobacco 727 Mass.
Complete Line of:
Complaint Line of:
Jazz Popular
Rhythm and Blues Country Western
Classical
All Speeds—78, 331/3, 45
If we don't have it we'll order it.
Record Nook
846 Mass.
RUSSELL STOVER Assorted Chocolates
1 pound box $1.35
2 pound box $2.60
STOWITS REXALL DRUGS, Inc.
847 Mass. St.
IT'S ACME FOR THE BEST.
Dial ACME VI 3-5155
Bachelor Laundry & Dry Cleaners
1111 Mass.
Alterations — Mothproofing — Repairs
Try Our Delicious BROILED STEAKS
Sandwiches and Cold Drinks
10-40 Cafe 1310 West 6th