THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 2011
PAGE 21
Mike Gunnoe/KANSAN
Jim Gunn discusses the work of writer Theodore Sturgeon, whose work is now in KU Libraries' collection.
torn to shreds by his stepfather and strewn about his bedroom.
"I think that imprinted a feeling of oppression and misunderstanding in Ted's young mind," Gunn said.
Sturgeon pushed his readers to question societal norms. He signed his works and letters with a symbol, the letter Q with an arrow pointing to the right. Healey said the symbol stood for "ask the next question."
proud of her father's commitment to social equality.
Sturgeon was always pushing forward. Socially, he was decades ahead of his time. Noel said she is most
"He wrote the first positive story in science fiction about homosexuality in 1953, when the topic was really off limits," Noel said, "and many of his stories had strong working-class and female characters."
Gunn considers Sturgeon's legacy and the collection to be a valuable asset to the entire University, not just the Center for the Study of Science Fiction. Gunn said Sturgeon's legacy will help several programs, including
women's studies, physics, American studies and architecture. According to Gunn, science fiction can bridge the gap between science and the humanities.
Noel said her father wanted his work at KU but also had a simpler wish.
"I think my father would want to be remembered as a great writer, not just of science fiction, but as a great American writer," Noel said.
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