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Classic Science Fiction: A BBC Radio Drama Collection

Six Full-Cast Dramatisations

This collection presents a series of full-cast audio adaptations of seminal science fiction works, each offering a unique exploration of the genre's foundational themes. Mary Shelley's Frankenstein delves into the ethical implications of scientific advancement and the human desire for creation, setting the stage for modern science fiction. Jules Verne's Journey to the Centre of the Earth invites listeners on a thrilling expedition beneath the Earth's surface, blending adventure with scientific curiosity. Samuel Butler's Erewhon provides a satirical lens on societal norms, challenging perceptions of morality and progress through its imaginative narrative.


Continuing the exploration of science fiction's rich tapestry, H.G. Wells The War of the Worlds immerses audiences in a gripping tale of alien invasion, highlighting human resilience in the face of otherworldly threats. Arthur Conan Doyle's The Disintegration Machine examines the ethical dilemmas posed by technological innovation, while John Wyndham's The Midwich Cuckoos presents a chilling narrative of alien influence disrupting the tranquility of rural life. Together, these adaptations underscore the enduring power of science fiction to provoke thought and captivate audiences, making this collection a must-listen for both enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.

About Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley (1797-1851), the daughter of pioneering thinkers Mary Wollstonecraft and William Godwin, eloped with the poet Percy Shelley at the age of sixteen. Three years later, during a wet summer on Lake Geneva, Shelley famously wrote her masterpiece, Frankenstein. The years of her marriage were blighted by the deaths of three of her four children, and further tragedy followed in 1822, when Percy Shelley drowned in Italy. Following his death, Mary Shelley returned to England and continued to travel and write until her own death at the age of fifty-three.
Details
  • Imprint: BBC Digital Audio
  • ISBN: 9781529978636
  • Length: 660 minutes
  • Price: £14.00