Ten Billion Tomorrows: How Science Fiction Technology Became a Reality and Shapes the Future

Science writer and novelist Clegg (Final Frontier) assesses how many of science fiction’s dreams have been realized, and examines which are likely and unlikely to become reality in the future. He touches on many mainstays of the genre—including force fields, ray guns, teleportation, and cloaking devices—but the book is not meant to be comprehensive. Rather, Clegg says, it is a celebration of “the wonderful imagination of science fiction writers and the dramatic impact of real-world science and technology in those same areas.” The book offers some fascinating insight into contemporary scientific research and technologies that are currently in use and in development, such as electroencephalograph (EEG) caps that enable a crude form of “cyber-telepathy.” Clegg does not shy away from explaining some of the science in detail, as when he provides a lengthy explanation of quantum tunneling as a theoretical way to transmit communications faster than light. Still, the book is highly accessible and suitable for any reader interested in science fiction, or anyone excited by the potential of technology. (Dec.)