Space colonies, new reality, and the expedition to Venus: captivating books from the "Library of the Future"

The first exposition greeting the guests of the National Centre RUSSIA is the fascinating hall called the «Library of the Future." Here, visitors can explore works by science fiction writers of the past, learn about their dreams and hopes, and see how they envisioned our world 50, 100, or even 1,000 years into the future. Below are several remarkable books that are a must-read for anyone passionate about science fiction.

«Hour of the Bull»

This social-philosophical science fiction novel by Ivan Yefremov offers a glimpse into a world where interstellar travel at faster-than-light speeds has become possible. What will happen if humanity begins colonizing space? The author presents his vision. On Earth in the future, humanity has created an ideal world with no wars, where everyone is happy. However, on one of the distant planets, humans have established a terrifying oligarchic civilization. Learning about the harsh lives of the inhabitants of Tormance, the main characters set out to overthrow the totalitarian regime.

Despite its science fiction plot and classic conflict, the novel largely focuses on profound philosophical questions. The author delves into the darker side of evolution and the nature of evil, as well as the responsibility each individual has for the world around them. Can we transcend ourselves to build a truly just society, or are we destined for a future similar to that of Tormance? Readers will find their own answers to this thought-provoking question.

«Pygmalion’s Spectacles»

This work by Stanley G. Weinbaum offers a fresh perspective on virtual reality technologies, which have become commonplace for us today. However, in 1953, when the story was written, the idea of glasses capable of transporting a person to another world was truly groundbreaking and even unsettling.

At the center of the plot is Professor Ludwig, who invents glasses that function as a movie projector using a special liquid solution. A young man named Dan Berk tests them and experiences optical, auditory, gustatory, kinesthetic, and olfactory illusions of reality. It’s no surprise that the illusory world feels no less real to Dan than his own. When virtual reality is so convincing and captivating, it seems there’s little reason to return to ordinary reality. This is precisely the challenging choice the main character must face.

«Planet of Storms»

This science fiction novella by Alexander Kazantsev tells the story of an enthralling space expedition to Venus. The new world resembles Earth during the Jurassic period and presents numerous challenges to the protagonists while concealing a secret that could completely overturn everything we know about how and why life originated on Earth.

The author places significant emphasis on philosophical and social issues, particularly the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence. As AI becomes increasingly advanced, it grows ever closer to crossing the line from helper to threat. The conflict between humans and AI, first described in this work, eventually became one of the central themes of global science fiction.