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Object

Imagined Futures: Early Sci-Fi and Electric Visions

February 23, 2026·28 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

From fantastical telectroscope video calls to electric flying machines, explore how the Victorians imagined the future through images and early sci-fi literature. We discuss the genre of scientific romance, Jules Verne's influence on real space exploration, and surprisingly early concerns about climate change. Plus, we look at whimsical French postcards that envisioned everyday life in the year 2000.Featuring Iwan Rhys Morus and Nancy Rose Marshall.This episode is presented in partnership with The Public Domain Review, an online journal exploring curious works from the history of art, literature, and ideas. Discover more at publicdomainreview.org.RELATED LINKS:Object: https://objectstories.co/Public Domain Review: https://publicdomainreview.org/EPISODE CREDITS:Host, research & production: Ferren GipsonAudio sample: NASA / Apollo 11 Mission ArchiveMusic: Tom LloydObject cover art: Anna Bu KliewerLearn more at objectstories.co Follow @ferrengipson on Instagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit object.substack.com

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