What are some of the best early science fiction works?

Well, 'Afrofuturism' is an important part of early black science fiction. Sun Ra was one of the early figures. His music and ideas were very much in the realm of Afrofuturism. His work blended African heritage with science fiction concepts like space travel and alien life. It was a way to reimagine black identity in a future - oriented context. Also, works like 'Dawn' by Octavia Butler explored themes like genetic engineering from a black perspective, which was quite novel at the time.

Isaac Asimov's early robot stories are also significant. His 'I, Robot' collection presented the Three Laws of Robotics, which had a profound impact on how robots were perceived in science fiction. These laws set rules for robot behavior, making readers think about the ethics of creating intelligent machines.

Many early science fiction works were set in the near future or in unknown, exotic locations. E.T.A. Hoffmann's works often had a setting that was both familiar and strange, which added to the sense of the unknown. And they were often used as a vehicle to comment on society. Verne, for example, in his works, sometimes subtly critiqued the society of his time through his descriptions of different cultures and technological advancements.

In the realm of early science fiction novels, 'Metropolis' by Thea von Harbou is quite remarkable. It not only presents a fascinating vision of a future city but also delves into social and class issues. 'We' by Yevgeny Zamyatin is another important early work. It anticipates many dystopian ideas that became more common later. 'The First Men in the Moon' by H.G. Wells is also a great one. It's a story of lunar exploration that combines scientific speculation with adventure.

Some of the best early science fiction books include 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. It's a classic that delved into the idea of creating life through scientific means and explored the moral and ethical implications. Another great one is 'Journey to the Center of the Earth' by Jules Verne. It took readers on an exciting adventure beneath the Earth's surface, filled with scientific speculations of that time. Also, H.G. Wells' 'The War of the Worlds' is notable. It depicted an alien invasion and was way ahead of its time in terms of imagining extraterrestrial life and the potential consequences of their arrival on Earth.

Some of the best science fiction works include '1984' by George Orwell. It presents a dystopian future where the government has extreme control over people. Another great one is 'Brave New World' by Aldous Huxley which explores a society based on genetic engineering and conditioning. And 'Dune' by Frank Herbert, with its complex world - building, political intrigue and unique ecological concepts.

There are many great works that could be part of '100 best science fiction'. For instance, 'The War of the Worlds' by H.G. Wells. This novel was one of the first to depict an alien invasion in a very vivid and terrifying way. It influenced a lot of later science fiction works in terms of how to portray extraterrestrial threats. And then there's 'Ender's Game' by Orson Scott Card, which focuses on a child prodigy in a military - like training program against an alien threat, exploring themes of morality, leadership, and the cost of war.

One of the best is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a complex and detailed universe with political intrigue, unique cultures and advanced technology. Another great one is '1984' by George Orwell, which, while often considered a dystopian novel, also has strong elements of science fiction in its vision of a totalitarian future. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' by Douglas Adams is also a top pick. It's known for its humor and wild, imaginative ideas like the improbability drive.

One of the best is 'Dune' by Frank Herbert. It has a richly detailed universe with complex politics, unique cultures, and a deep exploration of human nature in a far - flung future setting. The story of Paul Atreides and his journey is captivating.

In 2017, there were several notable science fiction works. For instance, 'Raven Stratagem' by Yoon Ha Lee, which is a follow - up to 'Ninefox Gambit' and further expands on the unique universe with its mind - bending concepts of time and space. Then there's 'The Stone Sky' by N. K. Jemisin, which concludes her Broken Earth trilogy in a spectacular fashion, dealing with themes of power, oppression, and the environment in a post - apocalyptic science - fiction world.