The Radical Science Fiction of Ursula K. Le Guin

Video Description

Ursula K. Le Guin is my favorite science fiction writer. She is, quite possibly, the greatest science fiction writer ever. In this video, I tell the story of her career and discuss some of the philosophy behind it all. → Links Patreon: https://patreon.com/_jared Discord: https://discord.gg/xq6wDUtdyQ Newsletter: jaredhenderson.substack.com Second channel: @jaredreads → Reading Guide The best place to start with Le Guin is either The Dispossessed (my favorite) or The Left Hand of Darkness. Library of America has a two volume set of all of Le Guin’s Hainish Cycle, and that includes both books: https://amzn.to/46JIbuM There is a fresh documentary about Le Guin. I consulted it heavily for this video. It can be rented or purchased from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LVlyvE To understand Le Guin thought process, the collection ‘The Language of the Night’ is indispensable. It is out of print and expensive, sadly. You may be able to find a PDF somewhere: https://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?151671 Even if you don’t love fantasy, Earthsea is essential: https://amzn.to/46H2XLB For a sample of Le Guin’s later writing, I recommend the Library of America’s edition of Always Coming Home: https://amzn.to/3Q9PvKW For the philosophical background to engage with Le Guin, check out the following books. Kropotkin’s Mutual Aid: https://amzn.to/3PMLc6Y Bookchin’s Ecology of Freedom: https://amzn.to/3ZLMDXR Jung’s Man and His Symbols: https://amzn.to/3ZS6ftd Tao Te Ching: https://amzn.to/3ZPRw1P → Video Gear Mic: https://amzn.to/3Uw7ZVw Recorder: https://amzn.to/3Tz1uQp Camera: https://amzn.to/3Ust3MT Camera (upgrade): https://amzn.to/3EFGW4e Lens: https://amzn.to/3WXbAhd Lens (upgrade): https://amzn.to/3SA49KM These are affiliate links with Amazon. The channel earns a commission from each purchase — but it doesn't cost you anything. 00:00 - Introduction 00:34 - The Pulps 01:13 - The New Wave 01:46 - Philosophical Background 03:19 - The Early Years 04:30 - A Wizard of Earthsea 05:45 - Some Context and Caveats 06:41 - From 1969 to 1974 07:19 - The Left Hand of Darkness 09:02 - The Dispossessed 09:54 - Le Guin's Influence 11:27 - Thanks