Hugo Gernsback – Father of Science Fiction

Hugo Gernsback and his historical-technical magazines in the ZKM library.

Born in Luxembourg, Hugo Gernsback (1884-1967), whose family came from Baden and who received his technical education in Bingen, emigrated to America in 1904. There, he founded the modern genre of science fiction literature by publishing magazines such as Amazing Stories (1926-1929) and Wonder Stories (1929-1936). As one of its most important founders, Gernsback provided valuable inspiration for inventive and experimental work in the field of technology and had a significant influence on young people interested in new inventions.

Requests to use the archive collection at bibliothek@zkm.de.

Video documentary:

ZKM | Videostudio & ZKM | Bibliothek

Camera: Andy Koch, Xenia Leidig, Johanna Ott
Editing: Xenia Leidig
Voice-Over: Andy Koch, BJay Kaplan
Concept: Christiane Minter, Xenia Leidig