Childe Cycle

The Childe Cycle is a series of science fiction novels by Gordon R. Dickson. The name Childe Cycle is an allusion to "Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came", a poem by Robert Browning, which provided considerable inspiration for elements in Dickson's magnum opus.

Related Topics:
Science fiction - Gordon R. Dickson - Childe Roland to the Dark Tower Came - Robert Browning - Magnum opus

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While, on the face of it, the Childe Cycle is a science fiction series, it is also an allegory. In addition to the six science fiction novels of the Cycle, Dickson had also planned three historical novels and three novels taking place in the present day. It is known that one of the three historical novels would have dealt with John Milton, the author of Paradise Lost. Judging from the frequent mentions of him in the published science fiction portion of the Cycle, Sir John Hawkwood, a 14th century mercenary, would probably have been the subject of another.

Related Topics:
Allegory - John Milton - Paradise Lost - John Hawkwood - 14th century - Mercenary

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The Cycle stretches from the 14th century to the 24th century, and deals with the conflict between progress and conservatism. It also deals with which of humanity's traits are most important, namely, Courage, Faith, and the ability to think philosophically.

Related Topics:
14th century - 24th century

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