LAST AND FIRST MEN

This is one of the first multimedia projects I created a few years ago. It is a reading of the “Introduction” to Olaf Stapledon’s science fiction classic written in the 1930s. For those not familiar with the book, it is quite extraordinary in its breadth and vision, for it is a history of the future of humanity that spans a million years. The “Introduction” is framed as being from a “future man” who is speaking through the author. I added actual photos of the cosmos taken by NASA and the background music of Robert Fripp & Brian Eno’s work “Evening Star.” I uploaded this video to YouTube, where it received more than 2,000 views; however, due to the addition of the music, it was taken down for copyright enfringement. Actually, I don’t understand the logic of YouTube. Many people add music all the time and do not get taken down. I wasn’t trying to make any $$ out of it, and if anything, it gives the artists exposure. People who’ve never listen to Fripp & Eno might decided that they like it and want to find more. So, what’s the problem? I admit, I don’t get it.

Anyway, I don’t think we’ll have any of that kind of problem here on Substack, but who knows? Well, enjoy this multimedia production of the “Introduction” to LAST AND FIRST MEN.

Also, at this point, since I only have a few subscribers, I’m not asking anyone to be a “paid subscriber.” Of course, if you want to, it’s up to you, but I’m not asking anyone to since I’m still trying to find my way onto this platform in a way that I’m satisfied with. However, perhaps, if the number of subscribers increases to more than 50 or 100, well, okay, maybe then, but in the meantime, here at the “ground floor,” it’s all free.