Jim Endersby
Professor of the history of science at the University of Sussex and author of The Arrival of the Fittest; discusses the cultural history of early twentieth-century biology and its influence on literature and politics.
Top 3 podcasts with Jim Endersby
Ranked by the Snipd community
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 9min
Jim Endersby, "The Arrival of the Fittest: Biology's Imaginary Futures, 1900-1935" (U Chicago Press, 2025)
Jim Endersby, a historian of science at the University of Sussex, delves into early 20th-century biological ideas in his book. He explores the lively public engagement with Hugo de Vries's mutation theory, which excited audiences about controllable evolution. Endersby introduces the concept of 'biotopia,' highlighting how writers like H.G. Wells harnessed scientific ideals to craft both utopian and dystopian narratives. The podcast also discusses the intersection of science with movements like feminism and socialism, revealing their influence on societal change.
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 9min
Jim Endersby, "The Arrival of the Fittest: Biology's Imaginary Futures, 1900-1935" (U Chicago Press, 2025)
Jim Endersby, a Professor at the University of Sussex, dives into the early 20th-century intersection of biology and culture. He discusses Hugo de Vries’s mutation theory and its fleeting fame, sparking public imagination about evolution. Endersby explores the concept of 'biotopia,' revealing how fiction writers like H.G. Wells reimagined biological futures. He also highlights the role of early sci-fi fandom in shaping scientific ideas and examines the influence of feminist and socialist narratives on evolving viewpoints about heredity.
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 9min
Jim Endersby, "The Arrival of the Fittest: Biology's Imaginary Futures, 1900-1935" (U Chicago Press, 2025)
Jim Endersby, a professor of the history of science at the University of Sussex, dives into the intriguing interplay between biology and culture in the early 20th century. He discusses the forgotten mutation theory of Hugo de Vries and its unexpected impact on popular imagination, including its influence on notable writers like H.G. Wells. The concept of 'biotopia' emerges as he explores how narratives in fiction shaped public understanding of evolution and genetics, reflecting both utopian and dystopian visions for the future.
