Key Information
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1970 - 1971 (Creation)
Level of description
Item
Extent
1 file
Scope and content
Typed transcript of interviews on what the future holds for humankind (presented as a single document, 159pp), conducted for Playboy magazine by science fiction writer Frederick Pohl with: science fiction writer Arthur C Clarke; astrophysicist Freeman Dyson; rocket propulsion engineer Krafft Ehricke; Theodore Gordon, Director of The Institute for the Future; astronomer Allen Hynek; cognitive scientist Jerome (‘Jerry’) Lettvin; psychologist James McConnell; cognitive scientist Marvin Minsky; transistor pioneer John Pierce; Maurice Wilkins. Also introductory article by Pohl, ‘Candid conversation: eleven scientists look at tomorrow’, outlining the achievements of the interviewees and his methodology, and related correspondence between Wilkins and Pohl, concerning Wilkins’ initial reluctance, his fee, and Playboy’s decision not to publish the interview. Original file title ‘Playboy’
General Information
Name of creator
Repository
Language of material
Script of material
Existence and location of originals
A significant portion of the collection items are available online in the Maurice Wilkins and Medical Research Council Biophysics Unit archive hosted by the Wellcome Library.