What's New in SCUA: Newly Received Science Fiction Archives

Newly Received Archives of Greg Bear and Vernor Vinge

We recently acquired the archives of Greg Bear and Vernor Vinge, two hard science fiction authors who passed away in 2022 and 2024, respectively. It is an honor and a privilege to bring these archives home to SDSU, where both men were once part of the community. In addition to their archives (manuscripts, correspondence, etc.), both also owned many books and magazines that have come to us.

Before his career as an author, Greg Bear was a student of Elizabeth Chater and co-taught the first science fiction class ever to be held at SDSU. Bette donated her library to us in the late 1970s, which has since grown to epic proportions. Greg was also an early organizer of San Diego Comic-Con. He was a brilliant mind and an incredibly kind man we all miss.

Vernor Vinge, who taught mathematics and computer science at SDSU, developed the first concept of cyberspace in science fiction and popularized the idea of a “technological singularity,” in which self-accelerating technologies will speed up to the point of so profound a transformation that the other side of it is unknowable. In his essay “The Coming Technological Singularity,” Vernor wrote this haunting statement:

“Within thirty years, we will have the technological means to create superhuman intelligence. Shortly after, the human era will be ended.

He was wrong about it happening within 30 years, but frankly, the rest is difficult to laugh off these days.

Both writers graciously gave lectures in the library in conjunction with our 2012-13 science fiction exhibit, “Strange Data, Infinite Possibilities.” Vernor’s archive joins that of his former spouse and science fiction writer, Joan D. Vinge, which we’ve recently processed. Through these serendipitous connections, the science fiction collection is always growing.

Greg and Vernor’s archives have not yet been processed, but we look forward to making them available to researchers. Stay tuned!