ROOM 101 EPISODE 5
The Field Guide
A reference guide for Room 101.
Since beginning the Room 101 series, I have been asked about resources. Where to find science fiction books, movies, etc. online. As noted in the descriptions of each episode, I typically provide a few links to the books and/or movies referenced.
Before going any further, let’s take a look at some online sci-fi resources. This is by no means a comprehensive list but it will provide the user with a few years of material at the very least. If you have additional links to add, please list them in the comments section. Your input is greatly appreciated.
Books – print and digital
Print editions. I Recommend SF MASTERWORKS in paperback on Ebay. It’s a rather diverse selection of science fiction ranging from classic works like HG Wells’ War of the Worlds to more modern novels such as Dan Simmons’ HYPERION and the prices on Ebay are reasonable.
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=sf+masterworks&_sacat=261186&_sop=15
Shop local – check out your local new and used book dealers including Goodwill book stores if
one is available where you live. Books are bloody expensive, and if you can shave a few bucks off the retail price, buying used is the way to go.
And don’t forget your local library. With your library card you can also watch free movies on Kanopy.com. More on this later.
DIGITAL FREE BOOKS/magazines
Archive.org Science Fiction https://archive.org/search.php?query=science%20fiction
Project Gutenberg https://www.gutenberg.org/
American Literature https://americanliterature.com/books
Russian and Eastern European Science Fiction – a course summary
https://forrester.domains.swarthmore.edu/syllabi/R+EE_SF/index.html
Movies – archive.org, bitchute,yt
Tubi https://tubitv.com/category/sci_fi_and_fantasy
Not only is Tubi free but Tubi is always getting new science fiction films from Hollywood productions to no-budget indie films. A truly great video platform.
Kanopy.com – Watch 8 Free movies a month on Kanopy with your valid Library card.
It is well worth it. They carry classics like The Manchurian Candidate and newer titles like Ex Machina and everything in between. Just sync your library card with Kanopy and your in.
Movieland TV https://channelstore.roku.com/details/b900bf3d6c47ebd2f3da226716322da4/movielandtv
If you have Roku you should have Movieland TV. What they lack in quantity they make up in quality. Fantastic science fiction films like Then Andromeda Strain, Westworld, Phase IV, Colossus the Forbin Project, Planet of the Apes. Highly recommended.
10 Free Sci-Fi movie channels on ROKU
https://www.roku.com/blog/6-free-sci-fi-channels-on-the-roku-platform#
These are just a smattering of the sci-fi channels available with something for all tastes.
Classic and Vintage Films https://www.bitchute.com/channel/evaSVEsdCFyg/
Some great 70s science fiction like THE DEMON SEED adapted from the Dean Koontz novel.
SnowGlobe https://www.bitchute.com/channel/qGe8HYJwhZFy/
Many classics like THEM, THE DEADLY MANTIS, TARANTULA, ETC.
Public Domain Movies https://www.bitchute.com/channel/HAnzkC6dtY3W/
Good mix of sci-fi including Last Man on Earth, A Boy and his Dog, etc.
Return of the Creature Feature Show https://www.bitchute.com/channel/p2gCDPFAcrRW/
Mix of classic and more modern films including the original BBC production of 1984, The Twilight Zone, Chopping Mall, etc.
Virality Tee Vee https://www.youtube.com/c/Tribalwind69
Loads of classic science fiction and horror films.
Cult Cinema Classics https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCycDFnpMeWzaITQSD1dWsOA
More classic sci-fi and a huge mix of cult films.
Classic Science fiction and horror Audio stories –
Chip Slater’s Storytime Theater https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEjXtET5pj78xn_sgDNlbLQ
The best selection of novel length and short stories in audio format I have seen.
You name it, they probably have it.
Theaterinmyhead https://www.bitchute.com/channel/IWJPtaELed4Q/
Dimension X, BBC Radio, and many others.
NewThinkable https://www.youtube.com/user/NewThinkable
Great selection of science fiction and speculative fiction audio stories and interviews.
OTR Plot Spot https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEmCeuQtFeuQn2VOM8mVncg
Smallish but excellent selection of short stories in audio format.
Late Late Horror Show https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC25J6ueIa1L2NTqbbAeGN7A
Stunning collection of classic 30s,40s,50s,60s radio programs featuring all genres including
science fiction like X Minus One and a ton of old horror shows including Lights Out.
freeaudiobooks84 https://www.youtube.com/user/freeaudiobooks84
Decent selection of audio stories taken from Astounding Stories Pulp Magazine
Best Audio https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRfpyeH0ZOt23RT3HjpzoGw
More classic radio shows like Dimension X and Lights Out
Edward French https://www.youtube.com/user/FrenchEdward06
A huge mix of horror and science fiction including a fantastic 12 part audio version of John Campbell’s WHO GOES THERE, the basis for THE THING, narrated by Edward French.
Librivox Audio Books https://librivox.us/
Very good selection of mainly 19th, early 20th century classic science fiction.
Science Fiction related –
Conventions, fandom, etc.
https://fanac.org/ a fantastic site for science fiction lovers and convention goers, Fanac.org is superb. They also have a great youtube site convention footage, interviews, and more. All Worldcon conventions going back to the first in 1939…with photos!
Fanfac SF Authors, interviews, Conventions https://www.youtube.com/c/FANACFanHistory
Jay Kay Klein SF convention photos
https://calisphere.org/collections/26943/?q=&sort=a&start=1
An amazing 6000 photos from SF conventions spanning decades. A must see.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this episode of ROOM 101. If you have any additional sites or resources to suggest, please post them in the comments, and as always, please like and subscribe. Thank you.