Video: Watch Theodore Sturgeon's 1979 Speech on 'Asking the Next Question'

A sci-fi legend comes to life in this clip from Minicon 15. 

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  • Photo Credit: Alchetron

The late Theodore Sturgeon was a Nebula, Hugo, and World Fantasy Award winner, as well as a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. Given his many accolades, Sturgeon—whose work was part of the New Wave of Sci-Fi—can seem larger than life. But the video clip below, from Minicon 1979 in Minneapolis, offers an intimate and humanizing look at the great author. 

In a speech that's both humorous and heartfelt, Sturgeon explores his philosophy of "asking the next question," the inescapability of impermanence, and his belief that "90% of everything is crud"—including science fiction. 

Minicon is a Minnesota-based annual SFF convention. During the April, 1979 event, Sturgeon, Rick Sternbach, and Tom Digby were all guests of honor. Sturgeon is introduced in the clip above by toastmaster Bob Vardeman. 

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