A tribute to Philippe Kerval, the pioneer of neo-French science fiction

He was one of the pioneers of the new French science fiction. Philip Corval, whose real name was Philip Tronch, died on August 5 at the age of 93. He was one of the authors who reformulated the science fiction genre in the early 1960s.

A friend of Roland Topor, he was the winner of several awards, particularly for his dystopia This dear humanity. He has been translated into 14 countries and has published about forty novels and more than 200 short stories.

Reported by Philip Kerval Lottie’s memoryone of his last novels released in 2018 dealing with the theme of the utopia.

Literary critic but also one of the first journalists to talk about science fiction. Books in various media such as the world or Literary Journal. Anthologist, publisher, essayist, and advocate for the French SF also exposed Serge Brossolo in 1978.

Philippe Carval also shone for his anecdotes and generosity. He did not hesitate to advise young writers on writing. He also shared his passion for contemporary art with his partner, Anne Tronch, a critic and historian specializing in French art since the 1960s.

Somewhat forgotten by the general public, his fiction is currently experiencing a renaissance thanks to the work of La Volte. Alain Damasio’s publisher publishes updates on the author and brings out his old texts in beautiful editions.

What does Philip Kerval read?

• If you are fond of utopia, read on Lottie’s memory which tells the adventures of a married couple on a planet like no other where life is good. This novel reads itself and remains a great poem of love.

• If you like space opera, you should definitely check out Space backwash. It is an extraterrestrial invasion story that can be described as harmonious. Aliens will telepathically take possession of humans and offer them a happy life. Many accept this submission, except for a group of Puritans who resist of their own free will. This novel has sold 150,000 copies since its publication in 1962.

• Finally, this year Philippe Kerval publishes his last named work Rosethorn face. This unclassifiable, fictional biopic tells the story of the avant-garde and neo-realism of the 1960s with a beautiful female character.