Days of future past

St. Paul, Minn. — If you grew up anytime after the World's Fair of 1939, you've probably had many a glimpse into the marvelous future and the technological marvels it was to hold. By now, weren't we supposed to be jetting around on personal hovercraft, returning home to our robotic staff who serve us capsules with the nutrition of a whole meal, and then taking a video phone call from Mr. Spacely back at the office?

Well the future is here, but doesn't look much like the Jetsons. Despite considerable technological advances in the past generation, some of the futuristic predictions from back in the 20th century just look silly. Minneapolis authors Eric and Jonathan Dregni have collected long ago futuristic images in a book called "Follies of Science: 20th Century Visions of our Fantastic Future." MPR's Tom Crann spoke with the Dregni brothers about the days of future past.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 11/14/2006, 4:40 p.m.