Fergus, Dyjan
Entry updated 24 March 2025. Tagged: Author.
Pseudonym used by Canadian bookkeeper and chemist Ida May Ferguson (1871-1899) – whose married name from 1898 was Thompson – for her only novel, Tisab Ting; or, The Electrical Kiss (1896). This tale, one of the earliest Canadian sf novels and apparently the first by a Canadian woman, is set a century in the future of its time of writing, and tells of a man from newly powerful China who comes to Canada in hopes of marrying the daughter of his father's late Canadian friend. He uses his father's Invention, "the electrical kiss", to seduce her. The speculative elements are relatively minor – a different world order, more advanced motorcars and ships (see Transportation), and some better educational opportunities for women (see Education in SF). [RHo]
Ida May Ferguson [later Thompson]
born Montreal, Quebec: 4 February 1871
died Montreal, Quebec: 27 July 1899
works
- Tisab Ting; or, The Electrical Kiss (Toronto, Ontario: The Hunter, Rose Co Ltd, 1896) [hb/]
links
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