rimworld n.
a planet orbiting a star near the edge of a galaxy, typically regarded as being isolated from mainstream galactic culture
SF Encyclopedia
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1955
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James White
bibliography
If they hadn’t insisted on a certain surplus of fuel and credits being available at all times, C-ships would have become marooned on out-of-the-way colonies and their service would have collapsed. Out here on the impoverished Rim worlds, they were hated like poison. But it wasn’t like that in the Centre.
Star Walk in New Worlds Science Fiction (#33) Mar. 40 -
1957
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Robert A. Heinlein
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Hydra was cruising above speed-of-light toward the Rim world Ultima Thule, where she would refuel and start prowling for outlaws.
Citizen of Galaxy in Astounding Science Fiction Nov. 125/2 -
1959
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A. Bertram Chandler
bibliography
So this, he thought, is Lorn, industrial hub of the Rim Worlds. This is as far as I go. This is where I get off. There’s no farther to go.
Run the Rim in Astounding Science Fiction Jan. 9/1 -
1962
Michael Moorcock
bibliography
Two years previously Renark had suddenly resigned from his position as Warden of the Rim Worlds.
Sundered Worlds in Science Fiction Adventures (#29) Nov.–Dec. 7 -
1965
John Brunner
bibliography
The Empire never embraced the whole of the galaxy, though people generally assume it did. It could be a Rim world, some distance from the hub.
Altar on Asconel iii. 20 -
1977
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Colin Kapp
bibliography
That argument sounds convincing to us, but I doubt if it would cut much ice on a Rim world before the alien threat became a reality.
Chaos Weapon in Vortex May 10/3 -
1982
Jane Yolen
bibliography
Betting syndicates developed, and starship crews on long rim-world voyages began to frequent the planets for illicit gambling.
Dragon’s Blood xii -
1999
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Eric Brown
bibliography
The very sailship journey from the rim world of Tartarus to the Core planet of Million would have bankrupted him.
Hunting the Slarque in Interzone Mar. 8/2 -
2015 Starburst (#417) Oct. 103/1
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The central plot revolves around a gathering of Imperial leaders (called Moffs) gathering on Akiva, a distant Outer Rim world.
Research requirements
antedating 1957
Earliest cite
Robert A. Heinlein, "Citizen of the Galaxy"
Research History
Treesong submitted a 1959 cite from Bertram Chandler.Douglas Winston submitted a 1977 cite from Colin Kapp's "The Chaos Weapon".
Douglas Winston submitted a 1965 cite for the form "Rim world" from John Brunner's "The Altar on Asconel".
Douglas Winston submitted a cite from a 1984 reprint of Jane Yolen's 1982 "Dragon's Blood".
Dan Tilque suggested "Rimworld Legacy" by F.A Javor, and Douglas Winston submitted cites from the 1967 first printing.
Irene Grumman submitted a 1962 cite from Michael Moorcock's "The Sundered Worlds".
Fred Galvin submitted a cite for "Rim world" from a reprint of Robert A. Heinlein's "Citizen of the Galaxy": Mike Christie verified this in its original publication in Astounding Science Fiction, November 1957.
Last modified 2022-05-06 14:43:46
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entries, HDSF has drawn extensively on corresponding entries
in OED.