- Paperback: 448 pages
- Publisher: Vintage (Oct 17 2000)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0375703756
- ISBN-13: 978-0375703751
- Product Dimensions: 13.1 x 2.4 x 20.2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 349 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #627,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Booklist
Winner of the Hugo and Nebula Awards, the World Fantasy Life Achievement Award, and the International Fantasy Award, Sturgeon was a master of sf and fantasy. He wrote more than 200 short stories and novels and inspired such peers as Ray Bradbury, Kurt Vonnegut, and Stephen King. This book collects 12 of his best short stories, dating from 1940 to 1980. Sturgeon placed greater emphasis on character interactions than on story line, which make it difficult, at times, to form a clear picture of the plot. The stories are reminiscent of episodes of the TV series Outer Limits in the variety of their settings: after a nuclear holocaust, on a mysterious planet that causes regressive evolution, in the home of a man who can cure illnesses by unconventional means, etc. An excellent introduction to one of the most respected and influential sf writers. Bryan Baldus
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
"The Sturgeon magic does not diminish with the years. His stories have a timeless quality and a universality which is beyond fantasy and science fiction." —Madeleine L'Engle
"To the extent that the short story is an art, Sturgeon is the American short story writer. The fact that he happened to be writing science fiction was a glorious accident." -Samuel R. Delany
"Sturgeon is a master storyteller certain to fascinate." -Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
"To the extent that the short story is an art, Sturgeon is the American short story writer. The fact that he happened to be writing science fiction was a glorious accident." -Samuel R. Delany
"Sturgeon is a master storyteller certain to fascinate." -Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Some gems amidst the standard sci-fi fare,
By Dave Deubler (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Selected Stories (Paperback)
This is yet another re-release of some of Sturgeon's classic science fiction. If you're already a fan, this volume contains several favorites. If you aren't familiar with the Master's work, this is probably as good a place as any to start. "Thunder and Roses" takes place after a devastating nuclear first strike, and features a beautiful entertainer's plea to prevent a terrible retaliation. The survivors' despair is movingly portrayed, but doesn't get in the way of the story's main point: can mutual destruction be justified in the context of basic human values? "The Golden Helix" shows a space expedition marooned on an unknown planet learning that despite their trials, life manages to go on. In "Mr. Costello, Hero" a smooth talking blackmailer sells his snake oil to a burgeoning society, while in "The Skills of Xanadu" an arrogant scout who dreams of conquest is baffled by the simple folk of edenic Xanadu. Some of the longer tales are less to this reviewer's liking: "Killdozer!" features lots of action and focuses on the technical aspects of heavy machinery at the expense of clever plotting and ideas, while "The [Widget], the [Wadget], and Boff" loses its momentum by following the various residents of the boardinghouse and their subplots instead of advancing the (rather weak) main story. Still, neither piece is completely without entertainment value. Women are often in danger in Sturgeon's stories, but at least they aren't ignored altogether as is too often the case with classic sci-fi. And there are several stories, including "The Sex of Opposite" and "Slow Sculpture", where a woman shares the lead with a man. Best of all, "Bright Segment", which shows a lonely man trying to care for a wounded stranger, and the monologue of "The Man Who Lost the Sea" feature not only completely unexpected endings (reminiscent of O. Henry), but also a searing emotional intensity that almost seems to transcend the genre. It's on the basis of stories like these that some claim that great science fiction can be great literature.
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Best Book Ever Written.,
By A Customer
This review is from: Selected Stories (Paperback)
Perhaps the above is an over statment, but as far as I'm concerned this book should have #1 sales rank. You will not be dissatisfied with this book. If you are skeptical simply read through the first story "Thunder and Roses," it explores an old theme, nuclear war, but the way that Sturgeon presents it is simply unforgetable. If for nothing else, this book should be purchased for the story, "The man who lost the sea." As far as I'm concerned it is the crowning achievement of Western Civilization, once again, an over statment, but it is the most thought provoking, interesting, and wonderful story that has ever been published. Don't be discouraged from reading his stories because he is science fiction. He transcends the boundaries from sci-fi, to drama, to suspense, to humor. He is an incredible writer who just happened to be writing about technology.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly recommended from a "so-so" fan,
By Babytoxie (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Selected Stories (Paperback)
I've never enjoyed Sturgeon's novels, but his short stories are another matter. It's about time that his best were collected again, this time around by Vintage Press, and they do a great job. Actually, it's a shame that this is a more expensive trade format, but this is happening more and more with the truly meaningful sci-fi, while the latest waves of absolute crap clutter the mass-market shelves. Anyway, every story in this collection evokes a "whoa!" upon completion, and it's definitely a good investment for someone who enjoys more meat in their reading.This book includes Thunder & Roses; The Golden Helix; Mr. Costello, Hero; Bianca's Hands; The Skills of Xanadu; Killdozer!; Bright Segment; The Sex Opposite; The Widget, The Wadget, & Boff; It; A Way of Thinking; The Man Who Lost The Sea; and Slow Sculpture. If you want to read some truly remarkable stories, make this your next purchase.
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