Decade: The 1960s

Decade #3

by Brian W. Aldiss (Editor), Harry Harrison (Editor)

The Decade anthologies present the eighty-year history of science fiction in the most relevant way - by collecting the stories which have gone to make it up. Each volume, complete in itself, takes from a single decade the tales which are best, not only as history, but as entertainment.

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories, Anthologies

287 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Pseudonyms: Jael Cracken, Peter Pica, John Runciman, C.C. Shackleton, Arch Mendicant, & "Doc" Peristyle.

Brian Wilson Aldiss was one of the most important voices in science fiction writing today. He wrote his first novel while working as a bookseller in Oxford. Shortly afterwards he wrote his first work of science fiction and soon gained international recognition. Adored for his innovative literary techniques, evocative plots and irresistible characters, he became a Grand Master of Science Fiction in 1999.
Brian Aldiss died on August 19, 2017, just after celebrating his 92nd birthday with his family and closest friends.

Brian W. Aldiss Group on Good Reads

Reviews

[Jaq · Rating 1 out of 5]

I grew up reading the science fiction of the 1960’s and 1970’s, and it’s now looking back at the lack of the female voice, or representations in these stories, where apart from one tale of a mother having a breakdown, women are mere ciphers, placed into the stories for either sex, or as a monster.

So if you’re looking for a collection where your need for the days when women where simply put into a story to serve men, then this collection is for you.

[Bruce Harpham · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Decade the 1960s" is the third and final collection of decade based collections of science fiction stories edited by Aldiss and Harrison. Earlier this year, I read and enjoyed their prior volumes covering the 1940s and 1950s. Of the three collections, I probably enjoyed the 1950s colllection the most.

The Decade 1960s starts with an excellent introduction to science fiction trends that defined the 1960s. The introductory essay is one of my favourite parts of the book. There were several stories that I enjoyed a great deal like "The Electric Ant" by Philip K Dick, "Computers Don't Argue" by Gordon R. Dickson, "Day Million" by Frederik Pohl and "Hawksbill Station" by Robert Silverberg.

Other stories in the collection simply felt too weird or experimental for me to enjoy. Nonetheless, I am pleased to have read all three of these collections. I think I am much better informed about the nature and development of the science fiction genre than I was a year ago.

[Andi Chorley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great selection of sci-fi short stories from the 60s by Brian Aldiss. Particular favourites are Descending by Disch and The Electric Ant by Phillip k Dick.