The Mammoth Book of 20th Century Science Fiction: Volume Two

The Mammoth Book of... #2

by David G. Hartwell (Editor), James Blish (Contributor), J.-H. Rosny aîné (Contributor)

This volume, covering the period from the 1890s to the future, includes stories from founding fathers of the field like H.G. Wells and C.S. Lewis; beloved mainstays of the genre, such as Philip Jose Farmer, Roger Zelazny and Jack Vance; and, notable female writers, including Nancy Kress, and authors like Bruce Sterling, William Gibson and James Morrow, who have hit their stride in the last two decades. Also featured in this title are those widely recognised outside the genre, the celebrated writing of E.M. Forster and Michael Shaara, as well as translations of foreign writers' formative work including that of Wolfgang Jeschke and Dino Buzzati.

Contents:

* A Work of Art / James Blish;

* 2066: Election Day / Michael Shaara;

* The Rose / Charles Harness;

* The Time Machine / Dino Buzzati;

* Mother / Philip José Farmer;

* Veritas / James Morrow

* Enchanted Village / A. E. van Vogt;

* The King and the Dollmaker / Wolfgang Jeschke;

* Drunkboat / Cordwainer Smith;

* Another World / J. H. Rosny Aîné;

* If the Stars are Gods / Gordon Eklund and Gregory Benford;

* I Still Call Australia Home / George Turner;

* Liquid Sunshine / Alexander Kuprin;

* Greenslaves / Frank Herbert;

* He Who Shapes / Roger Zelazny;

* Beggars in Spain / Nancy Kress;

* Rumfuddle / Jack Vance.

Genres: Science Fiction

617 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

David Geddes Hartwell was an American editor of science fiction and fantasy. He worked for Signet (1971-1973), Berkley Putnam (1973-1978), Pocket (where he founded the Timescape imprint, 1978-1983, and created the Pocket Books Star Trek publishing line), and Tor (where he spearheaded Tor's Canadian publishing initiative, and was also influential in bringing many Australian writers to the US market, 1984-date), and has published numerous anthologies. He chaired the board of directors of the World Fantasy Convention and, with Gordon Van Gelder, was the administrator of the Philip K. Dick Award. He held a Ph.D. in comparative medieval literature.

He lived in Pleasantville, New York with his wife Kathryn Cramer and their two children.

Reviews

[Darla Ebert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A couple of the stories were compelling and imaginative. The classic sci fi authors were, as ever, the most interesting, particularly "If the Stars be gods". Though not (or ever will be) a Philip Jose' Farmer fan, yet I went ahead and read his contribution and was summarily revolted by what his imagination had conjured up. Though I respect his writing, and realizing he is accomplished and has longevity as an author, yet I just cannot make peace with his writing (for myself). Many of the stories have enough of the odd and out-there that sci fi readers require and so I would recommend this book.