The Golem

by Avram Davidson

Genres: Short Stories, Science Fiction, Fantasy

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Avram Davidson was an American Jewish writer of fantasy fiction, science fiction, and crime fiction, as well as the author of many stories that do not fit into a genre niche. He won a Hugo Award and three World Fantasy Awards in the science fiction and fantasy genre, a World Fantasy Life Achievement award, and a Queen's Award and an Edgar Award in the mystery genre. Davidson edited The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction from 1962 to 1964. His last novel The Boss in the Wall: A Treatise on the House Devil was completed by Grania Davis and was a Nebula Award finalist in 1998. The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction says "he is perhaps sf's most explicitly literary author".

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Davidson was an incredibly inventive and totally unique voice in SFF and a true master especially in short story form. The Golem is one of his best early works, exhibiting his wry sense of humor and off the wall imagination. Listen for free at this wonderful podcast dedicated to his writing, including a portion of a reading performed by Leonard Nimoy https://www.buzzsprout.com/1310005/10...

[Peter Tillman · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of Avram's early classics, from 1955 I think. A must-read, especially if you like Jewish humor. Story link: https://web.archive.org/web/200402160...

[Roman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it! It was definitely meant to be written with comedy as the intention which I love to see in science fiction writing so take a light hearted approach to it. It was a quick read but overall I think its pretty realistic to how grandparents act :)

[Irish Valentine · Rating 3 out of 5]

read this for school
v fun

[Jim Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story revolves around the humorous meeting between an elderly Jewish couple, Mr. and Mrs. Gumbeiner, and the the Golem. The enjoyment of this wonderful story does require some understanding of the Jewish people and Jewish folklore otherwise it may fall a little flat.