Grotto of the Dancing Deer and Other Stories / Heritage of Stars / City

by Clifford D. Simak

Two classic novels and a short story collection from the legendary Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author in one volume. This volume from an icon of the Golden Age of science fiction In this International Fantasy Award–winning novel, millennia have passed since humankind abandoned Earth, leaving their most loyal animal companions alone. Granted the power of speech centuries earlier, the intelligent, pacifist dogs are the last keepers of human history. With the aid of Jenkins, an ageless service robot, the dogs live in harmony and peace. But now they’re threatened by the reawakened remnants of a warlike race called “Man.” A Heritage of More than a thousand years have passed since humankind intentionally destroyed its treacherous technology. The scant knowledge that has survived is kept in monastery-like “universities” where Tom Cushing learns of the legendary “Place of Going to the Stars.” On an amazing trek across what was once America, Tom and a band of misfits seek the source of the myth, only to discover an astonishing revelation at the end of their journey. Grotto of the Dancing Ten tales of wonder, danger, and the future, including the Hugo and Nebula Award–winning “Grotto of the Dancing Deer,” in which a man carrying an ancient secret finally speaks up, unable to bear any longer the loneliness he has experienced for millennia; “Over the River,” where children from an embattled future are sent back for safekeeping to their ancestors in the peaceful past; “Day of Truce,” about the inhabitants of a suburban subdivision who must barricade themselves against bands of roving attackers who invade when the gates open wide one day every year; and seven more stories from a master of speculative fiction.

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories

858 pages, ebook

Published October 31, 2017

About the author

"He was honored by fans with three Hugo awards and by colleagues with one Nebula award and was named the third Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) in 1977." (Wikipedia)

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clifford...

Reviews

[Karen O'Brien]

I didn't read all of the books. Just City. It is made up of 8 short stories all from a Robot and Dog perspective. At first it was hard to get into. But once I caught onto the characters I really enjoyed it. Made you think what would the world be like it Humans weren't the best known race?

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heritage of Stars is an imaginative view of our distant future, made fascinating only because of Simak's references to a future history marred by an apocalypse caused by man's dependency on technology. Very enjoyable, indeed!

[John Cottingham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simak

Clifford D Simak is a grand master of science fiction. What else can I say other than read everything you can by him. You won't be disappointed.

[Patricia B. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this box set!

I stumbled on Simak from goodreads or bookbub with this boxset. I gave Simak a try after reading reviews of the 3 books included. Now I buy Simak whenever his series or single booms are featured for $2 or $3 on Amazon. Grotto contains several short stories which I enjoyed. Heritage of the stars was an engaging look at a future where technology is basically banished. Wonderful story. City is one of his most famous books and very interesting look at a future earth which is inhabited by robots and intelligent animals who can talk. Humans have all moved to Jupiter. Simak had a great imagination. I look forward to reading his other works. If you havent read anything by him, give him a try.