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Postmark Ganymede
Postmark Ganymede is presented here in a high quality paperback edition. This popular classic work by Robert Silverberg is in the English language, and may not include graphics or images from the original edition. If you enjoy the works of Robert Silverberg then we highly recommend this publication for your book collection.
26 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2008
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65 people want to read
About the author
Robert Silverberg
2,344 books1,603 followersThere are many authors in the database with this name.
Robert Silverberg is a highly celebrated American science fiction author and editor known for his prolific output and literary range. Over a career spanning decades, he has won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards and was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 2004. Inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 1999, Silverberg is recognized for both his immense productivity and his contributions to the genre's evolution.
Born in Brooklyn, he began writing in his teens and won his first Hugo Award in 1956 as the best new writer. Throughout the 1950s, he produced vast amounts of fiction, often under pseudonyms, and was known for writing up to a million words a year. When the market declined, he diversified into other genres, including historical nonfiction and erotica.
Silverberg’s return to science fiction in the 1960s marked a shift toward deeper psychological and literary themes, contributing significantly to the New Wave movement. Acclaimed works from this period include Downward to the Earth, Dying Inside, Nightwings, and The World Inside. In the 1980s, he launched the Majipoor series with Lord Valentine’s Castle, creating one of the most imaginative planetary settings in science fiction.
Though he announced his retirement from writing in the mid-1970s, Silverberg returned with renewed vigor and continued to publish acclaimed fiction into the 1990s. He received further recognition with the Nebula-winning Sailing to Byzantium and the Hugo-winning Gilgamesh in the Outback.
Silverberg has also played a significant role as an editor and anthologist, shaping science fiction literature through both his own work and his influence on others. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, author Karen Haber.
Robert Silverberg is a highly celebrated American science fiction author and editor known for his prolific output and literary range. Over a career spanning decades, he has won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards and was named a Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America in 2004. Inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 1999, Silverberg is recognized for both his immense productivity and his contributions to the genre's evolution.
Born in Brooklyn, he began writing in his teens and won his first Hugo Award in 1956 as the best new writer. Throughout the 1950s, he produced vast amounts of fiction, often under pseudonyms, and was known for writing up to a million words a year. When the market declined, he diversified into other genres, including historical nonfiction and erotica.
Silverberg’s return to science fiction in the 1960s marked a shift toward deeper psychological and literary themes, contributing significantly to the New Wave movement. Acclaimed works from this period include Downward to the Earth, Dying Inside, Nightwings, and The World Inside. In the 1980s, he launched the Majipoor series with Lord Valentine’s Castle, creating one of the most imaginative planetary settings in science fiction.
Though he announced his retirement from writing in the mid-1970s, Silverberg returned with renewed vigor and continued to publish acclaimed fiction into the 1990s. He received further recognition with the Nebula-winning Sailing to Byzantium and the Hugo-winning Gilgamesh in the Outback.
Silverberg has also played a significant role as an editor and anthologist, shaping science fiction literature through both his own work and his influence on others. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife, author Karen Haber.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
July 13, 2015
A very early Silverberg, actually not very good, very dated.
Interestingly, if you go to the Amazon site, Silverberg says this about his own story:
"This is a very early story of mine, not very good, that I deliberately allowed to go out of print. Some pirate publisher picked it up and has been distributing it all over the Internet. Don't waste good electrons on this one -- if you want to read something of mine, there's plenty else to choose from."
Basically a rocket hero patrol officer has been degraded to the postal carriers and he must strive to demonstrate his worth without blasters. Along the way we meet space pirates and ice worms. Yeah.
** Bonus Silverberg Bucks to the WAY COOL GR hero who can guess my obscure illustration**
Interestingly, if you go to the Amazon site, Silverberg says this about his own story:
"This is a very early story of mine, not very good, that I deliberately allowed to go out of print. Some pirate publisher picked it up and has been distributing it all over the Internet. Don't waste good electrons on this one -- if you want to read something of mine, there's plenty else to choose from."
Basically a rocket hero patrol officer has been degraded to the postal carriers and he must strive to demonstrate his worth without blasters. Along the way we meet space pirates and ice worms. Yeah.
** Bonus Silverberg Bucks to the WAY COOL GR hero who can guess my obscure illustration**
January 17, 2016
One of several run of the mill pulp scifi by an author learning his craft. Or simply needing to get paid. In step with much of the Garrett/Silverberg collaborations of the early fifties when Silverberg was had a deal going with Galaxy and IF editor Frederik Pohl, where he agreed to publish anything he wrote sight unseen.
This story is available "all over the net" (and in the publc domain, I believe) much to the author's annoyance.
This story is available "all over the net" (and in the publc domain, I believe) much to the author's annoyance.
August 8, 2020
Robert Silverberg was 22 years old when this short story was published in the September 1957 issue of Amazing Science Fiction. That year, by my count, Silverberg wrote (or co-wrote in only a few cases) 84 short stories, of which this was his 63rd. In addition he published two novels, two essays, and 16 reviews of other writers' works such as Heinlein's Double Star and Dick's The Variable Man and Other Stories to name just two. Was Robert Silverberg a team of writers? What unbelievable production!
This story is reasonably well-written. Having just read a story Silverberg co-wrote with Garett, I can see here this is Silverberg's writing. His word choices are more sophisticated, and although he is writing to young teens, he isn't ridiculously pandering to them. Not only is the story well-written, there's some decent suspense and a clever solution to the problem posed by the situation of the story.
Other reviewers indicate that Silverberg in recent years is embarassed by the fact this story is widely available now on the internet at no charge. He considers it one of his lesser efforts. True, it's not Silverberg's best work by any means. Churning product out at that rate, how could it be? But the story makes for an easy hour's read on a weekend afternoon. Worth the time. Not only that, but this opportunity to read free Silverberg has awakened an interest in me to read other of his novels, ones I recently paid for. In my opinion Silverberg should consider granting permission for more of his work to be issued for free, especially lead-offs to his series work. I think he would find it lucrative to do so.
This story is reasonably well-written. Having just read a story Silverberg co-wrote with Garett, I can see here this is Silverberg's writing. His word choices are more sophisticated, and although he is writing to young teens, he isn't ridiculously pandering to them. Not only is the story well-written, there's some decent suspense and a clever solution to the problem posed by the situation of the story.
Other reviewers indicate that Silverberg in recent years is embarassed by the fact this story is widely available now on the internet at no charge. He considers it one of his lesser efforts. True, it's not Silverberg's best work by any means. Churning product out at that rate, how could it be? But the story makes for an easy hour's read on a weekend afternoon. Worth the time. Not only that, but this opportunity to read free Silverberg has awakened an interest in me to read other of his novels, ones I recently paid for. In my opinion Silverberg should consider granting permission for more of his work to be issued for free, especially lead-offs to his series work. I think he would find it lucrative to do so.
August 31, 2016
"I'm washed up," Preston growled bitterly. "They made a postman out of me. Me—a postman!"
Not that kind of postman though. Preston was going to be a space postman, delivering mail to Ganymede, the icy moon of distant Jupiter. Still, he used to work for the Space Patrol Service, piloting a ship with guns aboard, so this felt like a demotion.
But when he arrives at Ganymede he finds his destination guarded by a nuisance so much worse than even the most territorial of Scots Terriers, so he needs to use to use all his ingenuity to ensure that the mail gets delivered.
Passable short story from Silverberg, first published in 1957 and available to read online. You're local postie will appreciate the sentiment.
Not that kind of postman though. Preston was going to be a space postman, delivering mail to Ganymede, the icy moon of distant Jupiter. Still, he used to work for the Space Patrol Service, piloting a ship with guns aboard, so this felt like a demotion.
But when he arrives at Ganymede he finds his destination guarded by a nuisance so much worse than even the most territorial of Scots Terriers, so he needs to use to use all his ingenuity to ensure that the mail gets delivered.
Passable short story from Silverberg, first published in 1957 and available to read online. You're local postie will appreciate the sentiment.
May 12, 2022
Space pilot Hal Preston is recruited to deliver mail to an Earth colony on the Jovian moon of Ganymede. After narrowly escaping an attack by space pirates, Preston arrives at his destination only to be denied permission to land as the domed settlement is under attack by giant ice worms. Nevertheless, the mail must get through...
I found it humorous that Silverberg's vision of the future has space flight and colonies on other worlds, but still requires the delivery of snail mail.
I found it humorous that Silverberg's vision of the future has space flight and colonies on other worlds, but still requires the delivery of snail mail.
July 31, 2011
Future postal carriers may need to go postal from time to time.
Audio Book MP3 downloaded from
http://librivox.org/short-science-fic...
Public Domain stories from Project Gutenberg, that are read by volunteers.
I listen to these short stories while walking to and from work.
Play Duration: 00:17:20
Read By: tabithat
Audio Book MP3 downloaded from
http://librivox.org/short-science-fic...
Public Domain stories from Project Gutenberg, that are read by volunteers.
I listen to these short stories while walking to and from work.
Play Duration: 00:17:20
Read By: tabithat
October 19, 2025
Postmark Ganymede
I just finished a short story about a space traveling mailman set sometime in the far future … far enough into the future that Lt. Preston was delivering “snail mail” to one of the moons orbiting Jupiter. So, is this story anything like the previous one I finished yesterday, The Man Who Saved The Earth? The answer to that question is “no, it is not.”
And why isn’t Postmark Ganymede anything like the previous selection? Because this science fiction story is absolutely ridiculous. How, you ask? Because for one reason … Silverberg wrote this story that is supposed to take place in the far future … far enough away that the trip to the planet Jupiter’s moon was treated like it was a trip across town. That’s one ridiculous idea; another is the fact that mail carrier’s exist in that future time … would a technology that used rocket ships like we use cars and SUV's, have a paper mail delivery service? I think not. An era probably three hundred years into the future that is communicating with the written word residing on a paper medium is quite preposterous.
Postmark Ganymede missed the mark; it is a story written about the future and the technology in it, but it is a cheap imitation of a true science fiction story at best; at worst it’s an example of a contemporary story with the stuff of science fiction pasted in … ubiquitous rocket ships, thrusters, ray guns, sonic blasters and the alien life forms found only on those alien worlds way out in space abound in such stories. It’s easy to write about your humdrum lifestyle and juice it up to make it into a sci-fi thriller.
I read this one mainly to pass some fifteen or twenty minutes before the sun crossed further along the October afternoon sky so that my rocket car would now be in the shade. I’ve got to get those thrusters from Rocket Parts Unlimited installed before my trip to Alpha Beta 6 or I’ll be stuck in an orbit around the Earth … and a tow rocket costs an arm and a leg two-hundred miles above my neck of the woods. I'd miss my vacation to that pristine planet for sure and this is the best time for a quick trip to AB 6 because I wouldn't have to go through the Asteroid Belt. Space rocks and Mercury Galaxie 500's don’t mix. My insurance company, Celestial Travels, has eliminated interplanetary coverage from June through December, as the risk of traveling through the “Belt” is deemed “too risky to the company.” And they offer the best rates, so changing companies now would be a stupid thing to do. Now, where’s that thruster decalibrater … I can never find it … thank goodness the atomic orbitron doesn’t need to be changed … that’s too much for this shade tree mechanic to mess with.
So, using the previous paragraph as an example, we can see that all you have to do to write a science fiction story is throw in a few futuristic terms, here and there, and voilà … there you have it … science fiction writing made easy.
As far as Silverberg’s Postmark Ganymede … I’ll give it three stars because the author was an apprentice writer just breaking into the business. ***
I just finished a short story about a space traveling mailman set sometime in the far future … far enough into the future that Lt. Preston was delivering “snail mail” to one of the moons orbiting Jupiter. So, is this story anything like the previous one I finished yesterday, The Man Who Saved The Earth? The answer to that question is “no, it is not.”
And why isn’t Postmark Ganymede anything like the previous selection? Because this science fiction story is absolutely ridiculous. How, you ask? Because for one reason … Silverberg wrote this story that is supposed to take place in the far future … far enough away that the trip to the planet Jupiter’s moon was treated like it was a trip across town. That’s one ridiculous idea; another is the fact that mail carrier’s exist in that future time … would a technology that used rocket ships like we use cars and SUV's, have a paper mail delivery service? I think not. An era probably three hundred years into the future that is communicating with the written word residing on a paper medium is quite preposterous.
Postmark Ganymede missed the mark; it is a story written about the future and the technology in it, but it is a cheap imitation of a true science fiction story at best; at worst it’s an example of a contemporary story with the stuff of science fiction pasted in … ubiquitous rocket ships, thrusters, ray guns, sonic blasters and the alien life forms found only on those alien worlds way out in space abound in such stories. It’s easy to write about your humdrum lifestyle and juice it up to make it into a sci-fi thriller.
I read this one mainly to pass some fifteen or twenty minutes before the sun crossed further along the October afternoon sky so that my rocket car would now be in the shade. I’ve got to get those thrusters from Rocket Parts Unlimited installed before my trip to Alpha Beta 6 or I’ll be stuck in an orbit around the Earth … and a tow rocket costs an arm and a leg two-hundred miles above my neck of the woods. I'd miss my vacation to that pristine planet for sure and this is the best time for a quick trip to AB 6 because I wouldn't have to go through the Asteroid Belt. Space rocks and Mercury Galaxie 500's don’t mix. My insurance company, Celestial Travels, has eliminated interplanetary coverage from June through December, as the risk of traveling through the “Belt” is deemed “too risky to the company.” And they offer the best rates, so changing companies now would be a stupid thing to do. Now, where’s that thruster decalibrater … I can never find it … thank goodness the atomic orbitron doesn’t need to be changed … that’s too much for this shade tree mechanic to mess with.
So, using the previous paragraph as an example, we can see that all you have to do to write a science fiction story is throw in a few futuristic terms, here and there, and voilà … there you have it … science fiction writing made easy.
As far as Silverberg’s Postmark Ganymede … I’ll give it three stars because the author was an apprentice writer just breaking into the business. ***
August 28, 2019
An RS. Syfy. Novella (PG)
RS. has penned a SYFY. novella about a replace combat pilot who became a Space postman. Once he was assigned to the new job he went to work. Unfortunately, his two sides guards were old friends. During the delivery of the mail they were shot down protecting him. He lands among giant ice worms by sprinkling petrol on them and then setting it on fire. He delivers the mail with a different outlook. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
RS. has penned a SYFY. novella about a replace combat pilot who became a Space postman. Once he was assigned to the new job he went to work. Unfortunately, his two sides guards were old friends. During the delivery of the mail they were shot down protecting him. He lands among giant ice worms by sprinkling petrol on them and then setting it on fire. He delivers the mail with a different outlook. This is an excellent read for the genre.....DEHS
June 3, 2021
Cute fantasy listening
Due to eye issues and damage Alexa reads to me.
A wonderful will written fantasy Sci-Fi adventure thriller novella with an interesting main character. The story line is fast moving in space as our hero is reassigned to deliver the mall and it turns into an adventure. I would recommend this novella to readers looking for a quick interesting read. Enjoy the adventure of reading 2021
Due to eye issues and damage Alexa reads to me.
A wonderful will written fantasy Sci-Fi adventure thriller novella with an interesting main character. The story line is fast moving in space as our hero is reassigned to deliver the mall and it turns into an adventure. I would recommend this novella to readers looking for a quick interesting read. Enjoy the adventure of reading 2021
August 4, 2017
Nice little story, but nothing special. Certainly didn't hold up well, and even in 1935, Silverberg should have easily realized that physical delivery of mail was unlikely to be used for interplanetary communication.
January 26, 2023
This is a modest story, well written and poignant despite its lack of any great depth or complexity. The kind of adventure that would appeal to a young person who's only just beginning to grow into the wisdom of realizing that all apparent setbacks are not necessarily what they seem.
September 25, 2018
In Librivox col Vol 017. Ex soldier demoted to postal service fights his fate valiantly. Excellent
November 28, 2021
3 out of 5
October 29, 2025
Great period scifi, short story by a master.
July 17, 2014
[ A new job you do not like,or you think is much less in dignity and much less-demanding than your precious job. And getting to see your own colleagues in the post you used to work. That's the first part.]
+
[ Something comes along that demands your skills and the colleagues are rendered helpless in it. You work on it and clear the issue. You are the hero. You like your job. Bye bye,frustration,irritation and all other -tions. Happily ever after. ]
Consider this in an out-of-the-earth scenario,like in inter-planetary stuff. You get the story,right.?
The story is something that happens on a daily basis on this planet earth and the only new thing is the location. So I can't say it's a brilliant work of imagination,but it's good. Things like pirate asteroidal belt and interplanetary mail delivery doesn't come to the lesser minds,right.?!
+
[ Something comes along that demands your skills and the colleagues are rendered helpless in it. You work on it and clear the issue. You are the hero. You like your job. Bye bye,frustration,irritation and all other -tions. Happily ever after. ]
Consider this in an out-of-the-earth scenario,like in inter-planetary stuff. You get the story,right.?
The story is something that happens on a daily basis on this planet earth and the only new thing is the location. So I can't say it's a brilliant work of imagination,but it's good. Things like pirate asteroidal belt and interplanetary mail delivery doesn't come to the lesser minds,right.?!
December 17, 2012
Now these are mailmen. Fun short story.
February 3, 2018
"This is a very early story of mine, not very good, that I deliberately allowed to go out of print." - Nuff said.
September 23, 2020
2.5 stars
Listened to it on Librivox.
This was a 8 page short story.
Listened to it on Librivox.
This was a 8 page short story.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews