Beyond Jack Vance discussion
The Short Stories
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Great post, Jaro.My goal is to read everything by Jack Vance, and so far I've read majority of his novels, but only a few of his short stories: The Dragon Masters, The Last Castle, The Kragen and Sjambak.
The reason for this is not because of my lack of interest, but because all of Vance's collections are out of print, and usually very pricey in second-hand bookstores. Subterranian Press editions are also too expensive for me, and I generally avoid ebooks. So, it's going to take some time to dig them all out and obtain them, but I'll get there eventually.
I've found Green Magic online for free, so it's next on my to-read list.
I'm happy to say I read through the entire Compact Vance Integral Edition. It scattered the stories throughout the volumes, where I would have preferred to read them in chronological order. Definitely worthwhile, though. There are certainly some weak stories, but a lot of good stuff as well. "The Next Prime" is one of my favorite stories of all time.Spatterlight Press (which is basically Vance's son) is in my view the best place to get these as ebooks. Prices are reasonable, and if you get all the story collections, you get all the stories, with no overlap. Most other collections leave something out.
Bokeshi wrote: "Great post, Jaro.My goal is to read everything by Jack Vance, and so far I've read majority of his novels, but only a few of his short stories: The Dragon Masters, The Last Castle, The Kragen and..."
I'm also going for everything. I've read about 25 of the novels so far, and still have quite a few left. And then all the short stories. I've just acquired the VIE, so at least I have everything within reach.
Jaro wrote: "...I've just acquired the VIE..."Wonderful! A true fan. Enjoy! In volume 44, turn to page 466, and find my name about half-way down. A minor contributor, but very proud, even for only just that.
I'm just edging up to that time of year, when it will be my
pleasure to re-read The Demon Princes for the eight time.
As for JV's short stories, a favorite of mine is Three-legged Joe. Also Ullward's Retreat. Both of these I have translated into Esperanto along with some others. A most interesting study is the two Cugel books, which are comprised of chapters that each stand on their own as short stories ... and indeed were published as such initially, and only later collected into a book. On reflection you can see, where "Cil" and "The Mountains of Magnatz" have been joined, how it was that JV needed to rid Cugel of his female companion by foisting her off on the Bustiaco tribe. Her mistreatment inflamed the sensibilities of a number of readers, despite that she'd tried to have Cugel killed prior to then.
So, in two of the tribute stories in George RR Martin's project, "Songs of the Dying Earth", authors brought her back for revenge.
Ĝan wrote: "Jaro wrote: "...I've just acquired the VIE..."Wonderful! A true fan. Enjoy! In volume 44, turn to page 466, and find my name about half-way down. A minor contributor, but very proud, even for onl..."
Yes, I'm already enjoying them. Thanks. I understand your pride for being a contributor, I feel a certain pride just owning the books...
Ullward's Retreat was the first story by Vance to be translated into Swedish, and published in the Swedish edition of Galaxy in January 1959. Also one of Vance's own favorites, as I'm sure you know. I will read it soon, as well as Three-legged Joe.
I'm waiting for my copy of Songs of the Dying Earth (ordered a few weeks ago); it will certainly be interesting to see how they bring her back for revenge.
I'm looking forward to my second reading of the Demon Prince-books (as well as my third of the Lyonesse books and Planet of Adventure)
Songs of the Dying Earth is an interesting and worthwhile read. Most of the authors wisely avoid trying to emulate Vance, but have fun with his characters. It's a bit of a mixed bag in that despite the scenery, it's not actually Vance, and because some stories seem to miss the point. Overall good, though.
Guys, you're making me jealous; the VIE is a dream out of my reach. But I've recently got hold of two Vance collections: The Narrow Land, and The Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph (which I've just finished reading), plus, I dug out a couple of old SF magazines with JV stories in them. So now I have about 20 stories to read. :)I read The Moon Moth a few days ago, and I enjoyed it immensely. I think it's one of Vance's very best work. Terrific story!
I have considerable sympathy for folks like Bokeshi who resist the steady advance of the ebook, as I was one of them. But I've come to love my Kindle for two reasons: 1) I can read in bed without another light source; 2) I can take the entire VIE with me on an airplane when I visit the US--and dozens of other books as well.However, Spatterlight Press will be publishing all of the VIE texts as POD paperbacks, if you have the patience to wait until approximately the end of next year. The second edition of Dan Temianka's Jack Vance Lexicon is available now on Amazon; Emphyrio and Clarges will appear shortly.
I couldn't agree more about The Moon Moth: I think it's one of the most nearly perfect short stories ever written.
Jaro wrote: "I thougt it would be interesting to discuss Jack Vance as a short story writer. Vance’s early work, i. e. his short stories, are often dismissed as weak at best."Thanks. I'm on my 47th Vance novel right now and have been exploring his short stories, novelettes and shorter writings. I have a working draft of most of his shorter works and keep adding corrections, changes and additions on a daily basis. Unfortunately, despite several efforts to do so, I have been unable to post it here because it is too long (10 pages) and I do not want to post it in sections. If you would like a copy, please email me and I'll send you one. I'd also appreciate corrections and additions from anybody interested. Thanks. TJ
TJ wrote: "Jaro wrote: "I thougt it would be interesting to discuss Jack Vance as a short story writer. Vance’s early work, i. e. his short stories, are often dismissed as weak at best."Thanks. I'm on my 47t..."
Great. I'm on my 39th novel. It would be nice to see a copy of your list. I'll send you my email.
I've read all the main novels (excluding the YA one and the Ellery Queen books). I'm working my way through the short stories, and I'm rarely disappointed. I've read a lot of them, and I wouldn't describe any as weak, so much as not Vance-like enough."The Golden Girl," specifically, could have been written by anyone. It just didn't feel like a Vance story.
From the list above, my favorites would be "Green Magic," "Dodkin's Job," and "The Narrow Land."
Which story was it that had the settlers creating a calendar on a world with several suns and moons? I think about that one a lot.
I've been working on various Jack Vance lists for almost a year now. Much thanks to Johan Kennebjörkfor his input. If you have any corrections or additions, please let me know.
Vance, Jack-short stories and novelettes (66)
(Does not include excerpts from novels but does include short works that later were part of novels and parts of novels that were later released as shorter works in collections.)
1. Absent Minded Professor, The (1954 MMM) ss, aka: "First Star I See Tonight"
2. Alfred's Ark (1965 NWSF) 8 pgs., ss
3. Augmented Agent, The (1961, AmS) 32 pgs., novelette, aka: "I-C-a-BeM"
4. Bagful of Dreams, A (1977 Flashing Swords! #4) 41/39 pgs. novelette, later in Cugel's Saga Part V. 2., 1983
5. Brain of the Galaxy (1951 WB) 23/26 pg. novelette, aka: "The New Prime"
6. Cat Island (2005 in Wild Thyme and Violets Other Unpublished Works) children's story
Cave in the Forest, The (1966 MFSF) 27 pgs, novelette as first part of Manse of Iucounu, excerpt as chapter Cave in the Forest in novel The Eyes of the Overworld part 6., 1994
7. Cil (1966) 22 pgs. first published as chapter in book The Eyes of the Overworld part 2., 1969 novelette in EFM
Cosmic Hotfoot-see "To B or not to C or D" (1950 SS)
8. Coup de Grace (1958 SSF) ss, 23 pgs. [Magnus Ridolph] aka: "Worlds of Origin"
9. Crusade to Maxus (1951, TWS) 49 pgs., novelette, aka: "Overlords of Maxus"
10. Dead Ahead (1950 SSS) ss, aka: "Ultimate Quest"
11. Devil on Salvation Bluff, The (1955 StarSFS) 24 pgs, ss
12. Dodkin’s Job (1959 AmSF) 40 pgs., novelette
13. Dover Spargill’s Ghastly Floater (1951 MSF) 17 pgs., ss
14. DP! (1953 Avon SFF) 20 pgs., ss, aka: "DP"
15. Dream Castle (1982 for book Dream Castle) 18 pgs., ss, expanded from "I'll Build Your Dream Castle"
Dreamer, The (1954 OSF) aka: "The Enchanted Princess"
Dust of Far Suns (1962 AmS) 29 pgs., novelette, aka: "Sail 25" & "Gateway to Strangeness"
Ecological Onslaught (1953 FSF) novelette, aka: "The World Between"
16. Enchanted Princess, The (1954 OSF) 25 pgs., novelette, aka: "The Dreamer"
End of the Moon Chase (1970 written, never published) unk. length, mystery, as Jan Dublays
Excerpts from "The Avatar's Apprentice" (1980 in Scroll from the Ninth Dimension)
First Star I See Tonight (1954 MMM) 17 pgs., aka: "Absent Minded Professor"
17. Four Hundred Blackbirds (1953 FSF) 23 pgs., novelette
Gateway to Strangeness (1962 AmS) 29 pgs., novelette, aka: "Dust of Far Suns" & "Sail 25"
God and the Temple Robber, The (1951 PS ) ss, aka: "Temple of Han"
18 Golden Girl (1951 MSS) 10 pgs., ss
19. Green Magic (1963 MFSF) 12 pgs., ss
20. Hard Luck Diggings (1948 SS) [Magnus Ridolph] aka: Hard-Luck Diggings
21. House Lords, The (1957 Sat) 15 pgs., ss
22. Howling Bounders, The (1949 SS) 21 pgs., ss [Magnus Ridolph]
I-C-a-BeM (1961, AmS) 32 pgs., novelette, aka: "The Augmented Agent"
23. I'll Build Your Dream Castle (1947 Astounding SF) 18 pgs., ss, revised to "Dream Castle"
24. King of Thieves, The (1949 SS) 20 pgs. ss [Magnus Ridolph]
25. Kokod Warriors, The (1952 TWS) 34 pgs. novelette [Magnus Ridolph]
Liane the Wanderer (novel excerpt Dying Earth, 1950) aka: Liane the Wayfarer
26. Man From Zodiac, The (1967 AmS) 40 pgs., novelette, aka: "Milton Hack from Zodiac"
27. Manse of Iucounu, The (1966 MFSF) 27 pgs, novelette, later shortened to 16 pgs. chapter in novel The Eyes of the Overworld part 7., 1994 (broken into 11 pg. The Cave in the Forest and 16 pg. shortened Manse of Iucounu)
28. Masquerade on Dicantropus (1951 SS) 15 pgs., ss
29. Meet Miss Universe (1955 FU) 23 pgs., ss
Men of the Ten Books (1951 SS) 29 pgs., novelette, aka: "The Ten Books"
30. Men Return, The (1957 ISF) 9 pgs. ss
Milton Hack From Zodiac (1967 AmS) 40 pgs., novelette, aka: "Man from Zodiac"
31. Mitr, The (1953 VSF) 8 pgs., ss
32. Moon Moth (1961 GM) 35/39/37/55 pgs. novelette
33. Mountains of Magnatz, The (1966MFSF)26 pgs, novelette,later as chapter in The Eyes of the Overworld part 3,1994
Music of the Spheres (1952 SS) 13 pgs., ss, aka: "Noise"
34. Narrow Land, The (1967 Fan) 23 pgs., novelette
New Prime (1951 WB) 25 pgs., novelette, see "Brain of the Galaxy" in EFM, FM, JVT, MM, WFM
35. Noise (1952 SS) 13 pgs., ss, aka: "Music of the Spheres", in FM, JVT, LLS, WFM, WTO
Overlords of Maxus (1951, TWS) 49 pgs., novelette, aka: "Crusade to Maxus"
36. Overworld, The (1966 MFSF) 25 pgs., novelette, later as chapter in The Eyes of the Overworld part 1., 1994
37. Phalid's Fate (1946 TWS, revised 2012) 35 pgs., novelette, 3rd ever publication, in DSM, MH
38. Phantom Milkman, The (1956 OWSS) 12 pgs., ss, in DSM, HLD,WTO
39. Pilgrims, The (1966 MFSF) 33 pgs., novelette, later as chapter in The Eyes of the Overworld part 5., 1994
Plagian Siphon (1951, TWS) 28 pgs., novelette, aka: "Uninhibited Robot" & "Planet Machine"
40. Planet Machine, The (1951 TWS) 28 pgs., novelette, aka: Plagian Siphon & Uninhibited Robot, in AA, MH, have
41. Planet of the Black Dust (1946 SS) 17 pgs., ss, 2nd ever publication, in DSM, GS, MH, PF
42. Potters of Firsk, The (1950 Astounding SF) 19 pgs., ss, in GS, LLS, LM, PF, WT
43. Practical Man's Guide, A (1957 SSFM) 9 pgs., ss, in DSM, DC, MR, WTO
44. Sabotage on Sulfur Planet (1952 SS) 38 pgs., novelette, in GS, LM, MH, PF
45. Sail 25 (1962 AmS) 28 pgs, novelette, aka: "Dust of Stars" & "Gateway to Strangeness"
46. Sanatoris Short-Cut (1948 SS) [Magnus Ridolph] ss
47. Secret, The (1966 IMP) 10 pgs., ss
48. Seven Exits from Bocz (1952 The Rhodomagnetic Digest v4 #2) 10 pgs., ss
49. Seventeen Virgins, The (1974 MFSF) 22 pgs., novelette, later in Cugel's Saga Part V. 2., 1983
50. Shape-Up (1953 CSFFM) 15/11 pgs., ss
51. Sjambak (1953 WSF) 22 pgs., novelette, also issued as stand alone book
52. Sorcerer Pharesm, The (1966 MFSF) 22 pgs., novelette, later as chapter in The Eyes of the Overworld, part 4., 1994
53. Spa of the Stars, The (1950 SS) 21 pgs., ss [Magnus Ridolph]
54. Sub-Standard Sardines, The (1948 SS) novelette, [Magnus Ridolph]
55. Sulwen's Planet (1968 Farthest Reaches anthol.) 16 pgs., ss
56. Temple of Han, The (1951 PS) 15 pgs., ss, aka: "God and the Temple Robber"
57. Ten Books, The (1951 SS) 29 pgs., novelette, aka: "Men of the Ten Books"
58. Three-Legged Joe (1953 SS) 16 pgs., ss, aka: Three Legged Joe
59. To B or not to C or D (1950 SS) [Magnus Ridolph] novelette, aka: "Cosmic Hot Foot"
60. Ullward's Retreat (1958 Galaxy Mag.) 23/25 pgs., novelette
Ultimate Quest (1950 Super Science) 19 pgs., ss, aka: "Dead Ahead"
Uninhibited Robot, The (1951,TWS)28 pgs., novelette,aka:"Planet Machine" The Plagian Syphon"
61. Unspeakable McInch, The (1949 SS) 19 pgs., ss [Magnus Ridolph]
62. Visitors, The (1950 GSF) 15 pgs., ss, aka: "Winners Lose All"
63. When the Five Moons Rise (1954 CSFFM)14 pgs, ss
64. Where Hesperus Falls (1956 FU) 8 pgs., ss
Winner Lose All (1951 GSF) 15 pgs., ss, aka: "The Visitors"
65. World Between, The (1953 FSF) 27/29 pg. novelette, aka: "Ecological Onslaught"
66. World-Thinker, The (1945 TWS) 25 pgs., novelette, first ever publication
Worlds of Origin (1958 SSF) [Magnus Ridolph] ss, 23 pgs., aka: "Coup de Grace"
Vance short writings that were later included in novels:
Bagful of Dreams, A (1977 Flashing Swords! #4) 24 pgs. novelette, later in Cugel's Saga Part V. 2., 1983
Cave in the Forest, The (1966 MFSF) 27 pgs, novelette as first part of Manse of Iucounu, 11 pg. excerpt as Cave in the Forest in The Eyes of the Overworld part 6., 1994, published in novel first
Cil (1966) initially published in book The Eyes of the Overworld part 2., in EFM, published in novel first
Manse of Iucounu, The (1965 MFSF) later in The Eyes of the Overworld part 7., 1994
Morreion (April 1973 Flashing Swords!) 1984 in Rhialto the Marvellous part 3
Mountains of Magnatz, The (1965 MFSF) later in The Eyes of the Overworld part 3., 1994
Overworld, The (1966 MFSF) later in The Eyes of the Overworld part 1., 1994
Pilgrims, The (1966 MFSF) 32 pgs., novelette, later in The Eyes of the Overworld part 5., 1994
Seventeen Virgins, The (1974 MFSF) later in Cugel's Saga Part V. 2., 1983
Sorcerer Pharesm, The (1965 MFSF) later in The Eyes of the Overworld, part 4., 1994
Standard set forth by the Science Fiction Writers of America:
Flash Fiction: 53 - 1,000 words
Short Stories: 3,500 - 7,500 [usually under 22 pages]
Novelettes: 7,500 - 17,000 [usually around 22-53 pages]
Novellas: 17,000 - 40,000 [usually around 53-121 pages]
Novels: 40,000 + words [usually around 121 pages or more]
Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazines with Abbreviations
Amazing Science Fiction-1972-2005 was Amazing Stories-AmSF
Amazing Stories-1926-1972 changed to Amazing Science Fiction-AmS
Astounding Science Fiction-Astounding SF
Astonishing Stories-1940-1943-AstS
Avon Fantasy Reader-1947-1952-AFR
Avon Science Fiction and Fantasy Reader-ASFFR
Cosmos Science Fiction and Fantasy Magazine-CSFFM
Fantastic-1952-1980-Fan
Fantastic Science Fiction and Fantasy-FSFF
Fantastic Stories of Imagination-FSI
Fantastic Universe-1953-1960-FU
Future Science Fiction-1939-1954-FSF
Galaxy Magazine-GM
Galaxy Science Fiction-1950-1980-GSF
Impulse-IMP
Infinity Science Fiction-1955-1958-ISF
Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction-MFSF
Malcolm's Mystery Magazine-MMM
Marvel Science Fiction-1938-1952-MSF
Marvel Science Stories-MSS
New Worlds Science Fiction-NWSF
Orbit Science Fiction-OSF
Other Worlds Science Stories-1949-1957-OWSS
Planet Stories-1939-1955-PS
Rhodomagnetic Digest-RD
Saturn-Sat
Space Science Fiction Magazine-SSFM
Star Science Fiction Stories-StarSFS
Startling Stories-1939-1955-SS
Super Science Fiction-SSF
Super Science Stories-1940-1951-SSS
Thrilling Wonder Stories-1936-1954-TWS
Vortex Science Fiction-VSF
Weird Tales-1923-2014-WT
Worlds Beyond-WB
Jack Vance Collections of Shorter Works:
Augmented Agent, The (1989 collection): AA (hardcover & paperback)
Best of Jack Vance, The (1976): BJV (hardcover & paperback)
Chateau D'If: And Other Stories (1990): CD (book & ebook)
Complete Magnus Ridolph, The (1990, all 10 stories): CMR (hardcover)
Dark Side of the Moon, The (1986): DSM (hard cover & paperback)
DAW Edition of "Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph, The" (1980, 8 of 10 stories): DAW (paperback)
Dream Castles: Early Jack Vance, vol. 2 (2012): DC (hardcover & ebook)
Dust of Far Suns (1981 collection): DFS (1983, same collection as Future Tense 1964) (paperback)
Eight Fantasms and Magics (1969): EFM (paperback & hardcover)
Fantasms and Magics (1978, same as Eight Fantasms but missing Cil and Telek): FM (paperback)
Future Tense, collection (1964, same collection as Dust of Far Suns DFS 1981) (paperback)
Gadget Stories (2005 part of the Vance Integral Edition): GS
Golden Girl and Other Stories (2012): GG (hardcover & ebook)
Grand Crusades: Early Jack Vance vol. 5 (2012): GC (hardcover & ebook)
Green Magic: The Fantasy Realms of Jack Vance (1979): GM (paperback & hardcover)
Hard-Luck Diggings: The Early Works of Jack Vance, volume 1 (2010): HLD (hardcover & ebook)
Jack Vance Treasury (2007): JVT (hardcover & ebook)
Light from a Lone Star (1985): LLS (hardcover)
Lost Moons(1982): LM (hardcover)
Magic Highways: The Early Jack Vance, Volume 3 (2015): MH (hardcover & ebook)
Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph, The (1966, 6 of 10 stories): MWMR (paperback)
Men Return and Others (2009): MR (ebook only)
Minding the Stars: Early Jack Vance, vol. 4 (2014): MS (hardcover & ebook)
Moon Moth and Other Stories (1976 British issue): MMB (hardcover)
Moon Moth and Other Stories (2002): MM (paperback, hardcover, ebook)
Narrow Land, The (1984): NL (paperback)
Potters of Firsk and Other Stories, The (2011): PF (ebook)
Sail 25 and Other Stories (2012): S2 (ebook only)
When the Five Moons Rise (1992): WFM (hardcover)
Wild Thyme, Green Magic (2009): WT (hardcover & ebook)
Wild Thyme and Violets, Other Unpublished Works (2012): WTV (ebook)
World Between and Other Stories, The (1965): WB (paperback)
World-Thinker and Other Stories (2005): WTO (ebook)
Worlds of Jack Vance, The (1973): WJV (paperback)
Here are the compilations of shorter works, including short stories:Compilations of shorter stories with contents alpha:
Augmented Agent, The (1989 collection): AA (hardcover & paperback) own, reviewed
Augmented Agent, The√
Crusade to Maxus√
Golden Girl√
Man From Zodiac, The√
Planet Machine, The√
Shape-Up√
Sjambak√
Three-Legged Joe√
Best of Jack Vance, The (1976): BJV (hardcover & paperback) own, reviewed
Abercrombie Station√
Last Castle-issued by itself√
Moon Moth √
Rumfuddle√
Sail 25√
Ullward's Retreat√
Chateau D'If: And Other Stories (1990): CD (book & e-book) read all, reviewed
Abercrombie Station√
Chateau D'If√
Cholwell's Chickens √
Gift of Gab, The√
Rumfuddle√
Complete Magnus Ridolph, The (1990, all 10 stories): CMR (hardcover) read all, reviewed
Coup de Grace √
Hard Luck Diggings√
Howling Bounders, The√
King of Thieves, The√
Kokod Warriors, The√
Sanatoris Short-Cut√
Spa of the Stars, The√
Sub-Standard Sardines, The√
To B or not to C or D
Unspeakable McInch, The√
Dark Side of the Moon, The (1986): DSM (hard cover & paperback) own, reviewed
Alfred's Ark√
Dead Ahead√
Dover Spargill's Ghastly Floater√
DP! √
Enchanted Princess√
First Star I See Tonight√
House Lords√
Parapsyche√
Phalid's Fate√
Phantom Milkman√
Planet of the Black Dust√
Practical Man's Guide√
Sulwen's Planet√
Temple of Han√
DAW Edition of "Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph, The" (1980, 8 of 10 stories): DAW (pb), own, reviewed
Coup de Grace√
Howling Bounders, The√
King of Thieves, The√
Kokod Warriors, The√
Spa of the Stars, The√
Sub-Standard Sardines, The√
To B or not to C or D√
Unspeakable McInch, The√
Dream Castles: Early Jack Vance, vol. 2 (2012): DC (hardcover & e-book) read all, reviewed
Cholwell's Chickens√
Dogtown Tourist Agency, The √
Dream Castle √
Enchanted Princess, The√
Freitzke's Turn√
Golden Girl√
Narrow Land, The√
Practical Man's Guide, A√
Son of the Tree-issued by itself, √
Sulwen's Planet√
Dust of Far Suns (1981 collection): DFS√ (1983, same collection as Future Tense 1964) pb, read all, reviewed
Dodkin's Job√
Gift of Gab√
Sail 25√
Ullward's Retreat√
Eight Fantasms and Magics (1969): EFM (paperback & hardcover) read all, not listed Goodreads
Cil √
Guyal of Sfere √
Men Return √
Miracle-Workers√
New Prime √
Noise √
Telek√
When the Five Moons Rise√
Fantasms and Magics (1978, same as Eight Fantasms but missing Cil and Telek): FM pb, own, reviewed
Guyal Sfere√
Men Return, The√
Miracle Workers, The√
New Prime, The√
Noise√
When the Five Moons Rise√
Future Tense, collection (1964, same collection as Dust of Far Suns 1981) (paperback) read all
Gadget Stories (2005) part of the Vance Integral Edition: GS, not listed Good Reads, read all
Dead Ahead-aka: Ultimate Quest√
Dover Spargill's Ghastly Floater√
Enchanted Princess, The√
Four Hundred Blackbirds√
Hard Luck Diggings (1948) short story, aka: Hard-Luck Diggings√
Howling Bounders, The√
King of Thieves, The√
Parapsyche √
Planet of Black Dust√
Potters of Firsk √
Sabotage on Sulfur Planet √
Sail 25-aka: Gateway to Strangeness√
Sanatoris Short-Cut√
Sjambak (1953) novelette√
Spa of the Stars-aka: Spa of the Stars√
Sub-Standard Sardines, The√
Three Legged Joe-aka: Three-Legged Joe√
To B or Not to C or to D√
Uninhibited Robot, The-aka: Plagian Siphon√
Unspeakable McInch, The√
Visitors, The-aka: Winner Lose All√
Golden Girl and Other Stories (2012): GG (hardcover & e-book) read all, reviewed
Abercrombie Station√
Cholwell's Chickens√
Golden Girl√
Insufferable Redheaded Daughter of Commander Tynnott The, O.T.E. aka: Assault on a City, own, reviewed√
Masquerade on Dicantropus√
Meet Miss Universe√
Mitr, The√
When the Five Moons Rise √
World Between, The√
Grand Crusades: Early Jack Vance vol. 5 (2012): GC, (hardcover & e-book) read all, reviewed
Crusade to Maxus√
Gold and Iron√
Houses of Iszm√
Rapparee√
Space Opera√
Green Magic: The Fantasy Realms of Jack Vance (1979): GM, (paperback & hardcover) own, reviewed
Green Magic√
Liane the Wayfarer aka The Loom of Darkness√
Men Return√
Miracle Workers√
Mitr√
Moon Moth√
Narrow Land√
Pilgrims√
Secret√
Hard-Luck Diggings: The Early Works of Jack Vance, volume 1 (2010): HLD (hc & e-book) read all, reviewed
Abercrombie Station √
Absent-Minded Professor√
Devil on Salvation Bluff √
Dodkin’s Job √
DP! √
Hard-Luck Diggings √
Masquerade on Dicantropus √
Phantom Milkman √
Shape-Up √
Sjambak √
Temple of Han√
Three-Legged Joe √
When the Five Moons Rise √
Where Hesperus Falls √
Jack Vance Treasury (2007): JVT (hardcover & e-book) read all, reviewed
Gift of Gab, The √
Kokod Warriors, The √
Men Return, The √
Moon Moth, The √
New Prime, The √
Noise √
Sail 25 √
Secret, The √
Light from a Lone Star (1985): LLS (hardcover) have not read 2
Cat Island√
First Star I See Tonight√
Hard Luck Diggings√
Intoruction by Russell Letson
Men Return, The√
Noise√
Potters of Firsk, The √
Talk with Jack Vance, A-tim Underwood, have not read
Vance Encyclopedia, A (non-fiction), have not read
Lost Moons(1982): LM (hardcover) own, reviewed
Assault on a City √
Four Hundred Blackbirds √
I'll Build Your Dream Castle √
Meet Miss Universe √
Potters of Firsk, The √
Sabotage on Sulphur Planet √
Seven Exits from Bocz √
Winner Lose All √
World-Thinker, The√
Magic Highways: The Early Jack Vance, Volume 3 (2015): MH, (hardcover & e-book) read all
Dover Spargill's Ghastly Floater√
House Lords√
Howling Bounders√
King of Thieves√
Men of the Ten Books√
Phalid's Fate√
Planet Machine√
Planet of the Black Dust√
Sabotage on Sulfur Planet √
Sanatoris Short√
Spa of the Stars To B or Not to C or to D√
Sub-Standard Sardines√
Ten Books, The√
Ultimate Quest√
Unspeakable McInch√
Winner Lose All √
Magnus Ridolph stories see Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph, DAW Edition of MWMR (8 stories), & Complete Magnus Ridolph (all MR Ten stories)
Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph, The (1966, 6 of 10 stories): MWMR (paperback) own, reviewed
Coup de Grace√
Howling Bounders, The√
King of Thieves, The√
Kokod Warriors, The√
Spa of the Stars, The√
Unspeakable McInch, The√
Men Return and Others (2009): MR, (e-book only) read all, reviewed
Devil On Salvation Bluff, The√
Men Return, The√
Practical Man's Guide, A√
When the Five Moons Rise√
Worlds of Origin-aka: Coup de Grace√
Minding the Stars: Early Jack Vance, vol. 4 (2014): MS, (hardcover & e-book) read all, reviewed
Alfred’s Ark√
Four Hundred Blackbirds √
Milton Hack From Zodiac√
Miss Universe √
Nopalgarth-issued by itself√
Parapsyche√
Telek√
World Between√
Moon Moth and Other Stories (1976 British issue): MMB (hardcover) read all, reviewed
Brain of the Galaxy√
Devil on Salvation Bluff, The√
Men Return, The√
Moon Moth, The√
World Between, The√
Moon Moth and Other Stories (2002): MM (paperback, hardcover Integral, Kindle & e-book) read all, reviewed
Alfred's Ark √
Coup de Grace√
Dodkin's Job √
Green Magic √
Kodod Warriors√
Men Return √
Moon Moth √
New Prime √
Rumfuddle √
Sulwen's Planet √
Ullward's Retreat √
Narrow Land, The (1984): NL (paperback) own, reviewed
Chateau d'If √
Green Magic√
Masquerade On Dicantropus √
Narrow Land, The√
Ten Books, The√
Where Hesperus Fails √
World Thinker √
Potters of Firsk and Other Stories, The (2011): PF, (e-book only?) read all
Dead Ahead√
Dover Spargill’s Ghastly Floater√
Enchanted Princess, The√
Four Hundred Blackbirds √
Hard Luck Diggings√
Howling Bounders, The√
King of Thieves, The√
Parapsyche√
Planet of the Black Dust√
Potters of Firsk, The √
Sabotage on Sulfur Planet √
Sail 25 √
Sanatoris Short-Cut√
Sjambak√
Spa of the Stars, The√
Sub-Standard Sardines, The√
Three-legged Joe√
To B Or Not To C Or To D
Uninhibited Robot, The√
Unspeakable McInch, The√
Visitors, The √
Sail 25 and Other Stories (2012): S2 (e-book only) read all, reviewed
Dead Ahead √
Dover Spargill's Ghastly Floater √
Enchanted Princess, The √
Four Hundred Blackbirds √
Parapsyche √
Planet of the Black Dust √
Potters of Firsk, The √
Sabotage on Sulfur Planet √
Sail 25 √
Sjambak √
Three-Legged Joe √
Uninhibited Robot, The √
Visitors, The √
When the Five Moons Rise (1992): WFM (hardcover) read all, reviewed
Devil on Salvation Bluff√
Dodkin's Job√
Dust of Far Suns√
Ecological Onslaught√
Masquerade on Dicantropus√
Men of the Ten Books√
New Prime, The√
Noise√
Telek√
Ullward's Retreat√
When the Five Moons Rise√
Where Hesperus Falls√
Wild Thyme, Green Magic (2009): WT, (hardcover & e-book) haven't read 1
Assault on a City √
Augmented Agent√
Chateau d'If√
Coup de Grace √
Green Magic√
Potters of Firsk √
Rumfuddle√
Seven Exits from Bocz√
Ullward's Retreat√
Wild Thyme and Violets, have not read
World-Thinker√
Wild Thyme and Violets, Other Unpublished Works (2012): WTV (e-book only?) haven't read 6
Cat Island (short fiction) read off Internet
Clang: Concept & synopsis for screen-play (short fiction) have not read
Dream Castle (1982 short story) read in magazine
Guyal of Sfere, revised (novella) have not read
Kragen, The (1964 novella) read in magazine
Magnificent Red-Hot Jazzing Seven: Concept & synopsis for screen-play (short fiction) have not read
Stark, The: The Voyage and the People (short fiction) have not read
Telephone Was Ringing in the Dark (short fiction) have not read
Wild Thyme and Violets, outline (short fiction) have not read
World Between and Other Stories, The (1965): WB (paperback) read all, reviewed
Brain of the Galaxy √
Devil on Salvation Bluff √
Men Return √
Monsters in Orbit- novel, issued by itself√
Moon Moth√
World Between √
World-Thinker and Other Stories (2005): WTO (e-book only?) read all, reviewed
Absent Minded Professor, The√
DP√
Devil on Salvation Bluff, The √
God and the Temple Robber, The √
House Lords, The √
I'll Build Your Dream Castle √
Men of the Ten Books √
Noise √
Phantom Milkman, The √
Practical Man's Guide, A√
Secret, The √
Seven Exits from Bocz √
Telek √
Where Hesperus Falls √
World-Thinker, The √
Worlds of Jack Vance, The (1973): WJV (paperback) own, reviewed
Brain of the Galaxy √
Brains of Earth, The -aka: Nopalgarth x2, issued alone√
Coup de Grace [Magnus Ridolph] √
Devil on Salvation Bluff, The√
King of Thieves, The [Magnus Ridolph] √
Kokod Warriors, The [Magnus Ridolph] √
Men Return, The √
Moon Moth, The √
World Between, The √
Here are all of Vance's shorter works I have found. I have done reviews of most of them. These include all writings less than novel length. Corrections or additions are most welcome. Thanks in advance.1= Did not like, 2=okay, 3=Liked it, 4=Really liked it, 5=Amazing
Abercrombie Station (1952 TWS) 62/58 pgs, novella, see Monsters in Orbit, BJV,CD,GG,HLD 3
Aboard the Galante (1983 in novel Cugel's Saga II. 1.) 5
Absent Minded Professor, The(1954 MMM) 17pg., ss, aka:"First Star I See Tonight" John van See, in HLD,WTO,3
Alfred's Ark (1965 NWSF) 8 pgs., ss, in DSM, MS, MM, 4
Assault on a City (1974 Universe 4 anthol.) 51 pgs., novella, aka: "Insufferable Red-headed...", in LM, WT,3
Augmented Agent, The (1961, AmS) 32 pgs., novelette, aka: "I-C-a-BeM", in AA, WT, 4
Augmented Agent and Other Stories, The (1989 collection) see below, 4+
Bagful of Dreams, A (1977 Flashing Swords! #4) 24 pgs. novelette,later in novel Cugel's Saga Part V. 2., 1983, 5
Best of Jack Vance, The (1976 collection) see below, 4
Brain of the Galaxy (1951 WB) 23/26 pg. novelette, aka: "The New Prime," MMB,WB, WJV, 2
Brains of the Earth (1966 novella) 108 pg. novella, aka: Nopalgarth, issued by itself, 3
Caravan, The (1983 in novel Cugel's Saga Part IV. 2.) 5
Cat Island (2005 in Wild Thyme and Violets Other Unpublished Works) fragment children's story, LLS, 2
Cave in the Forest, The (1966 MFSF) 27 pgs, novelette as first part of Manse of Iucounu, excerpt as Cave in the Forest in The Eyes of the Overworld part 6., 1994, 5
Chateau d'If (1950 TWS) 61 pgs., novella, aka: "New Bodies for Old", CD, NL, WT, 4
Chateau D'If and Other Stories (1990 collection) see below, book, 4
Cholwell's Chickens (1952 TWS) 50 pgs., novella, see Monsters in Orbit, in CD, DC, GG, 3
Cil (1966 ) 22 pgs., first published in noel The Eyes of the Overworld part 2., 1969 novelette in EFM, 5
Clang: Concept and Synopsis for Screen-play (2005 Wild Thyme and Violets) short fiction, not read
Columns, The (1983 in novel Cugel's Saga Part III. 1.) 5
Complete Magnus Ridolph, The (1985 collection) all 10 MR stories, see below, 4
Cosmic Hotfoot-aka: To B or not to C or D (1950 SS), 3
Coup de Grace (1958 SSF) [Magnus Ridolph] ss, 23 pgs. aka:"Worlds of Origin" in CMR/DAW/MWMR/WT/WJV 3+
Crusade to Maxus (1951, TWS) 49 pgs., novelette, aka: "Overlords of Maxus", in AA, GC, 4
Dark Side of the Moon, The (1986 collection) see below, 3
Dead Ahead (1950 SSS) ss, aka: "Ultimate Quest," in GS, HLD, MR, S2, WFM, WB, WTO, WJV, 3
Devil on Salvation Bluff, The (1955 StarSFS) 24 pgs, ss, in HLD, MMB, MR, WFM, WB, WTO, WJV, 3+
Dodkin’s Job (1959 AmSF) 40 pgs., novelette, in DFS, HLD, MM, WFM, 5
Dogtown Tourist Agency,The (1975 Epoch anthol.)147 pgs.,novella, later Partof novel Galactic Effectuator in DC, 4
Dover Spargill’s Ghastly Floater (1951 MSF) 17 pgs., ss, in DSM, GS, MH, PF, S2, 3
DP! (1953 Avon SFF) 20 pgs., ss, aka: "DP", in DSM, HLD, WTO, 4
Dragon Masters, The (1962 GM) 116 pgs., novella, Hugo Award, issued on its own, 4
Dream Castle (1982 for collection Dream Castles) 18 pgs., ss, revised from "I'll Build Your Dream Castle," in LM,3
Dream Castles: Early Jack Vance, vol.2 (2012) collection, see below, 4
Dreamer, The (1954 OSF) see "The Enchanted Princess," 4
Dust of Far Suns (1962 AmS) 29 pgs., novelette, aka: "Sail 25" & "Gateway to Strangeness" in WFM, 4
Dust of Far Suns (1981 collection) see below, 4
Dying Earth, The (1950, first ever book composed of 6 stories) 121 pgs., 4
Ecological Onslaught (1953 FSF) novelette, aka: "The World Between", in WFM, 4
Eight Fantasms and Magic (1969 collection) see below, have all, 3
Elder Isles and Its Peoples (1986 3 pg. "Preliminary" to novel Suldrun's Garden)
Enchanted Princess, The (1954 OSF) 25 pgs., novelette, aka: "The Dreamer", in DSM, DC, GS, PF, S2, 4
End of the Moon Chase (1970 written, never published) unk. length, mystery, as Jan Dublays, not read
Excerpts from "The Avatar's Apprentice" (1980 in Scroll from the Ninth Dimension) not read
Fader's Waft (1984 in Rhilato the Marvellous part 2.) 3
Fantasms and Magics (1978 collection) see below, 4
Faucelme (1983 in Cugel's Saga Part III. 2.) 5
First Star I See Tonight (1954 MMM) 17 pgs., ss, aka: "Absent Minded Professor" in DSM, LLS, 3
Flutic (1983 in Cugel's Saga part I 1.) 5
Four Hundred Blackbirds (1953 FSF) 23 pgs., novelette, in GS, LM, MS, PF, S2, 3
Four Wizards (1983 in Cugel's Saga Part VI. 1.) 5
Freitzke's Turn-(1977 Triax) 130 pgs., novella, Part 2 of the book Galactic Effectuator, in DC , 4
Future Tense (1964 collection) same as collection Dust of Far Suns (1981), see below, 4
Gadget Stories (2005 collection) part of the Vance Integral Edition, see below, read all, nl Goodreads
Gateway to Strangeness (1962 AmS) 29 pgs., novelette, aka: "Dust of Far Suns" & "Sail 25" 4
Genesee Slough Murders: Outline for a Novel (1994 in The Works of Jack Vance), have not read
Gift of Gab, The (1955 AmSF) 56 pgs., novella, in CD, DFS, JVT, 4
God and the Temple Robber, The (1951 PS ) aka: Temple of Han, in WTO, 3
Gold and Iron (1958 novella) 121 pgs., novella, aka: see Planet of the Damned and Slaves of the Klau, issued alone, 3
Golden Girl (1951 MSS) 10 pgs., ss, in AA, DC, GG, 3
Golden Girl and Other Stories (2012 collection) see below, 3
Grand Crusades: Early Jack Vance, vol. 5 (2015 collection) see below, book, 4
Green Magic (1963 MFSF) 12 pgs., ss, in GM, MM, NL, WT, 4
Green Magic: The Fantasy Realms of Jack Vance (1979 collection) 4
Guyal of Sfere (1950 in The Dying Earth chapter 6.) 23 pgs., ss/excerpt, in CFM, EFM, FM, 5
Guyal of Sfere (2005 revision Wild Thyme and Violets) have not read
Hard Luck Diggings (1948 SS) [Magnus Ridolph] also titled Hard-Luck Diggings, in CMR, GS, HLD, LLS, PF, 4
Hard Luck Diggings: The Early Works of Jack Vance, vol. 1, (2010 collection) see below, book & e-book, 4
House Lords, The (1957 Sat) 15 pgs., ss, in DSM, MH, WTO, 3
Houses of Iszm (1954 novella) 126 pg. novella issued by itself, 3
Howling Bounders, The (1949 SS) 21 pgs., ss [Magnus Ridolph] in CMR, DAW, GS, MH, MWMR, PF, 3
I-C-a-BeM (1961, AmS) 32 pgs., novelette, aka: "The Augmented Agent" 4
I'll Build Your Dream Castle (1947 Astounding SF) 18 pgs., ss, revised to "Dream Castle", in LM, WTO, 3
Inn of Blue Lamps, The (1983 in Cugel's Saga I. 2.) 5
Insufferable Redheaded Daughter of Commander Tynnott O.T.E-novella, aka: Assault on a City, GG, 3
Jack Vance Treasury (2007 collection) see below, book, 5
King of Thieves, The (1949 SS) 20 pg. ss [Magnus Ridolph] in CMR, DAW, GS, MH, MWMR, PF, WJV, 4
Kokod Warriors, The (1952 TWS) 34 pg. novelette [Magnus Ridolph] in CMR, DAW, JVT, MWMR, WJV, 5
Kragen, The (1964 FS) 107 pg. novella, basis for book Blue World , in WTV, 4
Last Castle, The (1966 novella) 113/59/66 pgs., novella, Hugo Award, Nova Award, issued by itself, 4
Laughing Magician, The-Two stories derived from Cugel's Saga, never published
Lausicaa (1983 in Cugel's Saga Part II. 2.) 5
Liane the Wayfarer (1950 The Dying Earth, chapter 4.) 12 pgs., ss/excerpt, aka: Loom of Darkness, 4
Light from a Lone Star (1985) collection, see below
Loom of Darkness, The (1950 The Dying Earth, chapter 4) 12 pgs., excerpt, aka: Liane the Wayfarer, 4
Lost Moons (1982 collection) see below, 3
Magic Highways: The Early Jack Vance, vol. 3 (2015 collection) see below
Magnificent Red-Hot Jazzing Seven: Concept and Synopsis for Screen-play (2005 Wild Thyme and Violets) not read
Man From Zodiac, The (1967 AmS) 49/40 pgs., novella, aka: "Milton Hack from Zodiac," in AA, 4
Manse of Iucounu, The (1966 MFSF) 27 pgs, novelette, later shortened to 16 pgs. in The Eyes of the Overworld part 7., 1994 (broken into 11 pg. The Cave in the Forest and 16 pg. shortened Manse of Iucounu) 5
Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph (1966 collection) 6 of 10 stories, see below, 4
Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph (1980 collection) DAW edition, 8 of 10 stories, see below under DAW, 4
Masquerade on Dicantropus (1951 SS) 15 pgs., ss, in GG, HLD, NL, WFM, 3
Mazirian the Magician (1950 in The Dying Earth chapter 2.) 16 pgs., ss/excerpt, 4
Meet Miss Universe (1955 FU) 23 pgs., ss, in GG, LM, MS, 3
Men of the Ten Books (1951 SS) 29 pgs., novelette, aka: "The Ten Books," in MH, WFM, WTO, 3
Men Return, The (1957 ISF) 9 pg. ss, in EFM, FM, GM, JVT, LLS, MR, MM, MMB, WB WJV, 3
Men Return and Others (2009 collection) see below, e-book
Milton Hack From Zodiac (1967 AmS) 49/40 pgs., novella, aka: "Man from Zodiac," in MR, 4
Minding the Stars: Early Jack Vance, vol. 4 (2014 collection) see below, book & e-book, 4
Miracle Workers, The (1958 AmSF) 74 pgs., novella, in EFM, GM, 4+
Mitr, The (1953 VSF) 8 pgs., ss, in GG, GM, 1
Monsters in Orbit (1952 TWS as 2 stories, book 1965)114pgs."Abercrombie Station"&"Cholwell'sChicken" 3
Moon Moth (1961 GM) 35/39/37/42 pg. novelette, in BJV, GM, JVT, MM, MMB, WB, WJV, 5
Moon Moth and Other Stories (1976 collection British issue) different than U.S. edition, see below, 4
Moon Moth and Other Stories (2002 collection U.S. issue) see below, 4
Morreion (April 1973 Flashing Swords!) novella, later in Rhialto the Marvellous part 3, 1994, 3
Mountains of Magnatz, The (1966 MFSF)novelette, later in The Eyes of the Overworld part 3., 1994, 4
Murthe, The (1984 in Rhialto the Marvellous part 1.) 3
Music of the Spheres (1952 SS) 13 pgs., ss, aka: "Noise," 3
Narrow Land, The (1967 FSFF) 23 pgs., novelette, in DC, GM, NL, 5
Narrow Land, The (1984 Fan) collection, see below, pb, 4
New Bodies for Old (1950 TWS) 61 pgs., novella, see "Chateau d'If" 4
New Prime (1951 WB) 25 pgs., novelette, see "Brain of the Galaxy" in EFM, FM, JVT, MM, WFM, 2
Noise (1952 SS) 13 pgs., ss, aka: "Music of the Spheres", in FM, JVT, LLS, WFM, WTO, 3
Nopalgarth (1966 novella) 128 pgs., novella, see Brains of the Earth 3
Ocean of Sighs, The (1983 in Cugel's Saga Part II. 3.) 5
On the Docks (1983 in Cugel's Saga Part IV. 1.) 5
Overlords of Maxus (1951, TWS) 49 pgs., novelette, aka: "Crusade to Maxus" 4
Overworld, The (1966 MFSF) 25 pgs., novelette, later in The Eyes of the Overworld part 1., 1994, 4
Parapsyche (1958 AmSF) 115 pgs., novella, in DSM, GS, MS, PF, S2, 2
Phalid's Fate (1946 TWS, revised 2012) 35 pgs., novelette, 3rd ever publication, in DSM, MH, 4
Phantom Milkman, The (1956 OWSS) 12 pgs., ss, in DSM, HLD,WTO, 4
Pilgrims, The (1966 MFSF) 33 pgs., novelette, later in The Eyes of the Overworld part 5., 1994, 5
Plagian Siphon (1951, TWS) 24 pgs., novelette, aka: "Uninhibited Robot" & "Planet Machine" 4
Planet Machine, The (1951 TWS) 28 pgs., novelette, aka: "Plagian Siphon" & "Uninhibited Robot", in AA, MH, 4
Planet of the Black Dust (1946 SS) 17 pgs., ss, 2nd ever publication, in DSM, GS, MH, PF, S2, 3
Planet of the Damned (1958 novella) 121 pgs., novella, aka: Gold and Iron and Slaves of the Klau, issued by itself, 3
Potters of Firsk, The (1950 Astounding SF) 19 pgs., ss, in GS, LLS, LM, PF, S2, WT, 4
Potters of Firsk and Other Stories, The (2011 collection) e-book, see below
Practical Man's Guide, A (1957 SSFM) 9 pgs., ss, in DSM, DC, MR, WTO, 3
Rumfuddle (1973 in Three Trips in Time and Space, anthol.) 57 pgs. novella, in BJV, CD, MM, WT, 4
Sabotage on Sulphur Planet (1952 SS) 38 pgs., novelette, in GS, LM, MH, PF, S2, 3
Sail 25 (1962 AmS)28 pgs,novelette,aka: "Dust of Stars" "Gateway to Strangeness" in BJV,DFS,GS,JVT,PF,S2, 4
Sail 25 and Other Stories (2012 collection) e-book only, see below, 4
Sanatoris Short-Cut (1948 SS) [Magnus Ridolph] 10 pgs. ss, in CMR, GS, MH, PF, 3
Secret, The (1966 IMP) 10 pgs., ss, in GM, JVT, WTO, 3+
Selwen's Planet (1968 The Farthest Reaches anthol.) 16 pgs, ss, in DC, 3
Seven Exits from Bocz (1952 The Rhodomagnetic Digest v4 #2) 10 pgs., ss, in LM, WT, WTO, 3
Seventeen Virgins, The (1974 MFSF) 23 pgs., novelette, later in Cugel's Saga Part V. 2., 1983, 5
Shape-Up (1953 CSFFM) 15/11 pgs., ss, in AA, HLD, 3
Sjambak (1953 WSF) 25/22 pgs., novelette, issued as stand alone book, in AA, GS, HLD, PF, S2, 3
Slaves of the Klau (1958 novella) 121 pgs.,
This is the remainder of the Vance shorter than novel works. Goodreads only allows a very limited number of words per post, making comprehensive listings difficult.Slaves of the Klau (1958 novella) 121 pgs., novella, aka: Planet of the Damned and Gold and Iron, issued by itself, 3
Son of the Tree (1951 novella) 130 pgs. novella, issued by itself, 3
Sorcerer Pharesm, The (1966 MFSF) later in The Eyes of the Overworld, part 4. 1994, 22 pgs., novelette, 4
Spa of the Stars, The (1950 SS) 21 pgs., ss [Magnus Ridolph] in CMR, DAW, GS, MH, MWMR, PF, 4
Spatterlight (1983 in novel Cugel's Saga Part VI. 2.) 5
Stark, The: The Voyage and the People (2005 Wild Thyme and Violets) outline for a series, not read
Sub-Standard Sardines, The (1948 SS) [Magnus Ridolph] novelette, in CMR, DAW, MH, PF, 4
Sulwen's Planet (1968 Farthest Reaches anthol.) 16 pgs., ss, in DSM, MM, 3
Telek (1952 Astounding SF) 36 pgs., novella, in EFM, MS, WFM, WTO, 3
Telephone Was Ringing in the Dark, The (2005 Wild Thyme and Violets) outline for a novel, not read
Temple of Han, The (1951 PS) 15 pgs., ss, aka: "God and the Temple Robber", in DSM, 3
Ten Books, The (1951 SS) 29 pgs., novelette, aka: "Men of the Ten Books", ss, in MH, NL, 3
Three-Legged Joe (1953 SS) 16 pgs., ss, aka: Three Legged Joe, in AA, GS, HLD, PF, S2, 4
To B or not to C or D (1950 SS) [Magnus Ridolph] novelette, aka: "Cosmic Hot Foot"? in CMR, DAW, GS, 3
Tsais (1950 in novel The Dying Earth part 3.) 21 pgs., ss/excerpt, 4
Turjan of Miir (1950 in novel The Dying Earth chapter 1) 15 pgs., ss/excerpt, 4
Ulan Dhor (1950 in The Dying Earth chapter 5) aka: Ulan Dhor Ends a Dream, 24 pgs., novelette/excerpt, 4
Ullward's Retreat (1958 Galaxy Mag.) 23/25 pgs., novelette, in BJV, DFS, MM, WFM, WT, 3
Ultimate Quest (1950 Super Science) 19 pgs., ss, aka: "Dead Ahead" in MH, 3
Uninhibited Robot, The (1951 TWS) 28 pgs., novelette, aka: Planet Machine & Plagian Syphon in GS PF, S2, 4
Unspeakable McInch, The (1949 SS) 19 pgs., ss [Magnus Ridolph] in CMR, DAW, GS, MH, MWMR, PF, 4
Visitors, The (1950 GSF) 15 pgs., ss, aka: "Winner Lose All", in GS, PF, S2, 3
When the Five Moons Rise (1954 CSFFM)14 pgs, ss, in EFM, FM, GG, HLD, MR, WFM, 3
When the Five Moons Rise (1992 collection) see below, 4
Where Hesperus Falls (1956 FU) 8 pgs., ss, in HLD, NL, WFM, WTO, 3
Wild Thyme, Green Magic (2009 collection) see below, book & e-book
Wild Thyme and Violets (2005) outline for a novel, in WT, WTV, not read
Wild Thyme and Violets and Other Unpublished Works (2012 collection) see below, e-book
Winner Lose All (1951 GSF) 15 pgs., ss, aka: "The Visitors," in LM, MH, 3
World Between, The (1953 FSF) 27/29 pg. novelette, aka: "Ecological Onslaught", in GG, MMB, MS, WB, WJV, 4
World Between and Other Stories, The (1965 collection) see below, 4
Worlds of Origin (1958 SSF) ) [Magnus Ridolph] ss, 23 pgs., aka: "Coup de Grace", in MR, 3
World-Thinker, The (1945 TWS) 25/27 pgs., novelette, first ever publication, in LM, NL, WT, WTO, 4
World-Thinker and Other Stories (2005) collection, e-book, see below, 3
Worlds of Jack Vance, The (1973 collection) see below, 4
Jaro and TJ have really outdone themselves. kudos to you both! your lists have been and will be invaluable to me.
Im actually re-reading for the first time a Vance short story collection. Dream Castles: The Early Jack Vance, Volume TwoThats how i like to read him, a whole collection of short stories. I think SF wise he was greater in short story, novella form. Not only because of the great stories he won awards for in the 60s.
Even the Early Jack Vance volumes by Sub.press has some real strong stories. I dont agree with Vance what he said about his early stuff just because some of the earliest like World Thinker are weak by his standards.
Jaro and TJ im so grateful to you guys! I have read almost every short story i have collections of mostly thanks Sub.press, i was wondering where to find the short story stories, less known novellas in collections.Thanks guys you are awesome! Now i know which collections to get to complete my short fiction Vance volumes,books :)
Here's my list, stories only, organized into Spatterlight Press volumes (available either as ebooks or POD paperbacks, see jackvance.com for availability):The World-Thinker and Other Stories
The World-Thinker 3
I'll Build Your Dream Castle 4
The Ten Books 4
The God and the Temple Robber 3
Telek 4
Noise 5
Seven Exits from Bocz 4
D.P. 4
The Absent Minded Professor 5
The Devil on Salvation Bluff 3
The Phantom Milkman 3
Where Hesperus Falls 4
A Practical Man's Guide 4
The House Lords 4
The Secret 4
Golden Girl and Other Stories
Golden Girl 5
Masquerade on Dicantropus 3
Abercrombie Station 5
Cholwell's Chickens 5
The Mitr 3
The World Between 3
When the Five Moons Rise 3
Meet Miss Universe 2
The Insufferable Red-headed Daughter of Commander Tynnott,
O.T.E. (Assault on a City) 4
The Moon Moth and Other Stories
The New Prime 5
The Men Return 2
Ullward's Retreat 5
Dodkin's Job 5
The Moon Moth 5 at least
Green Magic 5
Alfred's Ark 4
Sulwen's Planet 2
Rumfuddle 4
Chateau d'If and Other Stories
Phalid's Fate 3
Chateau d'If 4
Crusade to Maxus 2
Shape-Up 2
The Augmented Agent 3
Milton Hack from Zodiac 3
The Gift of Gab 5
Nopalgarth 3
The Narrow Land 4
Sail 25 and Other Stories
Planet of the Black Dust 2
Dead Ahead 2
The Enchanted Princess 4
The Potters of Firsk 5
The Visitors 3
The Uninhibited Robot 3
Dover Spargill's Ghastly Floater 3
Sabotage on Sulfer Planet 2
Three-legged Joe 2
Four Hundred Blackbirds 3
Sjambak 3
Parapsyche 4
Sail 25 5
Magnus Ridolph
Hard Luck Diggings 2
Sanatoris Short-cut 1
The Sub-standard Sardines 3
The Unspeakable McInch 2
The King of Thieves 4
To Be or Not to C or to D 3
The Howling Bounders 2
Spa of the Stars 3
The Kokod Warriors 4
Coup de Grace 5
Wild Thyme and Violets and Other Unpublished Works
Cat Island 4
The Genesee Slough Murders 5
The STARK 4
Clang 1
The Magnificent Red-hot Jazzing Seven 3
The Kragen 5
Guyal of Sfere 5
The Telephone was Ringing in the Dark 3
Dream Castle 4
Miro Hetzel
The Dogtown Tourist Agency 4
Freitzke's Turn 3
The Houses of Iszm and Son of the Tree
The Houses of Iszm 4
Son of the Tree 3
The Dragon Masters and Other Stories
The Dragon Masters 5
The Last Castle 5
The Miracle Workers 5
Ratings on stories ranked 3 and below subject to upward or downward revision on a day-to-day basis.
Steve -- terrific! Goodreads should have some better method for reviewing story collections.
Steve wrote: "Here's my list, stories only, organized into Spatterlight Press volumes (available either as ebooks or POD paperbacks, see jackvance.com for availability):The World-Thinker and Other Stories
The..."
Steve, you left out the title-outline from Wild Thyme and Violets and Other Unpublished Works. Just curious how you would rate that one.
Jaro, you're right! How could I have missed that? Thank you for pointing it out. For me it's an easy 5: I will go to my grave regretting that Vance never realized that story.
I made a list of Vance's longer short stories (with a word count of 17k+). Ordered by page count in the VIE for more accurate comparison. Which should be called novels, novellas, short stories...? A page in the VIE is about 300-310 words. So 17k words are about 55 pages.Only the first three are more than 40 000 words, ie novels by the standards. I don't include Dying Earth stories, though Fader's Waft is 136 pages.
1. The Dogtown Tourist Agency (157 p)
2. Parapsyche (138 p)
3. Nopalgarth (133 p)
4. The Dragon Masters (128 p)
5. The Houses of Izsm (113 p)
6. Son of the Tree (111 p)
7. The Miracle Workers (99 p)
8. Crusade to Maxus (93 p)
9. Telek (90 p)
10. Chateau d'if (84 p)
11. The Last Castle (83 p)
12. Abercrombie Station (79 p)
13. Freitzke's Turn (73 p)
14. Rumfuddle (73 p)
15. The Gift of Gab (68 p)
16. Milton Hack From Zodiac (68 p)
17. The Insufferabel Red-headed Daughter... (65 p)
18. Cholwell's Chickens (63 p)
Jaro wrote: "I made a list of Vance's longer short stories (with a word count of 17k+). Ordered by page count in the VIE for more accurate comparison. Which should be called novels, novellas, short stories...? ..."Great list, thank you!
Jaro wrote: "I made a list of Vance's longer short stories (with a word count of 17k+). Ordered by page count in the VIE for more accurate comparison. Which should be called novels, novellas, short..."The SFWA, for purposes of the Nebula awards, specifies the following definitions:
Short Story: < 7,500 words;
Novelette: >= 7,500 words < 17,500 words;
Novella: >= 17,500 words < 40,000 words
Novel: >= 40,000 words.
My opinion of these definitions is beside the point.
So I've modified Jaro's list by replacing page counts with VIE word counts. With two exceptions, noted below, these numbers are about 20 years old, from early in the project, and don't necessarily take TI into account, but they're probably close enough. And I've added two titles, one mentioned by Jaro, the other from Volume 44 where we incorrectly listed it as "unpublished".
1. The Dogtown Tourist Agency (40.2k)
2. Parapsyche (35.3k)
X. Fader's Waft (36.4k)
3. Nopalgarth 35.5k)
4. The Dragon Masters (31.3k)
5. The Houses of Izsm (30.1k)
6. Son of the Tree (30.0k)
Y. The Kragen (25.6k)
7. The Miracle Workers (25.0k)
8. Crusade to Maxus (24.1k)
9. Telek (23.4k)
10. Chateau d'if (22.1k)
11. The Last Castle (21.4k)
12. Abercrombie Station (20.7k)
13. Freitzke's Turn (18.2k)
14. Rumfuddle (20.2k)
15. The Gift of Gab (17.9k)
16. Milton Hack From Zodiac (17.5k)
17. The Insufferabel Red-headed Daughter... (17.4k)
18. Cholwell's Chickens (16.7k)
The only stories that I expected to have changed significantly, as a consequence of matter restored by TI, are "Telek" (originally 21.8k) and "Crusade to Maxus" (21.0k). But my memory grows less perfect with each passing day.
Jaro wrote: "I thought it would be interesting to discuss Jack Vance as a short story writer. Vance’s early work, i. e. his short stories, are often dismissed as weak at best. This reputation might spring from t..."After extensive research I’ve come up with this list of Vance’s short works. If you would like so see other Vance lists I’ve developed you might want to check out:
https://vancealotjackvanceinreview.bl...
Jack Vance Completed And Published Short Stories And Novelettes (65)
Each work has abbreviations in bold print designating the Vance book collections in which it appears. These collections are listed alphabetically at the end. Only a few of these collections are still in print, but used, out of print copies can easily be located on the Internet.
Short stories and novelettes in bold are the preferred titles. Note that some of the listings below were first published as chapters in novels. These also are not in bold print and are not included as Vance short stories or novelettes. However, works that were published in a magazine or anthology and then later included as part of a Vance novel are listed as short stories or novelettes, are also in bold and are counted among the 65 completed short stories and novelettes.
Standard set forth by the Science Fiction Writers of America:
Flash Fiction: 53 - 1,000 words
Short Stories: 3,500 - 7,500 [usually under 22 pages]
Novelettes: 7,500 - 17,000 [usually around 22-53 pages]
Novellas: 17,000 - 40,000 [usually around 53-121 pages]
Novels: 40,000 + words [usually around 121 pages or more]
Absent Minded Professor, The (1954, MMM) 17 pgs., ss, AKA:
"First Star I See Tonight," DSM, HLD, LLS, WTO
Alfred's Ark (1965, NWSF) 8 pgs., ss, DSM, MS, MM
Augmented Agent, The (1961, AmS) 32/42pgs., novelette, AKA:
"I-C-a-BeM,"AA, CD
Bagful of Dreams, A (1977, anthology Flashing Swords! #4)
26/28/30 pgs., novelette, later in Cugel: the Skybreak
Spatterlight, Chapter V, subchapter 2., JVT
Brain of the Galaxy see “The New Prime”
Cat Island (2005 in Wild Thyme and Violets Other Unpublished
Works) 5 pgs., draft children's story, LLS, WTV
Cave in the Forest, The (1966, MFSF) 12/16 pgs., short story, as
first part of Manse of Iucounu, later in as chapter VI in the
novel Cugel the Clever, 12/16 pgs
Cil (1966 first published in the novel The Eyes of the Overworld
Chapter II, 22/28 pgs., EFM
Cosmic Hotfoot-see "To B or not to C or D" (1950, SS)
Coup de Grace-see “Worlds of Origin”
Crusade to Maxus (1951, TWS) 49/71 pgs., novelette, AKA:
"Overlords of Maxus" AA, CD,GC
Dead Ahead (1950, SSS) 18/19 pgs., ss, AKA: "Ultimate Quest"
DSM,GS, MH, S2,
Devil on Salvation Bluff, The (1955, StarSFS) 24 pgs., ss, HLD,
MMB, WB, WFM, WTO, WJV
Dodkin’s Job (1959, AmSF) 40 pgs., novelette, FM, FT, HLD, MM,
WFM
Dover Spargill’s Ghastly Floater (1951, MSF) 17 pgs., ss, DSM, GS,
MH, S2
DP! (1953, Avon SFF) 20 pgs., ss, AKA: "DP" DSM, HLD, WTO
Dream Castle (1982 for book Dream Castle) 18 pgs., ss, slightly
expanded from "I'll
Build Your Dream Castle" see I’ll Build Your Dream Castle
Dreamer, The-see "The Enchanted Princess"
Dust of Far Suns-see "Sail 25" AKA: "Gateway to Strangeness"
Ecological Onslaught-see The World Between"
Enchanted Princess, The (1954, OSF) 25 pgs., novelette, AKA:
"The Dreamer" DC, DSM, GS, S2
First Star I See Tonight-see "The Absent Minded Professor"
Four Hundred Blackbirds (1953, FSF) 22/23 pgs., novelette, GS,
LM, MS, S2
Gateway to Strangeness-see “Sail 25,” AKA: "Dust of Far Suns"
God and the Temple Robber-(1951, PS) 15 pgs., ss, aka: "Temple
of Han" DSM, HLD, WTO
Golden Girl (1951, MSS) 10/14 pgs., ss, AA, DC, GG
Green Magic (1963, MFSF) 12 pgs., ss, GM, MM, NL, WT
Guyal of Sfere (1950 excerpt from the novel “The Dying Earth”
chapter 6), 42 pgs.,EFM, FM, JVT
Hard Luck Diggings (1948, SS) [Magnus Ridolph] 8 pgs., ss, CD,
GS, HLD, LLS, MRS
House Lords, The (1957, Sat) 15 pgs., ss, DSM, MH, WTO
Howling Bounders, The (1949, SS) 21 pgs., ss [Magnus Ridolph]
CD, GS, MH, MRS, MWD, MWA
I-C-a-BeM-see "The Augmented Agent"
I'll Build Your Dream Castle (1947, Astounding SF) 18 pgs., ss,
revised "Dream Castle" DC, LM, WTV, WTO
King of Thieves, The (1949, SS) 20 pgs. ss [Magnus Ridolph] CD,
GS, MH, MRS, MWD, MWA, WJV
Kokod Warriors, The (1952, TWS) 34 pgs. novelette [Magnus
Ridolph] CD, JVT, MRS, MWD, MWA, WJV
Liane the Wayfarer (excerpt from novel Mazirian the Magician,
1950) 11 pgs., AKA:
The Loom of Darkness, GM, JVT
Man From Zodiac, The, see "Milton Hack from Zodiac"
Manse of Iucounu, The (1966, MFSF) 27 pgs., novelette. Later
broken into two chapters titled The Cave in the Forest
(Chapter VI, 12/16 pgs.) and The Manse of Iucounu
(Chapter VII, 16/19 pgs.) as part of the novel Cugel the Clever.
Masquerade on Dicantropus (1951 SS) 15 pgs., ss, GG, HLD, NL,
WFM
Mazirian the Magician (excerpt from the novel Mazirian the
Magician, 1950) 15 pgs.
Meet Miss Universe (1955, FU) 22/23 pgs., ss, GG, LM, MS
Men of the Ten Books-see "The Ten Books"
Men Return, The (1957, ISF) 9 pgs. ss, EFM, FM, GM JVT, LLS,
MMB, MM, WB, WJV
Milton Hack From Zodiac (1967, AmS) 40/49 pgs., novelette,
AKA: Man from Zodiac, AA, CD, MS
Mitr, The (1953, VSF) 6/8 pgs., ss, GG, GM, JVT
Moon Moth (1961, GM) 35/37/39/55 pgs. novelette, BJV, GM,
JVT, MMB, MM, WB, WJV
Morreion (April 1973 Flashing Swords!) 54 pgs., novellette, later in
Rhialto the Marvellous Chapter 3, 1994, JVT
Mountains of Magnatz, The (1966, MFSF) 26 pgs., novelette, later
included as a chapter in the novel The Eyes of the Overworld
part 3,1994
Music of the Spheres-see "Noise"
Narrow Land, The (1967, Fan) 23/43 pgs., novelette, CD, DC, GM,
NL
New Prime, The (1951, WB) 23/26 pg. novelette, AKA: "Brain of
the Galaxy" EFM, FM, JVT, MMB, MM, WFM, WB, WJV
Noise (1952, SS) 13 pgs., ss, AKA: "Music of the Spheres" EFM,
FM, JVT, LLS, WFM,WTO
Overlords of Maxus-see "Crusade to Maxus"
Overworld, The (1966, MFSF) 25 pgs., novelette, later included as
chapter I in the novel
Cugel the Clever, 1994, JVT
Phalid's Fate (1946 ,TWS, revised 2012) 32/35 pgs., novelette,
3rd ever pub, CD, DSM, MH
Phantom Milkman, The (1956, OWSS) 12 pgs., ss, DSM, HLD,
WTO
Pilgrims, The (1966, MFSF) 33 pgs., novelette, later included as
chapter V Cugel the Clever, 1994, GM
Plagian Siphon-AKA: “Planet Machine” see "Uninhibited Robot"
Planet Machine, The AKA: “Plagian Siphon” see “Uninhibited
Robot” “Uninhibited Robot” AA, GS, MH, S2
Planet of the Black Dust (1946, SS) 17/18 pgs., ss, 2nd story ever
pub, DSM, GS, MH, S2
Potters of Firsk, The (1950, Astounding SF) 19 pgs., ss, GS, LLS,
LM, S2, WT
Practical Man's Guide, A (1957, SSFM) 9 pgs., ss, DSM, DC, WTO
Sabotage on Sulfur Planet (1952, SS) 37/38 pgs., novelette, GS,
LM, MH, S2
Sail 25 (1962, AmS) 28/29 pgs., novelette, aka: "Dust of Stars" &
"Gateway to
Strangeness" BJV, DFS, FM, GS, JVT, S2,WFM
Sanatoris Short-Cut (1948, SS) [Magnus Ridolph] 10 pgs., ss, CD,
GS, MH, MRS
Secret, The (1966, IMP) 10 pgs., ss, GM, JVT, WTO
Seven Exits from Bocz (1952, The Rhodomagnetic Digest v4 #2)
10 pgs., ss LM, WTO
Seventeen Virgins, The (1974, MFSF) 23/26 pgs., novelette, later
included in the novel
Cugel: the Skybreak Spatterlight, Chapter V, subchapter 2.
Shape-Up (1953, CSFFM) 11/15 pgs., ss, AA, CD, HLD
Sjambak (1953, WSF) 22/29/36 pgs., novelette, also issued as
stand-alone book, AA, GS, HLD, S2
Sorcerer Pharesm, The (1966, MFSF) 22 pgs., novelette, later
included as a chapter IV in the novel Cugel the Clever, 1994,
JVT
Spa of the Stars, The (1950 ,SS) 21 pgs., ss [Magnus Ridolph] CD,
GS, MH, MRS, MWD, MWA
Sub-Standard Sardines, The (1948, SS) [Magnus Ridolph] 22 pgs.,
novelette, CD, GS, MH, MRS, MWD
Sulwen's Planet (1968, Farthest Reaches anthol.) 16 pgs., ss, DSM,
DC, MM
Temple of Han, The-see “God and the Temple Robber”
Ten Books, The (1951, SS) 29 pgs., ss, aka: "Men of the Ten
Books" MH, NL, WFM, WTO
Three-Legged Joe (1953, SS) 16/21 pgs., ss, aka: “Three Legged
Joe” AA, GS, HLD, S2
To B or not to C or D (1950, SS) [Magnus Ridolph] 22 pgs.,
novelette, aka: "Cosmic
Hot Foot" CD, GS, MRS, MWD
Ullward's Retreat (1958, Galaxy Mag.) 23/25 pgs., novelette, BJV,
DFS, FM, MM, WFM, WT
Ultimate Quest-see "Dead Ahead"
Uninhibited Robot, The-(1951, TWS) 32/40 pgs., novelette, AKA:
“Planet Machine," and “The Plagian Syphon," AA, GS, MH, S2
Unspeakable McInch, The (1949, SS) 19 pgs., ss [Magnus Ridolph]
CD, GS, MH, MRS, MWD, MWA
Visitors, The-see Winner Lose All
When the Five Moons Rise (1954, CSFFM)14 pgs., ss, EFM, FM,
GG, HLD, WFM
Where Hesperus Falls (1956, FU) 8 pgs., ss, HLD, NL, WFM, WTO
Winner Lose All-(1950, GSF) 15 pgs., ss, AKA: "The Visitors" GS,
LM, MH, S2AKA: "The Visitors"
World Between, The (1953, FSF) 27/29 pg. novelette, AKA:
"Ecological Onslaught" GG, MS, MMB, WFM, WB, WJV
World-Thinker, The (1945, TWS) 25 pgs., novelette, first story
ever published, LM, NL, WT, WTO
Worlds of Origin-(1958, SSF) 23 pgs., ss, [Magnus Ridolph] AKA:
"Coup de Grace" CD, MRS, MWD, MWA, WT, WJ
Jack Vance Collections (abbreviations in bold):
pb=paperback, hc=hardcover
Augmented Agent, The (1989, Underwood-Miller): AA (pb, hc)
Best of Jack Vance, The (1976, Pocket): BJV (pb, hc)
Chateau D'If And Other Stories (2017, Spatterlight): CD (pb)
Complete Magnus Ridolph, The (1984, Underwood-Miller) all 10
stories: CMR (hc)
Dangerous Ways: Selected Mysteries, Volume one (2011,
Subterranean) DW (hc))
Dark Side of the Moon, The (1986, NEL): DSM (pb, hc)
Desperate Days: Selected Mysteries, Volume 2 (2012,
Subterranean): DD (hc)
Dragon Masters, The and Other Stories (2016, Spatterlight): DMO
(pb)
Dream Castles: Early Jack Vance, vol. 2 (2012, Subterranean): DC
(hc)
Dust of Far Suns (1981, DAW):same collection as Future Tense
DFS (pb)
Eight Fantasms and Magics (1969, MacMillan): EFM (pb, hc)
Fantasms and Magics (1978, Granada) FM (pb)
Future Tense, collection (1964, Ballantine) same collection as Dust
of Far Suns: FT (pb)
Gadget Stories (2005, part of VIE) same as Potters of Firsk and
Other Stories: GS (hc)
Golden Girl and Other Stories (2012, Spatterlight): GG (hc)
Grand Crusades: Early Jack Vance vol. 5 (2012, Subterranean): GC
(hc)
Green Magic: The Fantasy Realms of Jack Vance (1979, TOR): GM (pb, hc)
Hard-Luck Diggings:The Early Works of Jack Vance,vol. 1 (2010, Subterranean):HL(hc)
Jack Vance Treasury (2007, Subterranean): JVT (hc)
Light from a Lone Star (1985, Nesfa): LLS (hc)
Lost Moons (1982, Underwood-Miller): LM (hc)
Magic Highways: The Early Jack Vance, Vol. 3 (2015, Subterranean): MH (hc)
Magnus Ridolph (2017, Spatterlight) MRS (pb)
Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph, The (1966, Ace) 6 of 10 stories: MWA (pb)
Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph, The (1980, DAW) 8/10 stories: MWD (pb)
Minding the Stars: Early Jack Vance, vol. 4 (2014, Subterranean): MS (hc)
Miro Hetzel, Effectuator (2018, Spatterlight): MHE
Monsters In Orbit (1964, Ace Double): MIO
Moon Moth and Other Stories (1976 Dobson) British: MMB (hc)
Moon Moth and Other Stories (2012, Spatterlight): MM (pb)
Narrow Land, The (1984, DAW): NL (pb)
Sail 25 and Other Stories (2012, Spatterlight): S2 (pb)
Son of the Tree & The Houses of Iszm (2017, Spatterlight, STHI (pb)
Tales of the Dying Earth (2000, ORB): TDE (pb)
When the Five Moons Rise (1992, Underwood-Miller): WFM (hc)
Wild Thyme, Green Magic (2009, Subterranean): WT (hc)
Wild Thyme and Violets, Other Unpublished Works (2012, Spatterlight): WTV (pb)
World Between and Other Stories, The (1965, Ace double): WB (pb)
World-Thinker and Other Stories (201,7 Spatterlight): WTO (pb)
Worlds of Jack Vance, The (1973, Ace): WJV (pb)
apropos of nothing at all, here are my top favorite short stories by the king:"The New Prime" - Eight Fantasms
"Rumfuddle" - Chateau d'If, Best of Jack Vance
"The Moon Moth" - Green Magic, Best of Jack Vance
"The Narrow Land" - Green Magic
"Green Magic" - Green Magic
"The Augmented Agent" - The Augmented Agent
mark wrote: "..."The Moon Moth"..."Glad to hear it, since I'll be reading that one soon in The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume II B
It's so good! hope you enjoy it. quintessential Jack Vance
Short story and novelette favs:Dodkin’s Job (1959, AmSF) 40 pgs., novelette
Kokod Warriors, The (1952, TWS) 34 pgs. novelette
Moon Moth (1961, GM) 35/37/39/55 pgs. novelette
Narrow Land, The (1967, Fan) 23/43 pgs., novelette
Seventeen Virgins, The (1974, MFSF) 23/26 pgs., novelette, later included in the novel Cugel: the Skybreak Spatterlight, Chapter V, subchapter 2.
Also really like:
Alfred's Ark (1965, NWSF) 8 pgs., ss
Augmented Agent, The (1961, AmS) 32/42pgs., novelette
DP! (1953, Avon SFF) 20 pgs., ss
Enchanted Princess, The (1954, OSF) 25 pgs., novelette
I'll Build Your Dream Castle (1947, Astounding SF) 18 pgs., ss
Phalid's Fate (1946 ,TWS, revised 2012) 32/35 pgs., novelette
Phantom Milkman, The (1956, OWSS) 12 pgs., ss
Three-Legged Joe (1953, SS) 16/21 pgs., ss
World Between, The (1953, FSF) 27/29 pg. novelette, AKA: "Ecological Onslaught"
TJ wrote: "...Cugel: the Skybreak Spatterlight, Chapter V, subchapter 2...."OK, what is this? I thought I'd read all the Cugel stuff. Is this an except or something I need to track down?
mark wrote: "It's so good! hope you enjoy it. quintessential Jack Vance"Thanks! I will report back here once I finish it, but I think it's going to be a few weeks until I get that far.
RJ - Slayer of Trolls wrote: "TJ wrote: "...Cugel: the Skybreak Spatterlight, Chapter V, subchapter 2...."OK, what is this? I thought I'd read all the Cugel stuff. Is this an except or something I need to track down?"
It's Cugel's Saga with the title Vance decided he wanted the VIE to use for it, despite the fact that his manuscript bears the title Cugel Saga. No, you don't need to track anything down.
"OK, what is this? I thought I'd read all the Cugel stuff. Is this an except or something I need to track down?"I have the original issue and it is the same as in the book so you don't need to track anything down. Here is a bit more information:
The Seventeen Virgins was first published as a 23 page novelette in October, 1974 in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction. This story won the Jupiter Award for best novelette in 1975 and placed tenth for the 1975 Locus award for best novelette. The Seventeen Virgins is reported to be the last story Vance ever published in a magazine. It has been reprinted in a few science fiction mixed author collections over the years. There is a rare 1979 limited edition (600 issues), softcover issue by Underwood-Miller that has The Seventeen Virgins the title and is the only piece in the book. The same year Underwood-Miller released another limited softcover edition with The Seventeen Virgins along with the story A Bagful of Dreams. A number of each of these issues were autographed by the author. Most frequently, however, The Seventeen Virgins is encountered in Vance’s 1983 novel Cugel’s Saga also known as Cugel: the Skybreak Spatterlight which is the third book in Tales of the Dying Earth series. It is Chapter V, subchapter 1 or the ninth story in the novel.
Thanks Steve and TJ, that's good info. And it's good to see some posts in this group again!
mark wrote: "It's so good! hope you enjoy it. quintessential Jack Vance"I started reading The Moon Moth yesterday, and you're right: it is quintessential JV.
I forgot to share my thoughts on The Moon Moth a few weeks back when I finished, so let me share some now.What a treat that story was! I expected nothing less, of course, but it had all the Vance trademarks that I expected from having read the Dying Earth series, especially the Cugel novels. The extended bickering over obscure and near-pointless topics of seemingly trivial concern, enhanced by Vance's classically-inspired ornate dialogue, always has me laughing out loud. And the idea of trying to identify someone you've never seen before on a planet where everyone wears a mask is an absurdity that not even Philip K Dick would have dared. I gave it 5 stars.
Beyond Jack Vance
Books mentioned in this topic
The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume II B (other topics)The World-Thinker and Other Stories (other topics)
Sail 25 and Other Stories (other topics)
Future Tense (other topics)
The Brains of Earth (other topics)
More...
By my count Vance wrote 55 long works and 72 short works. In addition I have listed 10 "unpublished" items (fragments and outlines, both long and short). See the list below.
I tend to read short stories one at a time and not whole collections, especially those by Vance whose stories have been arbitrarily collected so many times i varous collections and using different titles. There are now some consice and comprehensive collections from Subterranean Press and Spatterlight Press though, but the ebooks sometimes makes things more confusing using the same titles but with different content. Anyway, I thought I’d make a list here and monitor my progress in reading all the short stories by Vance. It includes 72 stories. Of these 18 are longer than 17 000 words, which would make them novellas by the standard definition. These are listed in bold. Some have been published individually as books: The Houses of Iszm, Son of the Tree, The Miracle Workers (only published separately as ebook), The Brains of Earth, and The Dragon Masters (this one is most often published with other stories though but editions that publish the story separately are listed together with these collections). I have not included Gold and Iron, which is most often considered a short novel. The list does not include unified collections such as the The Dying Earth books. "The Dogtown Tourist Agency" was advertised on the cover of the anthology (Epoch) in which it first appeared as "a complete novel". But it has never been published separately except as an ebook. The two Miro Hetzel stories were printed together in 1980: Galactic Effectuator (It can be argued that the Magnus Ridolph stories stories should be among the unified as well. Magnus Ridolph does not have it's own VIE volume, but there is The Complete Magnus Ridolph from Underwood-Miller, and Spatterlight Press collects them and even lists the book under novels rather than under short stories. Lastly I have included Vance's "unpublished" works: the fragment "Cat Island" and nine outlines (excluded from count).
The World-Thinker (1945) WTGM, WTOS, LM, NL, WTOS
Planet of the Black Dust (1946) MH
Phalid’s Fate (1946) MH
Dream Castle (1947) (I’ll Build Your Dream Castle) DC
-Hard-Luck Diggings (1948) HLD, , CMR
-Sanatoris Short-Cut (1948) MH, CMR
-The Unspeakable McInch (1948) MH, CMR
-The Sub-Standard Sardines (1949) MH, CMR
-The Howling Bounders (1949) MH, CMR
-The King of Thieves (1949) MH, CMR
The Potters of Firsk (1950) WTGM
-The Spa of the Stars (1950) MH
Chateau d’if (1950) (aka New Bodies for Old) WTGM
-To B or Not to C or to D (1950) (aka Cosmic Hotfoot) MH, CMR
Ultimate Quest (1950) (aka Dead Ahead) MH
The Uninhibited Robot (1950) (aka The Plagian Siphon; The Planet Machine) MH
Crusade to Maxus (1951) (aka Overlords of Maxus) GC
The New Prime (1951) (aka Brain of the Galaxy) JVT
Men of the Ten Books (1951) (aka The Ten Books) MH
Golden Girl (1951) DC
Temple of Han (1951) (aka The God and the Temple Robber) HLD
The Masquerade on Dicantropus (1951) HLD
Dover Spargrill’s Ghastly Floater (1951) MH
Winner Lose All (1951) (aka The Visitors) MH
Son of the Tree (1951) DC
Seven Exits from Bocz (1952) WTGM
Telek (1952) MS
Abercrombie Station (1952) HLD
Sabotage on Sulfur Planet (1952) MH
Cholwell’s Chickens (1952) DC
Noise (1952) (aka Music of the Spheres) JVT
-The Kokod Warriors (1952) JVT, CMR
The World Between (1953) (aka Ecological Onslaught) MS
Three-Legged Joe (1953) HLD
DP! (1953) HLD
Four Hundred Black Birds (1953) MS
Sjambak (1953) HLD
The Mitr (1953) JVT
Shape-Up (1953) HLD
The Absent-Minded Professor (1954) (aka Five Stars I See Tonight) HLD
When the Five Moons Rise (1954) HLD
The Enchanted Princess (1954) (aka The Dreamer) DC
The Houses of Iszm (1954) GC, HI
The Devil on Salvation Bluff (1955) HLD
Meet Miss Universe (1955) MS
The Gift of Gab (1955) JVT
The Phantom Milkman (1956) HLD
Where Hesperus Falls (1956) HLD
The Men Return (1957) JVT
A Practical Man’s Guide (1957) DC
The House Lords (1957) MH
-Coup de Grace (1958) (aka Worlds of Origin) WTGM, CMR
Parapsyche (1958) MS
Ullward’s Retreat (1958) WTGM
The Miracle Workers ****(1958) JVT
Dodkin’s Job (1959) HLD
The Moon Moth (1961) JVT
The Augmented Agent (1961) (aka I-C-a-BeM) WTGM
Sail 25 (1962) (aka Gateway to Strangeness; Dust of Far Suns) JVT, FT-DFS, PFOS
The Dragon Masters **** (2) (1962) JVT
Green Magic (1963) WTGM
Alfred’s Ark (1965) MS
The Secret (1966) JVT
The Last Castle (1966) JVT
Nopalgarth (1966) (aka The Brains of Earth) MS
The Narrow Land (1967) DC, , GM
Milton Hack from Zodiac (1967) (aka The Man from Zodiac) MS
Sulwen’s Planet (1968) DC
Rumfuddle (1973) WTGM
Assault on a City (1974) (aka The Insufferable Red-headed Daughter of Commander Tynott O.T.E.) WTGM
The Dogtown Tourist Agency (1976) DC, DTAFT, GE
Freitzke's Turn (1977) DC, DTAFT, GE
Cat Island, fragment (1985) [1946] LLS, WTV
The Genesee Slough Murders: Outline (1994) [1966] DD (lettered), FVMPGM, WTVOUW
The Stark (2005) [1954]
The Telephone was Ringing in the Dark: Outline (2005) [1962]
Wild Thyme and Violets: Outline (2005) [1976] WTGM, WTVOW
The Kragen (1964) [1962] (effecively an outline for The Blue World, first published in Fantastic Stories of Imagination and later in the anthology Mythical Beasties (1986). WTVOW, The Kragen (2007, Subterranean Press)
Nightlamp: an outline (2018) in Backstage with Jack Vance Vol. 1 Spatterlight Press
Ports of Call: outline (2018)
Ecce and Old Earth: outline (2018)
Cadwal III (2018) an outline for Throy
After the original publication year I have listed (or will list) the collections the story appears in, in the order below.
Subterranean Press:
The Jack Vance Treasury (JVT), Wild Thyme, Green Magic (WTGM), Hard Luck Diggings (HLD), Dream Castles (DC), Magic Highways (MH), Minding the Stars (MS), Grand Crusades (GC), The Kragen (K)
Vance Integral Edition:
The World-Thinker and Other Stories (WTOS), Gadget Stories (GS), Son of the Tree and Other Storeis (STOS), Golden Girl and Other Stories (GGOS), The Houses of Iszm and Other Stories (HIOS), The Moon Moth and Other Stories (MMOS), The Dogtown Tourist Agency and Freitzke's Turn (DTAFT)
Underwood-Miller:
Green Magic (GM), Galactic Effectuator (GE), Lost Moons (LM), The Complete Magnus Ridolph (CMR), The Augmented Agent (AA), The Dark Side of the Moon (DSM), Chatau d’if and Other Stories (CdOS), When the Five Moons Rise (WFMR)
Various paperbacks and hardbacks:
Future Tense (aka Dust of Far Suns) (FT-DFS), Monsters in Orbit/Worlds Between (MO/WO), The Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph (MWMR), Eight Fantasms and Magics (aka Fantasms and Magics) (EFM), The Worlds of Jack Vance (WJV), The Best of Jack Vance (BJV), The Narrow Land (NL), Light from a Lone Star (LLS), The Moon Moth and Other Stories (MMOSd)
Spatterlight Press paperbacks:
The World-Thinker and Other Stories, Magnus Ridolph, Sail 25 and Other Stories, Chateau d’If and Other Stories, Golden Girl and Other Stories, The Moon Moth and Other Stories, Wild Thyme and Violets and Other Unpublished Works
Spatterlight Press ebooks:
The World-Thinker and Other Stories, Sail 25 and Other Stories, Chateau d’If and Other Stories, Golden Girl and Other Stories, The Moon Moth and Other Stories, Wild Thyme and Violets and Other Unpublished Works, Magnus Ridolph
Gateway:
The World-Thinker and Other Stories, The Potters of Firsk and Other Stories, Son of the Tree and Other Storeis, Golden Girl and Other Stories, The Houses of Iszm and Other Stories, The Moon Moth and Other Stories
Some of these titles create confusion. For example, The Moon Moth and Other Stories contains different stories in all the different editions: the Gateway edition and the Spatterlight Press are slightly different, but the dobson paperback with the same title is completely different and shouldn't even be listed as an edition of this book (it's difficult to separate it though, since this one has most ratings and thus a lot of users have rated that edition when they've read one of the ebooks).