All One Universe [Mass Market Paperback]

Poul Anderson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1997

Poul Anderson himself has put together a retrospective collection of his recent writings, fiction and nonfiction, under the title All One Universe. This is the first major Poul Anderson collection in a decade. It encompasses all his strengths as a teller of tales and, in addition, provides a running commentary in the story notes and in the essays on other literary figures such as Rudyard Kipling, Johannes B. Jensen, and John W. Campbell, Jr., commentary that illuminates the fiction, gives personal insight into the mind of this fine writer, and provides a unifying personality for All One Universe. All One Universe, then, represents the new best of Poul Anderson. It is a rich, varied selection of quintessential science fiction as well as four essays, mostly from recent years, by one of the great science fiction writers of the century. His stories are filled with roaring energy, the soul of poetry, and dark imaginings.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

During a luminous career spanning nearly half a century, Anderson has cultivated a remarkably poetic style for a writer whose specialty is hard science fiction. In his latest collection of fiction and essays, he also reminds us how far his imagination reaches, as the themes of a colorful assortment of stories range from life on other planets to alternative history. In "The Voortrekkers," he poignantly recounts the fate of two galactic explorers whose identities are, with each planetary landing, recycled in new bodies. "In Memoriam" hauntingly describes the last moments of human history and the eventual engulfment of the earth by the sun. In outstanding nonfiction pieces, Anderson insightfully eulogizes legendary sf editor John W. Campbell; reappraises the legacy of Rudyard Kipling, who dabbled in fantasy; and provides extracts from his personal diary during the Voyager flyby of Neptune. Must reading for Anderson's legion of fans, this book is also a perfect introduction to his perennial genius. Carl Hays --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"A fine introduction to one of SF's masters."--Starlog

"Fact and fiction, shaped by one of SF's keenest minds, are mingled in this collection....On the whole, All One Universe is a collection which does its creator proud while delighting his fans."--Rapport

"Poul Anderson's writings have been at a remarkably high, consistent level of quality for nearly fifty years, now. All One Universe is a book for anyone interested in either SF or in craftsmanship."--David Drake

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Tor Science Fiction (May 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812539095
• ISBN-13: 978-0812539097
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,781,287 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Here is a generous taste of hard SF's best author!, July 3, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: All One Universe (Hardcover)

Poul Anderson always brings thoughtful provocative pros
to the readers of his fine works. As a follower of most of
Anderson's offerings over the years I find that
All One Universe gives the reader a chance to look into
Anderson's own thinking in the selection of the short
stories and editorials on some of the great contributors in
Literature. In fact, it is the celebration of man's
accomplishments throughout history and in literature that
Anderson treats us here in this collection as he has done
so well in other books. I dare say that this book as much as
any I can remember in recent memory shouts at us to get out
and read: science, hard science fiction, and the wealth of
literature that is available - and that's inspirational!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quality short fiction and good essays, September 18, 2001

By 

William R. Russell "Rick" (Hawthorne, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: All One Universe (Mass Market Paperback)

_All One Universe_ is a fine collection of (very) short stories and non-fiction essays, the personal choices of Poul Anderson himself. Many of the short stories are excellent (although some of them offer such a tantalizing taste of Anderson's inner fantasy world that you want to cry out for longer pieces); some are based on his existing work, and some are completely new.

The non-fiction pieces provide an interesting break, although they are not as entertaining -- most of them involve Anderson trying to sell the reader on a particular author or concept; I guess you can't blame a man late in his life for that indulgence.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good work from the Grand Master, March 26, 1999

By 

David N. Reiss (Haymarket, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: All One Universe (Mass Market Paperback)

Poul Anderson is one of the great writers of science fiction. This book contains a good number of his good short stories, plus some of his thoughts about science fiction. It includes his memories and thoughts about John W. Campbell, Jr. - who was, if you can credit one person with SF, the founder of modern science fiction. For the little change you would spend on this book, it is a good value.