Dorsai Spirit: Two Classic Novels of the Dorsai: 'Dorsai!' and 'The Spirit of Dorsai' (Dorsai/Childe Cycle) [Kindle Edition]

Gordon R. Dickson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Two must-have classic novels of military science fiction are now reprinted in this omnibus edition honoring one of science fiction's most influential authors.

Dorsai, the foundation novel of Dickson's Childe Cycle, introduces Donal Graeme, a warrior in a culture of fiercely independent men and women who discovers within himself talents that will help him change the course of history. The Spirit of Dorsai tells two stories of Dorsai heroes: Amanda Morgan, who must face a military force bent on the destruction of Dorsai culture, and Ian Graeme, who struggles to avert a disaster while he wrestles with grief and rage over his brother's murder.

Dickson creates a complex and convincing political, historical, and social framework inhabited by compelling characters who never lose their blend of humanity and heroism. The Spirit of Dorsai is a smoothly written balance of strategy, tactics, and the individuals behind them that still sets a standard for military science fiction. --Roz Genessee

From Publishers Weekly

Fans of Gordon R. Dickson's Childe Cycle will welcome Dorsai Spirit, the posthumous omnibus edition containing the novels Dorsai! and The Spirit of Dorsai. The former, published in 1959, tells the heroic tale of Dorsai warrior and "superman" Donal Graeme, whose "courage was unquestioned" and who became a legendary leader; the latter, published two decades later and set 100 years after Donal's day, focuses on the Dorsai women, especially a trifecta of powerful Amandas. Introduction by David Drake.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Format: Kindle Edition
• File Size: 599 KB
• Print Length: 432 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0312877617
• Publisher: Tor Books; 1 edition (March 1, 2003)
• Sold by: Macmillan
• Language: English
• ASIN: B000FBJD4S
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #124,322 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

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Customer Reviews

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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read Them All, June 7, 2002

By 

Ronald P. Starbuck (Houston, Texas United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dorsai Spirit: Two Classic Novels of the Dorsai: 'Dorsai!' and 'The Spirit of Dorsai' (Hardcover)

Gordon R. Dickson, like Robert A. Heinlein, is a master storyteller. If you have never read Dickson's Childe Cycle, then buy and read them all. This is a mythic journey and one you shouldn't miss. The Childe Cycle tells the story of the human spirit, the strength of human relationships, reveals our unlimited potential, and takes you on a "hero's journey." Joseph Campbell would have love these books if he had ever read them. Perhaps he did, who can know. Your library will never be complete without these books in your collection. Both authors caused a major paradigm shift in my own life's vision, values, imagination, priorities, and appreciation for science fiction. Come and join in the journey and you will "soar on the wings of eagles.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars military science fiction, June 8, 2002

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Dorsai Spirit: Two Classic Novels of the Dorsai: 'Dorsai!' and 'The Spirit of Dorsai' (Hardcover)

"Dorsai". Among the fourteen worlds, Dorsai provides one export that is in great demand. The planet consists of the best military mercenaries known in the cosmos. Donal Graeme is about to go off planet with abilities never seen before as humanity has taken a quantum leap up on the evolutionary path. This reviewer read "Dorsai" in the sixties and found it to be a fascinating tale. Though a powerful introduction to the Dorsai culture, the military tactics seem weak in a post Star Wars world. Still Donal is a great character struggling between his differences and his human frailty.

"Spirit of Dorsai": "Amanda Morgan". While the men go off planet to fight, women remain behind to defend Dorsai. Amanda Morgan faces an enemy with one goal in mind, the destruction of the Dorsai culture. "Brothers". Ian Graeme feels guilt for living, grief for his dead sibling, and anger for not being able to keep his brother alive. Preferring to avenge his brother's murder, Ian must first prevent a major catastrophe from occurring. This novella ("Amanda Morgan") and short story ("Brothers") provide more of a historical perspective to the Dorsai, especially Amanda's story furnishing insight into the role of women in the culture.

DORSAI SPIRIT is a compilation of two previous Gordon R. Dickson's books from his Childe Cycle. The stories remain interesting and old fans will rejoice to read them while newcomers will find the tales entertaining. Yet this reviewer wonders why the memories of Mr. Dickson as one of the standard bearers of military science fiction seem weakened at least from re-reading this part of the saga.

Harriet Klausner

5.0 out of 5 stars Five books to read and then You have to use a Sixth book to get Directions., November 7, 2011

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D "dray e gone" (Redding, CA, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Dorsai Spirit: Two Classic Novels of the Dorsai: 'Dorsai!' and 'The Spirit of Dorsai' (Dorsai/Childe Cycle) (Kindle Edition)

You have to read these two or five books depending on how you look at them either before or during or after reading another 5 or 7 books In the Childe Cycle or about the Dorsai. The Whole History of these folks make it a matter of have too.

Thanks so much Gordon