Five Star Science Fiction/Fantasy - In This World, or Another [Hardcover]

James Blish (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0786253495 | ISBN-13: 978-0786253494 | Edition: 1

James Blish (1921-1975) was one of those rare authors who sought to fuse the imagination and ideas of science fiction with the language and power of mainstream fiction. He wasn't rare for attempting this combination, he was rare because he succeeded. His novels and short stories illuminated a bold new style of writing that helped shape the Golden Age of science fiction, and continued for more than thirty years.

For the first time in more than twenty years, we're pleased to present this collection of his best short fiction. Chosen and including an introduction by his wife, Judith Blish, these masterful short stories capture the essence of James's visionary fiction. Includes the stories Citadel of Thought, Nor Iron Bars, A Dusk of Idols and many more. (20021201)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"From a darkly humorous tale of the power of words (Death and the Librarian) to a never-before-published response to events of September 11 (Ilion), Friesner's 12 stories illustrate the author's acutely sensitive vision of wonder in the everyday world... Known primarily for his 'Star Wars' novels... Zahn's short stories also deliver strong plots and memorable characters... Zebrowski's many novels (e.g. Macrolife) mark him as a visionary as well as a master of hard sf. The ten short stories collected in In the Distance provide a benchmark of his creativity... the author expands his concept of the human condition to embrace the stars. Part of Five Star's continuing commitment to showcasing the short fiction of the genre's most prominent author's, these three volumes belong in most libraries where short sf is popular."
-- Library Journal (December 2002) (Library Journal 20020615)

"...Part of Five Star's continuing commitment to showcasing the short fiction of the genre's most prominent authors, these three volumes (Death and the Librarian and Other Stories/ Star Song and Other Stories/ In the Distance, and Ahead in Time) belong in most libraries where short sf is popular."
-- Library Journal (December 2002) (Library Journal )

"Four more titles in Five Star's new series (God Is an Iron and Other Stories/ Generation Gap and Other Stories/ The Lady Vanishes and Other Oddities of Nature/ Suppose They Gave a Peace and Other Stories) of short fiction by noteworthy sf authors offer a variety of tales that illustrate the depth and staying power of the genre...Most of the stories in these volumes have only appeared in periodicals. Libraries wishing to augment their sf or short fiction collections should consider any of them."
-- Library Journal (June 2002) (Library Journal )

"James Blish was the model of a caring, exacting SF writer, and his accomplishments are fairly well served by this volume."
-- Science Fiction Weekly (Science Fiction Weekly )

"This anthology is a pleasant surprise for fans of speculative fiction as James Blish passed away in the 1970s, but as this work will prove he was and still is one of the best. Each of the ten tales is a superb example of why Mr. Blish is still considered a genius by the genre's writers."
-- Harriet Klausner (UNKNOWN )

Product Details

• Hardcover: 372 pages
• Publisher: Five Star; 1 edition (July 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786253495
• ISBN-13: 978-0786253494
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,879,123 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars pleasant surprise for fans of speculative fiction, August 4, 2003

By 

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

This review is from: Five Star Science Fiction/Fantasy - In This World, or Another (Hardcover)

This anthology is a pleasant surprise for fans of speculative fiction as James Blish passed away in the 1970s, but as this work will prove he was and still is one of the best. The ten stories, introduction, and a poem were all written in 1950s and 1960s. Each of the ten tales is a superb example of why Mr. Blish is still considered a genius by the genre's writers. The tales are complex in spite of each being relatively short. Intricate but exciting writing is a trademark of this author and this anthology provides that and more. Fans of science fiction short stories will want to read this powerful collection and this reviewer also recommends the novels BLACK EASTER and THE DAY OF JUDGMENT for an interesting spin on the War for Heaven and earth.

Harriet Klausner