Galactic Dreams [Hardcover]

Harry Harrison (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1994

A collection of tales featuring the legendary Bill, the Galactic Hero, a crazed space soldier given to hilarious misadventures, includes classic stories and a never-before-published account of a daring deed.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Few commercial writers are more deserving of their popularity than Harrison ( The Hammer and the Cross ), a fine writer who occasionally reaches brilliant heights. His latest collection boasts moments that rank high, but the overall level is middling. The colloquial "histories" of "Famous First Words" are never less than quaint and at times hilarious, while "At last, the True Story of Frankenstein" stands above most of the myriad variations on Mary Shelley's original. Even in the several pieces (such as "The Pad") that seem to have outlived their day, Harrison's wit is an adequate recommendation. But several tales ("If"; "Mute Million") rely too heavily on their trick-of-the-tail endings, and the lone new story ("Bill, the Galactic Hero's Happy Holidays") is one of the least worthy entries. Diverting if not impressive, this collection is still a pleasant read.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

A dozen stories, including an adventure never before published featuring the galactic hero Bill, demonstrate the versatile talents of this prolific sf veteran author (Stainless Steel Visions, Tor Bks., 1993).
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 222 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; 1st edition (April 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312852460
• ISBN-13: 978-0312852467
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,590,080 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The dark side of the moon, August 7, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Galactic Dreams (Mass Market Paperback)

I must say that this is a collection of some excellent stories, may of which are either somewhat dark, or have unhappy endings. But these are the type that scare us somewhat, because we look into our soul and examine ourselves in a new light.

A good read for any time of the day, Harry Harrison's "Galactic Dreams" is a well done collection of short stories, whose plots range from funny familiars, to hauntingly frightening newbies.

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable Diversion, April 26, 2001

By 

jrmspnc (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Galactic Dreams (Mass Market Paperback)

First, ignore the... editor's reviews - there is only one Bill story and the Stainless Steel Rat is no where to be seen. Instead, here is a pleasing collection of short stories that appear to have been written over the course of several decades. All of the stories are enjoyable reads; some are amusing, some moving, some disturbing. Most have a delicious twist at the end. (Keep an eye out for the farmcat.) Highly recommended for anyone who has ever enjoyed a Harry Harrison book.