Customer Reviews

The Last Hurrah of the Golden Horde

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This collection of science fiction tales is Norman Spinrad at his best, and at his best, Spinrad was one of the finest sf writers in the genre. Many have the majestic sense of wonder that enthrall many readers of science fiction. There is also humor and awe, and, at times, a sense of dread. It's a crime that Spinrad never won a Nebula Award for his efforts. He is one of the finest short story writers the field has ever seen. Spinrad always seemed to be better in the short form. His novels do not reach the heights that his short fiction did. But if you want some wondrous entertainment, this book provides it.

Buy this e-book! You won't regret it. Want proof? Get the free sample, which includes the entire first story, "Carcinoma Angels". After reading that, you'll rush to get the rest of the stories.

I've always felt that Norman Spinrad's short stories are better than any of his novels, and The Last Hurrah of the Golden Horde contains his best short stories. I've kept a disintegrating copy of the paperback for 40 years, and always wanted to share it with others... but rarely did because I was worried about losing a nearly irreplaceable book. Now it's in an e-book edition that is very well done. I was worried about a sloppy transfer to a digital edition, but the text, punctuation, and formatting appear to be perfect. A good job on the part of the publisher, and well appreciated.

Within the world of science fiction, I suppose you could view me as both an aficionado and a practitioner. Given that dual citizenship, and the fact that not only my close friends but any number of passing acquaintances -- not to mention more than a few absolute strangers! -- have been either lent or given books from my collection, I occasionally find myself being asked about other genre writers, and where a novice would best begin exploring their works. (Yes, sometimes this is in the hope of sidelining my enthusiasm by making copious notes and then escaping on pretext of finding a bookstore, in lieu of buying me a drink. I'd like to believe that it is also, at least on select occasions, borne out of genuine interest.)

Norman Spinrad is an author whose stories I've been asked about on numerous instances, by readers and aspiring young authors alike, and my advice has never wavered: Begin with BUG JACK BARON, and follow up with THE LAST HURRAH OF THE GOLDEN HORDE. You will then either want to read everything else you can find, or you will hurl imprecations at anyone who mentions Spinrad's name, within earshot.

The physical version of this book occupies a permanent space upon my shelves.