From School Library Journal
YAMedea is a collection of 11 stories set on a world created by science fiction authors at the instigation of Harlan Ellison. The scientific details established by Hal Clement, Larry Niven, Poul Anderson and Frederick Phol are also included. There is a transcript of the idea session held at a graduate seminar in which Frank Herbert, Thomas M. Disch, Robert Silverberg and Theodore Sturgeon discussed their interpretations of Medea and invented story ideas, helped by contributions from the audience. Some of the bizarre concepts used in the stories include cannibalism as a means of sharing life memories and death by combustion as the ultimate transcendental experience. These ideas are not used for shock value but rather to create and explore alien cultures. The stories themselves are arranged chronologically, from the early days of human colonization on Medea to the time of a cataclysm that will wipe out any remaining inhabitants. There are inconsistencies of Medean details among the authors, but they do not interfere with one's enjoyment of the stories. Medea would be appreciated by older teens: those who are science fiction fans, those who enjoy learning how authors come up with ideas and those who want to see how world-building is done in fiction. Added bonuses are Freas' 12 black-and-white drawings and one fold-out color reproduction of a Medean landscape and Duane's maps. Monica Forbes, PGCMLS, Md.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.
