Customer Reviews

Moon Moth and Other Stories

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Listed in Ben Bova's Science Fiction Hall Of Fame, this short story achieves greatness with about 35 pages. Edwer Thissell is appointed new Consular Representative of Fan, a floating city on a distant water-covered world. The native people have created a complex social structure in which everyone wears face masks of varying styles. Social etiquette is determined according to the status of the mask wearers involved, and appearing in public without a mask is strictly taboo. Thissell becomes a reluctant pursuer of a violent Interworld criminal seeking refuge on Fan. Thissell commits many social blunders, some serious, as he interacts with citizens to uncover the criminal's identity, concealed among the countless masks worn by all. The fascinating story ends brilliantly, when the showdown occurs. The title refers to the mask worn by Thissell during the story. Excellent!

Jack Vance's "The moon moth" is one of the most intriguing stories I have read. Published in the Aug. 1961 Galaxy magazine, it is really a social psychology or social anthropology essay. It takes place on Sirene, where the society has decreed that every one must wear a mask. A naked face is considered obscene. The mask must depict the type of person the wearer wishes to be recognized as. However, there are dire penalties for wearing a mask above one's achievements. The rank of the mask must be earned through accomplishment.

Into this planet comes our main character to track down a criminal.

Let your imagination soar from there. A masterpiece by Mr. Vance.