But What of Earth? (Mass Market Paperback)

by Piers Anthony (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
There are few writers more entertaining than Piers Anthony and this rousing, thought-provoking science fiction adventure proves it. Piers weaves a story around juicy bits of autobiographical material and his relationship with the publishing industry to create an adventure of two worlds.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Tor Books; 1st edition (July 15, 1989)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812530985
• ISBN-13: 978-0812530988
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,522,330 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A deeper look into a possible future, February 29, 2000

By	Ian Fingland (Toronto, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: But What of Earth? (Turtleback)

A story about a bleak future for human kind.

The story is more of a warning to the reader as to what could happen to our society if the current trend of disassociation, disregard, and irresponsibility continues.

"But what of Earth" proposes an escape from this reality with the advent of matter transmission. However it is this easy escape that enlightens the characters to realization that what is left of Earth is worth saving.

A great story, with thought provoking ideas and concepts. It is a journey of discovery where the destination is that of the value of home, health and self.

The book also presents the ways in which storys and novels are frequently mutalated to such an extent where the focus is lost. These added editorial comments add to the understanding of the literary process.

With every time I have read "But What of Earth" I have found more meaning and hidden truths. It is a book that can be read and enjoyed many times. For anyone that enjoys a sci-fi story, with a reasonable basis in real life, I can only say that this is a must read novel.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good story plus the Great, Scary story of the first edition., February 17, 1998

By A Customer

A short, unexceptional novel of some horrible future of Earth, But What of Earth? is quite fascinating. The original novel is OK. Nothing to write home about. Ahhh, but the book also contains two other treats, both much worth writing home about.

When Piers Anthony sold the story originally, things went wrong. What was published was horrible and mainly not what he had sent in. Not to mention the fact of another writer's name also on the book. In many footnotes, Piers tells us of the many, many changes to his novel as recorded in various inks & handwritings on the manuscript. The story of the evil forces destroying his book, line by line is quite fascinating.

The other bonus treat is the story of what the novel is about. Mixed in with the footnotes of changes are glimpses into the author's purposes. This improves my enjoyment of the novel as it connects things together that I would have missed until a later re-reading, which, honestly, might never have happened.

Fair novel with adventure and insight into the world of writing, publishing and creativity. Not Piers' best, but it is worth some time, especially if writing interests you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An amusing look into the Publishing Industry

, September 11, 1997

By A Customer

But What of Earth was an early novel of Anthony's published when he had little say on the finished product. He had to buy back the rights to produce this volume, and it illustrates that what you read may not be anywhere near what the author intended.

But What of Earth? The Novel is about mass migration off the planet Earth to space colonies and how it effects those unable to afford the trip. The actual story is secondary to the way it is presented.

In this book the story is printed the way Anthony originally had written it. Anthony includes notation detailing the changes made, who made them and insight into their personalities base on their comments.

If you enjoy Anthony's authors notes in his other books then this is a must read