A profusely illustrated collection of twelve of the author's best short science fiction stories includes the wry melodrama, "Space Rats of the CCC," and "Bill, the Galactic Hero's Happy Holiday," an all-new adventure. Reprint. AB. K. PW.
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.
Description:
A profusely illustrated collection of twelve of the author's best short science fiction stories includes the wry melodrama, "Space Rats of the CCC," and "Bill, the Galactic Hero's Happy Holiday," an all-new adventure. Reprint. AB. K. PW.
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.