Author Description
Contents:11 Editor's Note: About Science Fiction (The Golden Age of Science Fiction) (1981) essay by Kingsley Amis16 Introduction (The Golden Age of Science Fiction) (1981) essay by Kingsley Amis37 The Quest for Saint Aquin (1951) novelette by Anthony Boucher56 The Xi Effect (1950) shortstory by R. S. Richardson [as by Philip Latham ]78 The Tunnel Under the World (1955) novelette by Frederik Pohl111 Old Hundredth (1960) shortstory by Brian W. Aldiss124 A Work of Art (1956) novelette by James Blish141 Harrison Bergeron (1961) shortstory by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.148 The Voices of Time (1960) novelette by J. G. Ballard183 Specialist (1953) shortstory by Robert Sheckley200 He Walked Around the Horses [Paratime Police] (1948) novelette by H. Beam Piper223 The Game of Rat and Dragon [The Instrumentality of Mankind] (1955) shortstory by Cordwainer Smith239 The Nine Billion Names of God (1953) shortstory by Arthur C. Clarke247 The Streets of Askelon (1962) shortstory by Harry Harrison (aka The Streets of Ashkelon)263 The Country of the Kind (1956) shortstory by Damon Knight278 The Machine That Won the War (1961) shortstory by Isaac Asimov284 Student Body (1953) novelette by F. L. Wallace306 It's a Good Life (1953) shortstory by Jerome Bixby325 Sister Planet (1959) novella by Poul Anderson
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
This anthology captures the imaginative breadth of mid-twentieth-century speculative fiction through a curated selection of seminal short stories and novelettes. Kingsley Amis, a noted critic and novelist, compiles these works to illustrate the thematic and stylistic evolution of the genre during its most productive era. The collection functions as a survey of the logical and philosophical inquiries that defined the period, ranging from technological anxiety to existential exploration. The narrative framework is episodic, presenting distinct visions of the future and alternate realities through the lenses of various influential authors.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Chronological arrangement of stories published between 1948 and 1962
- Inclusion of critical essays by Kingsley Amis regarding the state of the genre
- Exploration of themes such as artificial intelligence and societal control
- Diverse narrative perspectives ranging from hard science fiction to social satire
- Focus on the impact of technological advancement on human behavior
- Inclusion of works by foundational authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Isaac Asimov
- Examination of the intersection between human morality and alien environments
- Varied structural approaches including epistolary, linear, and speculative formats
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Discussion often centers on the efficacy of Amis's selection process in representing the diversity of the genre during the mid-century period. Readers frequently highlight the inclusion of iconic stories like 'The Nine Billion Names of God' and 'Harrison Bergeron' as anchors for the collection's thematic weight. Critics note that the accompanying essays provide a valuable historical context that bridges the gap between popular entertainment and serious literary analysis. The balance between established masters and experimental voices is often cited as a primary strength for those interested in the evolution of speculative fiction.
Page Count:
368
Publication Date:
1983-01-01
ISBN-10:
014006382X
ISBN-13:
9780140063820
Science Fiction
Fiction
Classic Science Fiction
Anthology
Short Stories
Science Fiction
Literary Criticism