Rating: 
Summary: RE : They Shall Have Stars
Review: ... Mr. Blish obviously whiffed badly by making it seem that McCarthyism would consume the United States, but oddly enough has proven right about our losing our drive toward interstellar travel.Ê The characters are somewhat one dimensional and the story's a bit underwritten.Ê It has very much the feel of an author who's more interested in what's to come than in this introductory bit.Ê But if Blish isn't quite up to the standards of the three giants of the Golden Age of Science Fiction-- Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, and Arthur C. Clarke--he's at least a capable practitioner of the space opera genre. GRADE : C+
Rating: 
Summary: One of the best
Review: Although the first part of the novel is slow, it sets up the rest of the series remarkably well. I have never read any science fiction that manages to encapsulate the entire galaxy so well. Many have tried, but few have come close to succeeding as well as Blish does. It deserves a few readings to appreciate this work. And Blish is as fine a scientist as he is a writer.
Rating: 
Summary: Not so Juvenile SF
Review: Although viewed by some as juvenile literature because of the technology described in the works this collection does have merit as good quality SciFi.
The premise of the works is what happens when transforming technology is thrust upon mankind.This is what all good SF is about! The what could happen if? kind of question and the exploration of possible answers. So what would happen if a great deal of resources and effort were appplied to fringe areas of science research? Suppose the result was the discovery of an energy source based in the spacial relation of all matter and an economical means of using it! Suppose the result was also a group of medicines that could cure all and extend life indefinitely!
If these things occured what would be the economic and social impact? Might not the current global economy be disrupted beyond repair? Given the ability to leave earth and explore the galaxy would we not do so? Would our expansion into the reaches not entail the exploitation of resources, technology or of goods and services. Would we not possibly encounter other life? Well, in the "Cities in Flight" collection the language used is definitely dated in the 1950's but the questions asked and answered are timeless. Thats what makes this good SF!
Rating:
Summary: Perfect Science Fiction
Review: An enthralling book that I've read many times. My copy, too, is falling apart although I still have all of the pages. Easton Press prints high-quality leather-bound books and has done science fiction too. This book is my candidate for them. We should all request them to include it.
Rating:
Summary: Cities in Flight
Review: Cities in Flight was written in the late 1950's. At that time it was decades ahead of its time. While some concepts were pretty "far out," the main points of the novels (for this is actually a compendium of 4 novels) remain focused on the human characteristics. Nothing still comes close to matching the insight of this versatile and far-thinking author. A must for any true sci-fi fan!
Rating:
Summary: Decades ahead, and still a heavyweight!
Review: Cities in Flight was written in the late 1950's. At that time it was decades ahead of its time. While some concepts were pretty "far out," the main points of the novels (for this is actually a compendium of 4 novels) remain focused on the human characteristics. Nothing still comes close to matching the insight of this versatile and far-thinking author. A must for any true sci-fi fan!
Rating:
Summary: Earth Shattering
Review: I first read these books about 10 years ago, when I found them in a used bookstore. If you like science fiction, treat yourself and read these books. They are amoung the best sci-fi I have ever read (and re-read).
Rating:
Summary: AWE INSPIRING!
Review: I first read this book whilst I was serving in the Royal Navy. It helped pass many hours of boring travelling between ports. I must have read it about 10 times and never found anything predictable about it. Unfortunately it eventually fell apart and I no longer have a copy. The story is an act of genius and the Fiction is of the purest Science. I'm certainly no scientist but it had me convinced. John Amalfi for world president? I wish! Please re-publish...I beg you Mr Blish!
Rating:
Summary: A Classic Science Fiction Epic - Its Back!
Review: I have read this epic from cover to cover many times, and its expansive storyline and timeless elements continue to have me spellbound. For new readers, this is required reading, with other series as Asimov's "Foundation" and "Robot" series, Heinleins continuing tales of Lazurus Long, and EE Smiths "Grey Lensmen" series. If any novel can grab your attntion, it is this one! you will not be disappointed!
Rating:
Summary: A truely special work of science fiction...hasn't aged a bit
Review: I read the entire series twice, and find it to be some of the most imaginative writing I have ever experienced. Too bad someone doesn't write stories that embellish on this gigantic, epic, yet highly detailed and believable story concept. Imagine being on a distant planet and having Manhattan land within eyesight of you. Amazing, yet written so as to be believable.
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