Neutron Star

Rating:
Summary: Technically marvelous hard science fiction!
Review: Niven was my favorite short story author of the 1970s, hands down, and mostly because of the Known Space series. From my perspective his "maturation" into works like The Patchwork Girl and Ringworld was not an improvement. That was the perspective of a teenager, of course, but darnit, it's still my perspective today! Start out with Neutron Star, and if you like his style, get your hands on any of the other Known Space, Gil Hamilton, etc. that you can. But is anything after 1980 worth owning? Hmm, well, my Niven collection is pretty sparse after that date. :)

Rating:
Summary: Darn it, why do good things have to end
Review: Niven was my favorite short story author of the 1970s, hands down, and mostly because of the Known Space series. From my perspective his "maturation" into works like The Patchwork Girl and Ringworld was not an improvement. That was the perspective of a teenager, of course, but darnit, it's still my perspective today! Start out with Neutron Star, and if you like his style, get your hands on any of the other Known Space, Gil Hamilton, etc. that you can. But is anything after 1980 worth owning? Hmm, well, my Niven collection is pretty sparse after that date. :)

Rating:
Summary: Another great collection of short stories about Known Space
Review: Once again the ubiquitous puppeteer Nessus pops his heads into humanities business; also learn about the first (and last) expedition to the Core of the Galaxy. Several other stories round out this well written book

Rating:
Summary: A must-read
Review: This is by far the best short-story collection Niven has published, and he's written some good ones. It was also his first collection. It still holds up after all this time. I especially recommend The Soft Weapon.

Rating:
Summary: My favorite Larry Niven collection
Review: This was the first book of Larry Niven's I ever read and it immediately became my favorite. I have faithfully read every one of his books ever since. I love his style of writing, although others I have shared it with say it's too technical. Very original characters (the two-headed puppeters who are simultaneously unscrupulous capitalists and cowards), new concepts (indestructable transparent spaceship hulls made by the the puppeters) and humor. It was "new wave" science fiction in the 70's but it still holds up today. The precursor to Ringworld. Actually, I think it's better than Ringworld. Very enjoyable. Highly recommended.