BST OF CORDWINR SMITH

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful mythological fantasy
Review: Cordwainer Smith (whose real name was Paul Linebarger) in his
fiction invented a truly marvelous, internally consistent
mythological fantasy world, disguised as science-fiction. His
world comes across as something very rare--vivid and believable. You actually come to believe in a world where cats pilot spaceships and regret that humans are humans, because if they were cats that cat could fall in love with them. Or a prison world in which the inhabitants are condemned for centuries to grow body parts--all over their bodies. Even his titles are great--"Alpha Ralpha Boulevard" and "The Ballard of Lost C'Mell." This is great stuff that will stay in your mind for years, and I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Cordwainer's Worlds: from 6,000 AD to 16,000 AD.
Review: This compilation of tales is a great introduction to the people (both real, and animal derived), politicial systems and worlds of Cordwainer Smith.Lyrical prose and haunting poetry are the hallmarks of this great writer, and the cast of characters while often changing from one short story to another have a historical, if not familial continuity - witness the Vomacts who held their name for over 10,000 years. The only downside to this book is that it is a "Best of" and therefore incomplete - hence the rating of 9/10. But it has a great timeline listing with (I think) all the stories listed so that you can complete the series. Note: Reviewed version was printed 1975, paperback from Ballantine Books, JJ Pierce editor. If you like Science Fiction, Cordwainer is a MUST!