R.A. Lafferty was an American science fiction and fantasy author celebrated for his distinctive use of language, innovative metaphors, and unique narrative structures. His work is characterized by a playful engagement with etymology and a highly original voice that challenges conventional storytelling. Beyond his genre fiction, Lafferty also explored autobiographical themes, historical writing, and historical fiction, showcasing a versatile literary talent.
The book is a significant work in American and Canadian literature, recognized for its historical importance. Alpha Editions has undertaken the task of preserving it by republishing it in a modern format, ensuring clarity and readability through reformatting and redesigning rather than using scanned copies. This effort aims to keep the book alive for both present and future generations, highlighting its enduring relevance in the literary landscape.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century Choctaw history, the narrative follows Hannali Innominee, a towering figure reminiscent of folklore giants. It explores the resilience of the Choctaw nation as they reestablish themselves in Indian territory, highlighting the tensions between wealthy, mixed-race Choctaws and the full-blooded freeholders. The story delves into the complexities of identity and division during the Civil War, revealing how external forces exploited these divisions to further their own agendas.
"In this second volume of a two-volume set gathering the best American science fiction from the tumultuous 1960s, R. A. Lafferty's quirky and utterly original Past Master, an unjustly neglected classic, imagines Sir Thomas More transported to the colony Astrobe in the year 2535, where he is made president of a future Utopia. In Picnic on Paradise, Joanna Russ presents her indelible heroine, Alyx, who is hired to protect a group of tourists in a hostile alien world. Samuel R. Delany's proto-cyberpunk space opera Nova, reprinted here for the first time in a text corrected by the author, combines the pacing of a revenge story with the arc of a grail-quest legend. Jack Vance's dystopian thriller Emphyrio is the coming-of-age story of Ghyl, who has been raised in a world barring the use of automation but has a strong sense of subversive individualism. The novel has been restored to the author's original text, without later editorial interventions."--Provided by publisher
Set in the corrupt Appalachian town of Lost Haven, the Dulanty family, who are actually alien Pucas, struggles with being outcasts on Earth. Frustrated by the townsfolk's disdain, the six Dulanty children devise a plan to eliminate humanity using unconventional weapons and mystical verses. Their clumsy attempts at mass murder lead to a mix of dark humor and unexpected warmth. R.A. Lafferty's imaginative storytelling creates a unique blend of horror and comedy, inviting readers to explore a bizarre and unforgettable world.
The narrative centers on a character grappling with the consequences of his choices, revealing a deep internal struggle and the weight of past decisions. As he navigates complex relationships and confronts his own beliefs, themes of regret, redemption, and self-awareness emerge. The story unfolds in a compelling manner, drawing readers into the protagonist's journey of understanding and growth.
The story unfolds with a protagonist experiencing a surreal morning where ordinary objects behave oddly, such as a glass of water shattering slowly and clocks failing to function properly. This bizarre sequence of events hints at a deeper disturbance in reality, suggesting that something sinister is at play. As the narrative progresses, the protagonist's confusion and unease intensify, setting the stage for escalating tension and unexpected developments. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of impending doom, promising a gripping exploration of the uncanny.