James K. Morrow is a celebrated author known for his imaginative speculative fiction. His work often delves into complex philosophical and ethical questions, approached with a distinctive blend of intellectual rigor and sharp wit. Morrow crafts narratives that challenge readers' perspectives, exploring the intricacies of belief, humanity, and the very nature of existence. His unique voice and thought-provoking style make him a significant figure in contemporary speculative literature.
Set in a Florida theme park, the narrative features a comatose, colossal God as a central attraction. The plot thickens when a cunning judge initiates a trial in The Hague, accusing God of crimes against humanity. This unique blend of humor and ferocity explores themes of divinity and accountability, making it a standout title recognized as a New York Times Notable Book of the Year.
Call it a miracle or an accident at the sperm bank. But Julie Katz, the half-sister of Jesus, has been born to a celibate father. Soon poor Julie is tempted by the Devil and challenged by neo-Christian zealots-and that's just the beginning of her fantastic odyssey through Hell, a seceded New Jersey, and her own confused soul. Winner of a 1991 World Fantasy Award.
God is dead, and Anthony Van Horne must tow the corpse to the Arctic (to preserve Him from sharks and decomposition). En route Van Horne must also contend with ecological guilt, a militant girlfriend, sabotage both natural and spiritual, and greedy hucksters of oil, condoms, and doubtful ideas. Winner of a 1995 World Fantasy Award.
The story revolves around Mason Ambrose, a self-destructive philosopher tasked with tutoring Londa Sabacthani, a brilliant but amnesiac teenager who has lost her moral compass. Set on a private tropical island, Mason's challenge is to help Londa rediscover her identity and ethical beliefs, filling the void of her empty soul. This unique premise explores themes of morality, identity, and the complexities of human connection in an isolated setting.
This collection features satirical short stories that blend erotic performance art with sharp humor and social commentary. It explores themes such as the consequences of creating an integrity gene, a confused Christopher Columbus in contemporary Manhattan, and the unexpected heroism of sports fans. Notable pieces include the play "Come Back, Dr. Sarcophagus" and the short story "Fucking Justice." The book also includes an original introduction by Terry Bisson, adding further depth to the provocative narratives.
Satirical stories on subjects religious and secular. In The Tower, God comes to the conclusion his decision regarding the Tower of Babel was a mistake, in Known but to God and Wilbur Hines the wrong man is laid to rest in the tomb of the unknown soldier, and in Arms and the Woman the son of Helen of Troy asks, "What did you do in the war, Mommy?" By the author of Towing Jehovah
A satirical fantasy in which God is dead, his skull orbiting the earth as a second moon. Plague is rampant on earth and the absence of hope turns people into nihilists.
Quinjin, a reviewer of the dreams produced by dreambeans, hallucinogenic apples, discovers that someone has developed a fruit that drives it victims to madness
The Gulliver’s Travels of the nuclear age, the Alice in Wonderland of the arms race, this mordantly funny and visionary tale of the apocalypse was a Nebula finalist. The trouble starts when George Paxton ingenuously signs an admission of complicity in starting World War III.
Truth reigns supreme in the city-state of Veritas. Not even politicians lie, and weirdly frank notices abound—such as warning: this elevator maintained by people who hate their jobs: ride at your own risk. In this dystopia of mandatory candor, every preadolescent citizen is ruthlessly conditioned, through a Skinnerian ordeal called a “brainburn,” to speak truthfully under all circumstances.Jack Sperry wouldn’t dream of questioning the norms of Veritas; he’s happy with his life and his respectable job as a “deconstructionist,” destroying “mendacious” works of art—relics from a less honest era. But when his adored son, Toby, falls gravely ill, the truth becomes Jack’s greatest enemy. Somehow our hero must overcome his brainburn and attempt to heal his child with beautiful lies.
