Brian Aldiss was one of the most important voices in contemporary science fiction. He began writing during his time as a bookseller in Oxford, soon achieving international recognition. His innovative literary techniques, evocative plots, and irresistible characters solidified his status as a Grand Master of Science Fiction.
This original collection of Julie Bell's paintings depicts the power of the human form as well as characters from Marvel Comics. Her work combines strength with sensuality and the shimmering colours and fantastic detail bring great battles and imaginary creatures to life.
Curiosity was discouraged in the Greene tribe. Its members lived out their lives in cramped Quarters, hacking away at the encroaching ponics. As to where they were - that was forgotten. Roy Complain decides to find out. With the renegade priest Marapper, he moves into unmapped territory, where they make a series of discoveries which turn their universe upside-down ... Non-Stop is the classic SF novel of discovery and exploration; a brilliant evocation of a familiar setting seen through the eyes of a primitive.
A collection of thought-provoking essays and revelations (seven essays, one speech and an extended autobiography) by Brian Aldiss, the master of British science fiction. ‘The best contemporary writer of science fiction.’ – The Guardian ‘The colossus of science fiction’ – New Yorker Science fiction is everywhere. Every day fantasy is made fact by new technologies, advancements in science and by connection and communication. Imaginings of the future allow us to reshape our understanding of all that we experience – and through classic science fiction we are better able to understand the hopes and ambitions of the past. With precision and humour Aldiss uses science fiction as a lens with which to examine some of his favourite authors and their work, the role of art and literature – and to look globally at nationhood and culture. With humility and rare insight Aldiss also turns the lens on himself and the experiences which informed his long career in the genre.
Collection of short stories, linked by themes of life, death and transformation. By the author of "Somewhere east of life", "Remembrance day" and "A tupolev too far".
Contents: Introduction / Harry Harrison -- Roller ball murder / William Harrison -- Mason's life / Kingsley Amis -- Welcome to the standard nightmare / Robert Sheckley -- Serpent burning on an altar / Brian W. Aldiss -- We are very happy here / Joe W. Haldeman -- The birds / Thomas M. Disch -- The wind and the rain / Robert Silverberg -- Ten years ago ... / Max Beerbohm -- Parthen / R.A. Lafferty -- The man who collected the first of September 1973 / Tor Åge Bringsvaerd ; translated by Oddrun Grønvik -- Captain Nemo's last adventure / Josef Nesvadba : translated by Iris Urwin -- La befana / Gene Wolfe.
What would a man from a fortieth-century utopia make of Edwardian England? In this, one of Wells's funniest and most perceptive scientific romances, the bewildered here, Sarnac, basking in a sunny, trouble-free world, is hurtled back 2000 years into the gaslit gloom of the streets of London - and into the life of the splendid Henry Mortimer Smith, a character to rival Mr Polly. Henry, a chemist's apprentice, is destined for greatness as a publishing tycoon, whisked along by his wilful sister Fanny and hindered only by his wayward loves. Looking back from the future, 'The Dream' is a wonderfully comic saga in which the mysteries of British life and the eccentricities of Wells's own day are alarmingly, and irresistibly recovered from oblivion.
Brian Aldiss has described this novel as his magnum opus."Walcot" reveals Aldiss at his formidable and all-embracing best.........................................................On the glorious sands of the North Norfolk coast, Steve, the youngest member of the Fielding family, plays alone. But are these halcyon days?The great events of the Twentieth Century are about to sweep Steve and his sister Sonia into deep waters. Chance is all.The fortunes of the Fielding family continue through the storms of world events marking the outrageous years of the Twentieth Century.(From publishers website)
The Decade anthologies present the eighty-year history of science fiction in the most relevant way - by collecting the stories which have gone to make it up. Each volume, complete in itself, takes from a single decade the tales which are best, not only as history, but as entertainment. Contents : Grandpa / James H. Schmitz The snowball effect / Katherine Maclean The edge of the sea / Algis Budrys Scanners live in vain / Cordwainer Smith The pedestrian / Ray Bradbury The last day / Richard Matheson The holes around Mars / Jerome Bixby The star / Arthur C. Clarke Two-handed engine / Henry Kuttner The large ant / Howard Fast Early model / Robert Sheckley Sail on! Sail on! / Philip José Farmer
Planetfall. Beyond the helmet’s visor beckons an unknown, unexplored planet, awaiting the footprint of man. Walk across the sunward side of Mercury; meet with the Lizard People who murder their excess womenfolk; shelter with the telepathic Quogs during their unearthly monsoon; view the granite goddess, an icon as vast as a continent.