Henry Kuttner, both solo and in collaboration with his wife C.L. Moore, stands as one of the most significant science fiction and fantasy writers of the 1940s. His work delved deeply into the sociological and psychological dimensions of the genre, enriching science fiction with a human element that extended beyond mere technology. Kuttner's talent was primarily focused on shorter forms, where he produced dozens of works considered among the field's most important achievements, which remain consistently in print. His writing was noted for its exceptional quality, a rarity not only in science fiction but in literature more broadly.
The story features a quirky robot obsessed with optimal ecology, inviting readers to participate in a dubious experiment. It humorously warns against the chaos of engaging in arguments reminiscent of Disraeli or adopting the tyrannical lifestyle of Ivan the Terrible. The narrative blends absurdity with cautionary themes, creating a unique exploration of ecological ideals through a comedic lens.
Contents: 5 • Introduction (Chessboard Planet and Other Stories) • essay by Peter Pinto 9 • Note on "Fairy Chess" • essay by Peter Pinto 11 • Chessboard Planet • novella by Henry Kuttner and C. L. Moore (variant of The Fairy Chessmen 1946) 116 • Camouflage • (1945) • novelette by Henry Kuttner and C. L. Moore 148 • Android • (1951) • novelette by Henry Kuttner and C. L. Moore 179 • Or Else • (1953) • shortstory by Henry Kuttner and C. L. Moore
Three essential works from one of the formative voices of post-war science fiction.
And Other Stories Originally published as The Best of Henry Kuttner
An imaginative journey awaits in this work, showcasing an author whose visionary ideas resonate more than ever today. The narrative promises to engage readers with its forward-thinking themes and inventive storytelling, making it a perfect starting point for those new to the author's unique perspective and creativity.
The story follows World War II veteran Edward Bond as he recovers from a plane crash and is thrust into a surreal realm filled with magic and danger. He encounters a giant wolf and a red witch while navigating the Dark World, where he must confront the sinister lord Ganelon and his army of werewolves, wizards, and witches. The narrative blends elements of fantasy and adventure, exploring themes of bravery and the clash between good and evil in a vividly imagined setting.
Far beneath the seas of Venus the descendants of Earth now live in impervium domes. The citizens reside securely and comfortably within the safety of their Keeps, but through their midst stride men whose grim, sunburned faces make them seem like a different race – the Free Companions.These are the surface dwellers – the mercenaries who fight out the wars of Venus's cities so that the rest of civilization can survive in peace.The prequel to Henry Kuttner's classic novel Fury, this enthralling story follows one of their military campaigns. Not many of the Free Companions ever questioned their way of life – but Clash by Night tells of one who did...In these five gems of imagination the talents of Henry Kuttner and C. L. Moore combine to produce a powerful and shocking blend of science fiction and horror.Contents:- Introduction by Peter Pinto- Clash by Night (1943)- When the Bough Breaks (1944)- Juke-Box (1947)- The Ego Machine (1952)- Vintage Season (1946)
The Earth is long dead, blasted apart, and the human survivors who settled on Venus live in huge citadels beneath the Venusian seas in an atrophying, class-ridden society ruled by the Immortals - genetic mutations who live a thousand years or more. Sam Reed was born an immortal, born to rule those with a normal life-span, but his deranged father had him mutilated as a baby so that he wouldn't know of his heritage. And Sam grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and the law, thinking of the Immortals as his enemies. Then he reached the age of eighty, understood what had happened to him and went looking for revenge - and changed his decaying world forever. Fury is a powerful, dark and compelling novel that explores the sensual, bloody and urgent nature of humankind's striving.
This small paperback contains 3 novelettes: Vintage Season, Home There's No Returning, and Two-handed Engine as well as two short stories: The Devil We Know and Exit the Professor written by the husband and wife co-authors.
