Minireview: The Great SF Stories 11 (1949), edited by Isaac Asimov & Martin Greenberg
Great SF Stories 11 is the last book I have in this series, the series itself being a one-book-per-year look at “classic SF”, as picked by Asimov & Greenberg. The quality of the stories has varied among the books, but I’ve usually found at least a few stories to really like in each. Sure, these are old stories, but many of these “later” (1950-ish) stories are actually ones that I’ve read before, in lots of other anthologies. In fact, I grew up reading a lot of these, so there’s quite a bit of nostalgia factor – and of course it’s interesting to read these now as an adult, I’m pretty sure I’m interpreting many of them differently now. Or at least I hope I am.
Anyway, this is one of the better books in this series (of the limited number I have and have read). Theodore Sturgeon, Lewis Padgett (i.e. Henry Kuttner and C. L. Moore), James H. Schmitz’s classic romp “The Witches of Karres”, Clifford D. Simak… all the stories here are at least enjoyable, some are excellent. Asimov’s editorial “voice” is still as self-centered and annoying as ever, but Greenberg compensates for that.
For people interested in classic SF stories, this anthology series is a good bet. Not all of the stories are brilliant (the “SF” field was still developing and “pulpy” at the time) and the cultural mores of the times can lend bizarre extra weirdness at times… but that’s part of the charm. Out of print now, though, so used-book stores or eBay is the way to go.
Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:51 Posted in Books
Tags isaacasimov, martingreenberg
