A science fiction community and weblog
The Best of A.E. Van Vogt
Submitted by Capt. Xerox on October 1, 2009 - 10:07pm.
I have always wondered why so many people consider A.E. Van Vogt to be one of the unheralded masters of science fiction. I have read a fair number of his stories and a few of his novels, but never could figure out why he was considered to be so special.
I picked up a stack of his books at a recent library sale and thought I would give him another try. I decided to start with a book called The Best of A.E. Van Vogt. I figured if these are his best, then that's a good place to start.
Unfortunately, this book is hardly his best. It's a motley collection of stories from different points in his career along with essays and even a book introduction. In fact, I'd say that there were only two stories here worth reading. The rest were dreck. What a disappointment.
Does anyone else have any Van Vogt suggestions or strong opinions about him?
C.X.
»
Van Vogt opinions
Does anyone else have any Van Vogt suggestions or strong opinions about him?
I think the findings of your recent Van Vogt readings pretty much mirror my sentiments, but my exploration of his works is limited to Slan, and Children of Tomorrow and the odd short story. But nothing that has impressed me so far. I think he may have benefitted from a time in which there were much fewer SF writers as well as a different set of norms in the genre. Unfortunately, his stuff just doesn't stand up today.
Out of curiosity, was your edition of "The Best of A.E. Van Vogt" the Del Rey series? I've still got that one on my shelves waiting to be read.
~ Lazarus ~
Post new comment