When Carl blogged about the recent death of SF writer and editor, Harry Harrison, I decided to pay this underrated author a tribute by reviewing one of his books for FFB. But which book of Harrison’s prolific output should I choose? One of the Deathworld books? One of the Stainless Steel Rat series? In the end, I went with Harrison’s most personal book: 50 in 50: Fifty Stories for Fifty Years. On his 50th Anniversary as a writer, Harrison includes in this wonderful collection his first published story and then adds 49 more stories, one for every year he’d been writing. In addition, Harrison provides substantial introductory material that serves both a memoir of a successful writer and a brief history of the Science Fiction publishing business over the last 50 years. Highly recommended!
I read three of the stories in this book last night. Harrison will be missed.
You’re right, Jerry. Harrison will be missed. I think 50 IN 50 is Harrison’s most personal book.
Not a huge Harrison fan, though BILL THE GALACTIC HERO is entertaining. I’d like to read this for the introduction, which sounds pretty interesting. Figuratively speaking, he probably knows where some sf bodies are buried.
Harrison provides a colorful and detailed look at the SF publishing industry over the 50 years he worked for it, Drongo. Well worth reading!
I don;t have this one George but I’ll seek it out, cheers. My brother used to love the ‘Stainless Steel Rat’ books though they made less of an impression one me – I remember really like MAKE ROOM, MAKE ROOM even though the climax was so different to the movie version.
Yes, SOYLENT GREEN took some liberties with MAKE ROOM, MAKE ROOM, Sergio. There are plenty of good stories in this volume, but Harrison’s reminiscences really make this book special.
*groan*
Just what I need, another 600+ page book of stories.
Anyway, I reserved it so thanks for mentioning it.
Like you, Jeff, I try to read a short story every day. 50 IN 50 will keep you busy (and entertained!) for a couple of months!
Always loved The Streets of Ashkalon.
It’s one of Harrison’s best, Steve!
I have been relict (period) in not posting formally on Harrison’s death, as he was one of the editors and writers who helped usher me into an appreciation of sf and related things. 50 IN 50 is indeed a book deserving more readers for any number of reasons…
Harry Harrison deserves more recognition for his impact on SF, Todd, both as a writer and an editor.