Subterranean Press has just published this wonderful collection of stories by Jack Vance. If you haven’t read Jack Vance’s work, this is the perfect place to start because the stories in this book display his range from humorous to philosophical to whimsical. “Assault on a City,” “Green Magic,” “The World-Thinker,” “The Augmented Agent,” “Coup De Grace,” “Chateau d’If,” “The Potters of Firsk,” “The Seventeen Virgins,” “Ulward’s Retreat,” “Seven Exits from Bocz,” “Wild Thyme and Violets,” and “Rumfuddle” cover the arc of Vance’s interests. Vance’s wife, Norma, provides two biographical essays. Don’t miss these classic stories!
Vance’s 93rd birthday is next month.
The first time I read EYES OF THE OVERWORLD it blew my mind. I’d never before encountered a stylist quite like Vance.
Apparently, his autobiography will be published August 2009.
I’ve heard rumors Vance’s health is not good.
I’ve ordered Vance’s autobiography, Drongo. I had read THE DYING EARTH before I read EYES OF THE OVERWORLD so I had some idea of what to expect. But, you’re right. It’s a mind-blowing book.
Whimsical title.
Actually, the “wild thyme” story is very dark. “Green Magic” is wistful. But there are some stories of whimsy like “The Seventeen Virgins.”
In honor of his 93rd birthday next month, I’ll reread THE DRAGON MASTERS which I happen to have right here.
THE DRAGON MASTERS is one of Vance’s best works. ACE BOOKS published a DOUBLE with THE DRAGON MASTERS on one side and THE LAST CASTLE on the other. I can’t think of a finer pairing.
My copy is Ace double F-185, and has THE DRAGON MASTERS on one sire, and THE FIVE GOLD BANDS on the other.
In that previous post that should have been “on one side”. THE FIVE GOLD BANDS is (c) 1950. The book has no other publication history for it, and I’m not even sure I’ve read it. I have read THE DRAGON MASTERS, a couple of times, but it’s been a while.
THE FIVE GOLD BANDS was originally published in the November 1950 issue of Startling Stories. Ace Books could be a bit casual about copyright info.
ACE published THE DRAGON MASTERS and THE LAST CASTLE as #16641, a larger format ACE DOUBLE than the original F-185 that you have, Rick.
One of the nice features of some of the ACE DOUBLES was that they featured a SF novel on one side and a collection of short stories by the same author on the other side.
I think I prefer THE LAST CASTLE to THE DRAGON MASTERS by just a tad. Both are great works by a great writer.
Thanks to both Drongo and George for the information!
there’s a nice article on jack from ny times this week:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/magazine/19Vance-t.html
Here’s a terrific article on Jack Vance from the NY TIMES, Rick. Just go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/19/magazine/19Vance-t.html?partner=rss&emc=rss
Thanks, Sonny! I agree, it’s a wonderful article honoring a great writer.