I’ve been a fan of Hank Davis’s anthologies for years. Davis’s latest, Future Wars, presents a variety of short stories from top-notch SF writers. There are classics like Frederik Pohl’s “The Abominable Earthman” and Clifford Simak’s “Honorable Opponent.” But Davis includes an original story like “Who Goes Boing?” by Sarah A. Hoyt to liven things up. If you’re a fan of classic science fiction, you’l find a lot to like in Future Wars. There’s something for everyone with Davis’s well-balanced selection.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
“A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Martian Front” by Hank Davis © 2015 by Hank Davis.
“The Abominable Earthman” by Frederik Pohl originally appeared in Galaxy, October 1961. © 1961 by Galaxy Publishing Corporation.
“Honorable Opponent” by Clifford D. Simak original appeared in Galaxy August, 1956. © 1956 by Galaxy Publishing Corporation.
“Sentry” by Fredric Brown originally appeared in Galaxy, February, 1954. © 1954 by Galaxy Publishing Corporation.
“And Then There Was Peace” by Gordon R. Dickson originally appeared in If: Worlds of Science Fiction, September 1962. © 1962 by Digest Productions Corporation.
“Fool’s Mate” by Robert Sheckley originally appeared in Astounding Science-Fiction March, 1953. © 1953 by Street and Smith Publications, Inc.
“Airborne All the Way” by David Drake is © 1995 by Wizards of the Coast, Inc. All rights reserved. Magic: The Gathering® and Wizards of the Coast® are trademarks of Wizards of the Coast, Inc.
“Mr. Jester” by Fred Saberhagen originally appeared in If: Worlds of Science Fiction, January 1966. © 1966 by Galaxy Publishing Corporation.
“Custer’s Last Jump” by Steven Utley & Howard Waldrop originally appeared in Universe 6, © 1976 by Steven Utley and Howard Waldrop.
“Project Hush,” copyright © 1954, 1982 by William Tenn, first appeared in Galaxy.
“The Day They Got Boston” by Herbert Gold originally appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, September 1961. © 1961 by Mercury Press, Inc.
“The Gentle Earth” by Christopher Anvil originally appeared in Astounding Science-Fiction, November 1957. © 1957 by Street and Smith Publications, Inc.
“Who Goes Boing?” by Sarah A. Hoyt appears here for the first time. © 2015 by Sarah A. Hoyt.
“Historical Note,” copyright © 1951, 1979 by the Heirs of the Literary Estate of Will F. Jenkins.
“Into Each Life Some Periwinkles Must Fall” by Hank Davis appears here for the first time. © 2015 by Hank Davis.
“Success Story” by Earl Goodale originally appeared in Galaxy, April, 1960, © 1960 by Galaxy Publishing Corporation.
“The Spectre General” by Theodore R. Cogswell originally appeared in Astounding Science-Fiction, June, 1952. © 1952 by Street and Smith Publications.
Several fondly remembered stories in there, good choices!
The only problem I used to have with books of this type:
I already “owned” more than half of the stories, having bought the magazines and individual authors’ collections.
Nowadays I don’t buy too many books – can’t hope to read them all!
Even one story from each book would probably take more time than I still have …
Wolf, I know that feeling well. I have a basement with thousands of books. If I could live to 300, I could read them all.
Looks great, despite the obvious absence of Ftitz Leiber! Will definitely get this – thanks Geoirge.
Sergio, I’ve enjoyed all of Hank Davis’s anthologies. He has a nice mix of old and new stories.
Hank was once a member of Dapa-Em, many of whose members went on to better things. Sadly, he died too soon.
Bob, DAPA-EM attracted a lot of talented people. Including you!
Not dead, is he? Not if he is still editing books.
I saw this and wondered if you’d review it, George. It does sound like another I need to check out.
Jeff, Hank Davis has another BAEN Books anthology coming out in January called WORST CONTACT. I have it on order.
I think Hank is still with us. Whatever happened to his brother who edited that great Avengers fanzine?
Bill, I’m sure those AVENGERS fanzines are worth their weight in gold today.
the cover doesn’t show a publisher, is this a Baen book? I’ve read several of these stories elsewhere. Bob implies Hank Davis died, then Bill says he didn’t. What’s the fact?
Rick, you’re right, FUTURE WARS is a BAEN Book (with their typical goofy cover). The BAEN website shows Hank Davis alive.
Thanks.
I remember the word going out quite a few years ago that Hank died. I’d be delighted if this–or I–is/am wrong.
It must have been someone else. It looks like Hank is still among us, which I’m happy to learn. After learning of Warren Murphy’s death today I’m addled.
Bob, I read plenty of Warren Murphey’s work over the years. Great stuff! He’ll be missed.
I just returned from Barnes and Noble this evening, then read your post. Guess which book already came home with me?
It was the list of authors that attracted me. Not a dud in the lot!
Steve, you and I share a lot of the same tastes in reading. As you say, FUTURE WARS doesn’t have a dud in the bunch. It’s a very satisfying anthology.