This omnibus edition of Murray Leinster’s “Med Ship” series includes “Med Ship Man,” “Plague on Kryder II,” “The Mutant Weapon” (aka, “Med Service”), “Ribbon in the Sky,” “Tallien Three,” “Quarantine World,” “The Grandfathers’ War,” and “Pariah Planet” (aka, “This World is Taboo”). Murray Leinster is a master story-teller. His work always delivers a compelling plot and fascinating characters. Parts of the Med Ship series were published in ACE Doubles. It’s nice to have this complete package with the entire saga in one place. If you haven’t read these wonderful stories, what are you waiting for? GRADE: A-
I’ve never tried any of Leinster’s sagas, but his short SF novels were some of the best ever.
You would enjoy Leinster’s “Med Ship” stories, Dan. The BAEN BOOKS web site lists it as still being in-print, but AMAZON considers it out-of-print.
Great pick. I’ve always had a soft spot for “Plague on Kryder II” for some reason.
“Plague on Kryder II” has a nice ring to it, Bill. I like all the “Med Ship” stories.
Always a surprise, aren’t you?
“Unpredictable” is my middle name, Patti.
Can’t imagine why, Bill.
Bill Crider (aka, Kryder) loves puns as much as I do, Jeff.
I read most – if not all – of these when they were published in ASTOUNDING SCIENCE FICTION. I was disappointed that they were not in the NESFA collection FIRST CONTACTS: THE ESSENTIAL MURRAY LEINSTER. I missed it back in 2002 when Baen published it. I’m surprised to see it’s no longer in print, but there are used copies out there.
I keep hoping NESFA puts out a “Med Ship” official edition, Rick. ACE issued an omnibus edition of these stories, but I think the BAEN edition is more complete.
Well, that was confusing. I meant I missed this Med series collection when it was published. I have the NESFA one.
I went to the Baen site and when I clicked on the Buy Now button for this one it just gives a list of links to book stores, none (the few I tried, anyway) have it print. Prices for new copies of the book are in excess of $30, used are less.NESFA usually stays away from material that has been published recently – the Baen is only a few years – so I doubt we’ll see these stories from them any time soon, unfortunately.
I looked on ABE.COM and found some reasonably priced editions, Rick. The BAEN listing is misleading.
Plenty of used copies available from Amazon sellers or Alibris. I read this when it came out in 2002 and loved it. Then I wondered why I had neglected Leinster for so long. Now he’s one of my favorites.
Some of Leinster’s work is dated, Thomas. But much of it holds up. The guy was a natural storyteller!
OK George, you convinced me. I ordered the Med Series.
You won’t be sorry, Jeff. Leinster knows how to tell a story.