This satisfyingly thick volume of Murray Leinster’s work includes two “fix-up” novels: The Planet Explorer and The Forgotten Planet. The Forgotten Planet affected me powerfully when I read it as a kid: a starship is marooned on a planet whose existence has been forgotten by the galactic bureaucracy. The marooned crew have to battle the planet’s giant insects to survive. At the time, I read it as a metaphor for surviving Junior High School. The Planet Explorer shows how Leinster invented the SF concept of “First Contact.” It also includes the Hugo Award-winning novella, “Combat Team.” Leinster knows how to spin a story and Planets of Adventure includes some of his best work.
This is indeed a solid collection, with some really entertaining stories and novellas. Like you, I read Forgotten Planet at a young age, probably in Astounding Science Fiction. I know that’s where I read “Combat Team”, still a favorite story and the accompanying ASF cover was great too.
Good FFB choice, George!
Some SF fans think “Combat Team” is Leinster’s best work. It sure is way up there. And you’re right about the great ASF cover! A classic.
Thanks, George. You really do have eclectic tastes.
I like variety, Patti. Next Friday, I’ll present a book you probably didn’t know existed!
As a Leinster fan, I thank you for mentioning this one, which might have slipped by….
PLANETS OF ADVENTURE is still in-print, Dan. It’s a terrific collection!
I’ve been reading your earlier Leinster recommendation, THE MED SERIES, which is quite interesting so far.
I’m a big fan of Murrary Leinster, Jeff. And it sounds like you’re becoming one, too. The MED SHIP series, given the time it was published, is a remarkable achievement.