Ever buy a book just because it has a cool cover? That’s why I own Al Sarrantonio’s Haydn of Mars. I’m allergic to cats, but the cat on the eye-catching cover of this book is very enticing. The covers of the sequels, Sebastian of Mars and Queen of Mars lack the magic of that first cover. No, I have not read the books and I doubt if I ever will. But the cover of Haydn of Mars has that “It” factor that classic covers possess. The cover artist is Matt Stawicki, if you want to see more of his fine artwork look here: http://www.mattstawicki.com/galleries.html
I think it is some of the non-catlike features that drew you in. Also allergic to cats. Seems like half the world owns cats, the other half is allergic to them.
I usually avoid cats, Patti. But this cover just drew me in.
Sarrantonio wrote a pretty bad western called WEST TEXAS.
On the other hand, he wrote a pretty good werewolf novel called MOONBANE.
On a different note, I forgot to tell you that I read Silverberg’s OTHER SPACES a few weeks ago. I know you liked it, but if anything, I don’t think you praised it enough. Silverberg has had a pretty interesting life, and there were a lot of entertaining stories in this book. Many nice pics, too.
The physical aspect is also pretty good. They used high-quality paper, and if there were any typos, I missed them. The people at Nonstop Press seem to take a lot of pride in doing a good job.
Welcome back, Drongo! I thought you might have come down with the Swine Flu. Yes, the Nonstop Press edition of Silverberg’s OTHER SPACES, OTHER TIMES: A LIFE SPENT IN THE FUTURE is well done. It reminded me of the format of my science book when I was in Junior High School. Although Silverberg stays away from the “juicy” details most autobiographies revel in, there are plenty of stories of the important people in his SF career.
I do occasionally read a “cat book”, but while the cover here drew you in, it pushed me away. I like the background, but the cat herself, well, she doesn’t look “right” to me. Look at the covers for the Man-Kzin series of books and you’ll see thinking alien cats that make sense to me. Maybe the problem for me is that this is a cat in the head only. Where’s the rest of the fur?
Hmmm, yesterday I post mice, today you post cats. Is there a trend?
As a cat person, you have the edge on me on all things feline, Rick. I know what you mean about the Man-Kzin covers. But there’s something really sexy about the artwork for HAYDN OF MARS.
George, thank you for the warm welcome back.
We all value your comments, Drongo. Plus, in these uncertain times, it’s important to stay connected.