Customer Reviews (2)

A Small Treasure!
If nothing else, for the short story 'Moon Moth' this is a must-read.The story is legendary already, and a great introduction to Vance's unique talent.The other stories are well worth reading as well.My copy is a small treasure that often comes off the shelf.I've lent to a number of friends who now love Vance's other works.Why isn't he better appreciated in the US?In Europe he's revered as a great scifi author.

Uneven collection of classic Vance
A good collection of Vance tidbits.Several of the stories ("Green Magic", "Moon Moth") are among my very favorite examples of Vance's unique and wonderful style.Definitely worth having. ... Read more

Product Description
The Nebula Awards are voted on, and presented, by active members of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, Inc. The Grand Master Award is given to a living author for a lifetime's achievement in science fiction and/or fantasy.

Frederik Pohl, an eminent figure in science fiction, has been authorized by the SFWA to edit an anthology in three big volumes featuring substantial selections of the work of all the first fifteen Grand Masters. These are the seminal writers of the modern SF field, whose works are of dominant importance and influence. This series of collections is a permanent record of greatness in SF.

Volume Three, presenting the last five writers to receive the Grand Master award, features the fiction of Lester Del Rey, Frederik Pohl, Damon Knight, A. E. Van Vogt, Jack Vance.
Amazon.com Review
Three cheers for Tor Books! The SFWA Grand Masters, VolumeOne, is a terrific idea: a collection of stories by the Golden Agewriters (in this volume, Robert A. Heinlein, Jack Williamson, CliffordD. Simak, Fritz Leiber, and L. Sprague de Camp) who established thefundamentals of the science fiction genre ... the writers who firstdazzled the world with their brilliant ideas and sent our imaginationszooming into the future. Representative short stories from each of thewriters--such as a tale of the ever rich and strange world of Nehwonfrom Leiber--are accompanied by a sample of each writer's nonfiction,an overview of their life and career by Pohl--who knew them all--and arecommended reading list. All together, this volume is both theperfect way to introduce someone just discovering science fiction tothe classic writers of the field, and ideal for veteran sciencefiction readers to remind themselves just why they love the genre somuch. "With Folded Hands," anyone? --Blaise Selby ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The First of the Grand Master Books
I admit that my background in the classics of sci-fi and fantasy is weak.So, I snatched up Volume I of The SFWA Grand Masters to see what these authors wrote and how constructed stories and used language.If I have any disappointments at all, it's that so many writers since these five have used the basic premises that the stories seemed familiar, and that's not a dig against them, it's a complement (hell, I've already come up with a great character and premise, myself).

Here is the list of authors and stories:

Heinlein, Robert A., (1907-1988)
--The Roads Must Roll, 1940. (novelette) (Astounding, June, 1940.) SFHF
--The Year of the Jackpot, 1951. (Galaxy, March, 1951.)
--Jerry Was a Man, 1947. (Thrilling Wonder Stories, October, 1947.)
--The Farthest Place, 1992. (excerpt from Tramp Royale, 1992.)
--The Long Watch, 1976. (The American Legion, 1976.)

Williamson, Jack, (1908- )
--With Folded Hands, 1947. (novelette) (Astounding, July, 1947.)
--Jamboree, 1969. (Galaxy, December, 1969.)
--The Mañana Literary Society, 1984. (excerpt from Wonder's Child: My Life in Science Fiction, 1984.)
--The Firefly Tree, 1997. (short short) (Science Fiction Age, #28, May, 1997.)

Simak, Clifford D., (1904-1988)
--Desertion, 1944. (Astounding, November, 1944.)
--Founding Father, 1957. (Galaxy, May, 1957.)
--Grotto of the Dancing Bear, 1980. (Analog, April, 1980.) Hugo

de Camp, L. Sprague, (1907-2000)
--A Gun for Dinosaur, 1956. (Galaxy, March, 1956.)
--Little Green Men from Afar, 1976. (article) (The Humanist, July, 1976.)
--Living Fossil, 1939. (Astounding, February, 1939.)

Leiber, Fritz, (1910-1992)
--Sanity, 1944. (Astounding, April, 1944.)
--The Mer She, 1978. (novelette) (Heroes and Horrors, Whispers Press, 1978.)
--A Bad Day for Sales, 1953. (Galaxy, July, 1953.)

For me Heinlein's stories were the best, but I've always been a fan.Some of the other highlights, however:

Jack Williamson's With Folded Hands feels like a story that has spawned so many other robots replace human stories throughout the ages.It's spooky, straightforward, and masterfully simple.

The Mer She by Fritz Leiber is a Grey Mouser story and was really engaging, a fun read which kept me in wonderment as to where it was going.

Desertion by Clifford Simak is a story I've read before and it remains one of my all-time favorites.It deserves to be a movie, and now that the technology can make that happen, I hope it comes to be.

Great stories, great authors, and a great collection.I'll be reading volume II soon.

- CV Rick

Another Bust for Fred Pohl
It is extemely difficult to select stories from five of the greatest SF writers (add Clarke and Asimov and you have the top seven) of the 20th century to give the whole volume a negative, downbeat tone, but Fred Pohl has managed it.If you like your stories upbeat and hopeful for the human race (in the editorial fashion of John Campbell) this book is a definite "save your money."I have been reading these authors since the 1950s, and I can't imagine a worse set of choices.

Excellent Breadth of the Genre
firstly, this book is from the "golden age" of science fiction - generally, the time span of the 1950s - late 1960s. of course, there is quite the sf debate to be had as to whether this was really a "golden age" or not, but that's left out of this review ;) there are three volumes, each containing assorted works by five grandmaster award winners.

essentially, the grandmaster award "may not be awarded more than six times in ten years" and is given to a contemporary (re: living) science fiction author.

heinlein's stories are very good - they take up approximately 1/3 of the book, though. "the roads must roll" was quite dated, and definitely the worst of the bunch; though that alone is completely relative, by itself it wouldn't have been nearly so bad. the rest of his stories are magnificant, and he remains arguably one of the best science fiction writers to ever put the pen to the paper.

jack williamson, clifford simak, l. sprague de camp, and fritz leiber all produce fantastic stories for this anthology, as well.

one of the best aspects of this anthology is that it offers stories which may not otherwise have been discovered. frederick pohl does an appropriate and respectful job introducing the authors, and his love of the genre is apparant. this book should not be overlooked and is one of the most valuable science fiction short story anthologies i have come across. highly recommended.

Entertaining, Humorous, and Thought-Provoking
I'd been frustrated by the "Golden Age" because it is often written or talked about and is often impossible to find, even in used bookstores. Heinlein can still be found, but even works of his, some considered classics, are out-of-print. Anthologies of those times are difficult to find, and modern anthologies often throw in a "Golden Age" story as an afterthought.

This anthology is different. Each of the authors featured in this volume (Heinlein, Williamson, Simak, de Camp, and Leiber) were the "Golden Age".

With the exception of two stories by Fritz Leiber ("Sanity" & "A Bad Day for Sales") whose pessimism put me off, each story in this volume captured and held my attention throughout. The themes of these stories inspired my own speculations, and unlike much of modern science fiction, the entertainment value alone makes this volume worth purchasing.

Frederik Pohl has written succinct, informative introductions and recommends further reading which has sent me to the used bookstores already. More importantly, however, he has chosen great stories and has let the authors speak for themselves.

Personally, I would recommend "The Year of the Lottery" ( a humorous story about the ultimate bad day), "With Folded Hands" (inhuman "perfection" taken to the extreme), all of Clifford D. Simak, and "Gun for Dinosaur" (30 years ahead of Jurassic Park and infinitely superior). However, cracking this book at any place will lead to good results.

A great mix of familar stories and little-seen material
Frederik Pohl has done a fantastic job of assembling this collection of material.Himself one of the first 15 SFWA grand masters, Pohl's personal reflections on each of these authors are worth the purchase price bythemselves.

For each writer, Pohl has selected at least one seminal gemfrom their body of work, and at least one neglected treasure, withadditional pieces that show the tremendous range each of these authorswas/is capable of.

Although most of Heinlein's fiction is still in print,these days it can be hard to find the work of these other Grand Masters,especially the older material.That makes this volume especiallyvaluable.

For myself, Clifford Simak and Fritz Leiber are two of myall-time favorite writers, and I am happy to see there work exposed to anew generation of readers, especially in this context.Both the ScienceFiction Writers of America and Frederik Pohl should be applauded for thisworthy tribute. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of short stories from a science fiction writer who has won Hugo, Nebula, Edgar and Howard awards. The tales range from pirates in space to magic on Earth, and all contain Vance's own brand of humour. His most recent bestseller is "Araminta Station". ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Vance's finest?
I read the 1979 DAW paper edition, which has a weak cover illustration, but a charming black and white drawing of one of the title creatures, accurately depicting its skeletal horse head, black hat and black cloak, opposite the title page.

I am a Vance skeptic.I often feel his novels lack plot and characterization, and that the cultures and situations he creates are totally unbelievable, not even internally consistent, and just exist as a frame on which Vance lovingly hangs his long baroque descriptions of clothes, food, and landscape, and a canvas on which Vance paints his unrelentingly cynical and pessimistic view of people and life.Vance, however, is highly regarded, including by people I greatly respect, like Gene Wolfe and Robert Silverberg, so I am still willing to give him a chance now and then."The Pnume," the fourth of the "Tschai" books, is making me reconsider my harsh assessment of Vance.

Each novel in the Tschai series is better than the one before it, and "The Pnume" is the best Vance I have ever read, focusing more on character development and relationships.I recommend it, and am inspired by it to seek out some more Vance. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review
Once again Fredrick Pohl has produced an outstanding mix of well-known and obscure fiction by some of the premiere writers in the science fiction and fantasy field in The SFWA Grand Masters: Volume 3, this time featuring Lester Del Rey, Pohl himself, Damon Knight, A.E. Van Vogt, and Jack Vance.

The Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) Grand Master Award is a lifetime achievement award that is given to a living author for his or her contribution to the field of science fiction and/or fantasy. When Pohl was authorized to edit the three-volume set covering the then 15 Grand Masters, it probably seemed like the perfect number of books. Pohl states, "This is the third--and at least for the moment the last," but he undoubtedly recognizes that since more Grand Masters have been named since this series began, future editions seem likely.

The SFWA Grand Masters: Volume 3 features an introduction by Pohl that examines important early editors in the field. The introductions to each author's pieces are highlighted by Pohl's special insider's view and a look at why each author deserved the title of SFWA Grand Master. Pohl's Grand Master introduction was written by "independent critic" and spouse Elizabeth Anne Hull.

Pohl's remembrances offer a wonderful view of the history of how science fiction evolved, but the meat of the anthology lies in the stories by these superb authors. From the classic to the forgotten, this excellent selection of fiction helps remind us why these authors were named Grand Masters and why their stories should not be forgotten. --Kathie Huddleston ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

I shake my head in bewilderment
The Green Pearl is another engrossing adventure in Jack Vance's whimsical world. This installment of Lyonesse mainly follows Aillas, now King of Troicinet, as he seeks revenge on the Ska, tests his infatuation with Tatzel, deals with a couple of traitors, and tries to thwart the ambitions of King Casmir of Lyonesse who, unbeknownst to Casmir, is Aillas's son's grandfather. We also spend quite a bit of time with Shimrod, Glyneth, Melancthe, and some new and excellent characters such as the duplicitous innkeeper Dildahl, the dogged but distractible Visbhume, and The Notable and Singular Zuck (Dealer in Objects Unique Under the Firmament).

There are two main reasons that I love Lyonesse. First, I admire Vance's florid imagination. His world and its creatures are unique and, while not as bizarre as Lewis Carroll's, there's plenty of weirdness. Second, I love Jack Vance's odd but irresistible style. There's no message, no lesson, no pretensions -- it's just pure fast-paced entertainment. But best of all, Vance's deliberately peculiar and droll prose makes me laugh:

"A crippled ex-soldier named Manting for ten years had served the county as executioner. He did his work efficiently and expunged Long Liam's life definitely enough, but in a style quite devoid of that extra element of surprise and poignancy, which distinguished the notable executioner from his staid colleague. ... [then Manting comes into possession of the Green Pearl which Long Liam had carried] ... Thereafter, all who watched Manting declared that they had never seen the executioner's work done with more grace and attention to detail, so at times Manting and the condemned man seemed participants in a tragic drama which set every heart to throbbing; and at last, when the latch had been sprung, or the blow struck, or the torch tossed into the faggots, there was seldom a dry eye among the spectators."

And the dialog is truly humorous -- so many authors try, but Vance gets it right. Just two short examples:

* The barber said politely: "Sire, I suggest that you hold your feet motionless while I am cutting your toenails."
* When the beautiful but empty-headed Melancthe tries to seduce Shimrod, he says: "My character is intensely strong, and my will is like iron; still, I see no reason to demonstrate their strength needlessly."

Again I shake my head in bewilderment that this charming trilogy can not be acquired by the usual book-obtaining methods. What a shame!

A Masterpiece
This is the awesome 2nd installment in the mega-awesome Lyonesse trilogy. If you like hard-core fantasy with an almost scientific approach to the application of magic, a great storyline, wry humor, witty dialog, and good struggling against evil, this book can't be beat.

Second book, less serious in tone than the first but still fabulous
This is the second book in the Lyonesse trilogy, and differs from its predecessor in some respects.The tone is much lighter, offering many more dialogues with the typical Vance wit and humor.Casimir plays a much smaller role in the story, removing one of the more brutal antagonists.The sorceror Visbhume is introduced and resembles Cugel more than any other Vance character I have read recently.

The story moves forward the efforts of Ailias to counter the Ska presence in the Ulflands, including reunion with the ska noblegirl Tatzel, and a number of combat scenes.Ongoing machinations of Tartumello (sp) continue, though the sorcerors play an overall small role in the story, Visbhume excepted.

A major plot thread resolution here (the ska presence in the Ulflands) has a resolution which is far too easy, resembling other major political resolutions seen in some other stories by Vance, including The Pnume, The Wankh, and arguably The Dirdir - essentially, protagonist dictates terms to enemy from position of (sometimes) apparent strength, and enemy accepts unconditionally, end of problem.

This is a fabulous book, and I am looking forward to re-reading Madouc in the near future.

A Rare Gem
The Green Pearl is the second book in the Lyonesse Trilogy. While the volume stands on its own, I think you'd be hard pressed to get caught up. If you can, read the first volume, Suldrun's Garden, before starting The Green Pearl.

The book continues the chronicles of the Elder Isles, the lost islands of fantasy between France and Britain. As is the first book, Vance skillfully weaves together seemingly unrelated stories into a coherent whole. Mostly, the book centers around the adventures of Ailias, now a king, and his efforts to solve the personal and royal problems that beset him.

As was the case in Suldrun's Garden, there are long stretches that are almost dreamlike in their tone. A long interlude between Ailias and a barbaric Ska princess is remarkable for its combination of lucidity and dreamlike character; when that particular adventure ends, you very much feel you, with Ailias, have wakened from a dream.

The book does suffer the problem of any second book in a trilogy: it's primarily a bridge between the discoveries in the first book and the denouements in the last. But there are enough new characters and new ideas to keep you fascinated. There are comically sinister magicians, recalcitrant nobles, dying kings and a different view of the barabaric Ska. The book is much less obviously derivative than Suldrun's Garden.

Altogether a most satisfying read. Strongly recommended.

A wonderful wonderful book
In my opinion, this is the best fantasy book ever written.Vance shows nearly limitless imagination, and this is Vance at his finest.

I must say that it is refreshing to read fantasy that isn't just a copy of The Lord of the Rings.The Green Pearl Draws very loosely on the legends of King Aurthur, but also establishes it's own unique mythology.It is worth reading over and over. ... Read more

Product Description
A study of the work of John Holbrook Vance (the nom-de-plume on his mystery novels), who is most famous as science fiction writer Jack Vance. The Milford Series: Popular Writers of Today, Vol. 40. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Best ever science fiction short stories
Every story in this collection is a winner.My very favorite short story of all time is in this collection - the Moon Moth. This is the most inventive, imaginative, fascinating short story I have ever read.You cannot imagine the outcome of this story except that the main character is as much an anti-hero as a hero. I like this story so much, I have read it over and over.Every time it leaves me chuckling and appreciating once more the skill of this storyteller and his fantastic imagination.

Contains six stories
The book contains a preface and six stories.The Last Castle won both the Hugo and Nebula awards.The contents of the book are as follows:

- Preface to the Collection

- Abercrombie Station
- The Last Castle
- The Moon Moth
- Rumfuddle
- Sail 25
- Ullward's Retreat ... Read more

Product Description
Wilbur Murphy sought romance, excitement, and an impossible Horseman of Space. With polite smiles, the planet frustrated him at every turn - until he found them all the hard way!A classic science fiction story originally published in the "If Worlds of Science Fiction" in July, 1953. Includes a detailed "About the Author" and a selected bibliography. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Jack Vance "Gadget" Story
Sjambak is one of Vance's many "gadget stories," based upon a projection of a single scientific principle to a possibly logical conclusion. The gimmick of Sjambak is a human apparently surviving for an extended period in the vacuum of space. The planet Sirgamesk is the setting for most of this story. Sirgamesk's ancient civilization was wiped out when the planetary atmosphere was lost long ago. The current settlers are Javanese-descended Muslims living in domed-over and pressurized valleys.

Vance wastes little ink exploring the cultural complexities of the situation. He focuses on the visual experience of the planet by an entertainment network operative. Wilbur Murphy is trying to run down the truth behind reports of a flying horseman in local dress meeting an arriving space ship twenty thousand miles above the planet. The investigation is the frame around which Vance wraps his exposition of a very unusual environment. Every visual image is detailed in Vance's inimitable style.

The scientific basis for the story is thin to the point of fantasy. A Vance fan will be along for the ride, knowing that even the author looks back on these early (1953) magazine fillers as hired work to put food on the table. These pulp Vance works were scattered over a huge variety of magazines from the fifties and sixties until gathered, along with his more widely recognized masterpieces, for the Vance Integrated Edition.

While Sjambak lacks the scientific profundity of Stephen Baxter or Alastair Reynolds tales, it's an excellent representative of what can be done with imagination and the author's ability to put us in the middle of an exotic setting. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Enter strange new worlds
The imagination of Jack Vance was seemingly without limit.His depiction of strange peoples, cultures, and social systems is endlessly fascinating.

Some may say his style is an acquired taste, but I believe his elegant language, inventive names and coinages, and ironic humor is unequaled in or out of SF.

With the exception of "Chateau D'If", the stories in this collection (including "Green Magic" and "The Narrow Land") are rarely anthologized, and so it is a must to the Jack Vance collector.

To those unacquainted with Jack Vance, try the "The Dying Earth", "The Last Castle", "The Dragon Masters", or "Lyonesse" for the master at his best.

8 stories
Here under one cover for the first time are eight scarce and long unavailable stories by one of the very best writers we have in science fiction.Eight stories rich with the exotic and ironic aplomb of the singularly inventive and vivid style which characterizes the author. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Classic Science Fiction
I bought this book, titled Dust of Far Suns (originally titled Future Tense), about 20 years ago and it has sat on my shelf until recently when I had a sudden urge to read it.I do not read a lot of science fiction but it is still one of my favorite genres in fiction.This is my first Jack Vance book; I have not even read one of his novels.I was truly impressed and surprised by the range and quality of the four stories in this volume.They are:

(1) Dust of Far Suns (originally, Sail 25) (1962) - space cadets on a training trip into the Solar System get tested by an old master
(2) Dodkin's Job (1959) - a humorous look at a future bureaucracy with the protagonist discovering a surprising truth and turning a few tables on others and the system
(3) Ullward's Retreat (1958) - an incredibly crowded future earth where the natural environment is decimated, and replaced by images and preserved indoor specimens
(4) The Gift of Gab (1955) - a business venture on an alien planet's ocean results in an unsuspected response from one of the undersea life forms

All stories are excellent, but I particularly enjoyed the first and forth.Even though these stories are half a century old, this is (to me) what science fiction is all about.Good characterizations, great and readable plots, and believable scientific and technological extrapolation into the distant (or not-too-distant) future.(I believe that Vance worked in, or was educated in, geological or mining engineering and thus has a technological background, one which is very evident in the stories.)In only minor ways do these stories seem "dated"; they are a great read even in the 21st century.What I also liked is that the stories are not overdone or over-the-top in plot and action, and the small details of plot or character ring true.

If this is the quality of other short stories or novelettes that Mr. Vance has written, I cannot believe there is not a current Jack Vance collection of all his best stories.On the basis of this collection alone his name should be as revered and recognized for his S.F. short stories as are other classic-era S.F. authors; in fact, I like these stories better than any short stories I remember reading by Isaac Asimov (and I like Isaac Asimov for the most part).Very entertaining and highly recommended!By it used or hope for a reprint in the (not-too-distant) future.

Too bad it's out of print
Jack Vance is one of the great science fiction authors, a writer who has focused on adventure rather than science and has produced more than his share of entertaining works.His stories may not be deep but they are always fun.

In this collection, Vance shows he is as adept with short stories as he is with novels.The first story deals with space travel cadets on a mission with their ofttimes cruel instructor.The second story is a humorous story of one man taking on a vast government bureaucracy; this is followed by a tale of an overpopulated Earth where a hundred square feet may be a vast estate and a man who acquires a whole alien continent on which to live.The final tale deals with aquatic miners contending with a dangerous sea creature.

All four stories are typical Vance, which is to say, great stuff.If you have the opportunity to pick this one up somewhere, you will have a nice treat. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An ironic and colorful portrait of future humanity
"The Last Castle," by Jack Vance, is set on Earth thousands of years in the future.The planet is populated with the native human stock that has continuously been there, and also with a culture of humans who have returned to Earth after living elsewhere.The returnees live a luxurious, aristocratic lifestyle in gigantic castle strongholds.The castle dwellers are accompanied by "specialized andromorphs"--that is, various biologically altered slave species.Adding to the complexity of the landscape is a human faction that has broken off from the "gentlefolk" and lives outside of the castle walls.At the start of the book we learn that one of the slave species, the Meks, has begun to violently revolt against its human masters.This sets in motion a complex story of both military and cultural conflict.

This short novel is clearly a science fiction tale, but with its castles, noblemen, and talking "Birds," the book has a flavor of fantasy.Vance also brings a strong element of social and political satire to the mix.The whole book is only 115 pages long, but in a brief space Vance masterfully creates a complete and compelling portrait of this alternate Earth.Among other things he explores the food, entertainment, architecture, sexuality, transportation technology, and biology of this colorful world.Particularly rich are his descriptions of the diverse slave species.

At times Vance's style and themes remind me of the work of such other skilled science fiction craftsmen as Gordon Dickson (in "Dorsai!") and Clifford Simak (in "City").His prose is overall very straightforward, but he keeps it lively with some ornate flourishes and lovely phrases.I found his prose very enjoyable to read.The book's copyright information notes that an Ace edition was published in 1966.Because of this, it may be tempting to read the narrative as an allegory for the upheavals in American culture in the 1960s.But due to Vance's insight and writerly skill, the satire still strikes me as fresh and relevant for our post-9/11 era.

Get your hands on a copy of this book!
'The Last Castle' is a remarkable work of science fantasy by a modern master of the genre.In the far future, all of the strongholds (save one) of an effete remnant of humanity have fallen to an alien race that hasthrown off the shackles of slavery.This book, while loaded with ironichumor, is a thought-provoking study of the human condition.A deceptivelyshort and simple book that you will reread to find subleties that youmissed in previous readings.Vance is a genius! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

JackVance is the BEST !
You must read "The Moon Moth"! This is an incredible gem of writing by an incredible American author. It glistens with a unique planetary culture, a stumbling hero and an intriguing mystery. An utterly unique and addictive masterpiece.

This 1973 collection also includes '65s "The World Between", "Brain Of The Galaxy", "The Devil On Salvation Bluff" and "The Men Return". '66s "The Kokod Warriors", "The King Of Thieves", "Coup De Grace" and the most wonderful "The Brains Of Earth" ends the book.

Vance and Brin are writers who stir new thoughts and weave great tales. Ben Bova's indispensable book on writing science fiction doesn't mention either by name but one could place almost any of their stories as prime examples.The Science Fiction Album ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Incredible space yarns ...
Magnus Ridolph is not your 'typical' bronzed, herculean built type of space wayfarer. In fact, he is described as slight of build, fastidious, with a white goatee making him look like a nanny goat.

But don't let his outside looks fool you. Mr Vance has recreated an unforgetable character in the form of Magnus Ridolph who is sharp of wit and able to reason out just about any sort of problem.

Magnus can best be described as a trouble-shooter for hire. Invariably those with whom he associates try to either cheat him or take advantage of him, based on his physical appearance. But he turns out with the answer to their problem and winds up beating the cheater of not just his fee, but additional royalties as well.

The stories of Magnus Ridolph are enthralling because they are different. It's amusing to watch this little guy take on those who would beat him out of his fee and comes up smelling like roses each time. I've had this book in paperback for more than forty years ... and look forward to seeing it published on Kindle (because it's easier for me to re-read on that device).

The book is, unfortunately, not widely available at this time, but hopefully the publisher will release a version on Kindle for a reasonable price.

Bottom line is that I think you'll enjoy reading these 'space yarns' which really have little to do with space other than each story is on a different planet with different 'people'. The outcome of each is not always obvious and sometimes is hilarious. Good reading for an evening or two's enjoyment.

Definately Recommended for ages 8 and up.

~P~

Jack Vance at his best
Jeez, what can anyone say? Jack Vance is incomparable. Probably the best Science Fiction Author to ever live.
A better way to understand him is he uses science fiction to illustrate human behavior in a way that is exciting and clear.

Best Science Fiction Writer Ever
Jack Vance is my favorite science fiction writer.I have never read books that are better written, more imaginative, inovative, fascinating, than his.I particularly like this character, Magnus Ridolf.Like most Vance "heros" Magnus is a bit of a rascal.His quirky solutions to problems would only occur to those with the most devious minds.Just my kind of guy.

Classics from a master storyteller
Jack Vance is a writer known to many for his excellent work in the field of fantasy fiction. His classics have inspired a generation of modern fantasy fiction authors. What many do not know is that Jack Vance was equally at home in the field of science fiction. His latest works have all been in that subject, but he came to it years ago with his Demon Princes series, the Planet of Adventure series and the Cadwal Conservancy trilogy. He got his start in the genre writing for pulps, but his style is significantly different from normal pulp stylings. As evidence, examine the Many Worlds of Magnus Ridolph. Collecting stories heretofore only available in pulp format, or rarely added to sci-fi anthologies, these stories are detective fiction set in a grand future. Magnus Ridolph is a gentlemanly rogue with keen insight and clever repartee. Predating Asimov's sci-fi/detective fiction stories by some years, this book provides some excellent yarns. His classics 'The Kokod Warriors' and 'The King of Thieves' are in there, along with little known works such as 'The Howling Bounders' and 'Spa in the Sky'. Although some of the stories fail to live up to the quality of the best in the book, this is still a must-have for Vance fans. ... Read more

Product Description
When Schaine Madduc returned to Koryphon after five years in space, her home planet was not as she left it. The several intelligent species that had lived so long in a sort of symbiotic harmony were at each other's throats. The humanoid Uldra were united in rebellion against the human land-holding community of which Schaine was part. The Uldra revolutionary leader and catalyst--the Gray Prince Jorjol--was actually an Uldra fostered in Schaine's own home, and upon whom Schaine had exerted a profound influence. An influence far more profound than Schaine would have thought possible. An influence possibly powerful enough to smash her home, her family, and her entire way of life! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Intelligent, quirky, fun
The Gray Prince is not a rascist novel. Here's an essential exchange from the novel on the typing of people by race:

"You're like all the other Outkers."
"I hope not. I'm really just myself."

We are all, really, just ourselves. That perception is the exact opposite of rascism.

The Uldra who declines to go in to dinner with the land barons, saying that he will be more comfortable going back to his own people, is not demeaning himself. On the contrary--he does not need the gesture of equality to be equal--he is already equal, knows he is, and has been acknowledged as such. He doesn't need the gesture.

And the Gray Prince himself is never seen as representative of his "people," but as a unique individual with his own personal history, problems, and hangups.

I am not sure whether I entirely agree with Vance's realpolitik point of view, but the perception that it is impossible to right the wrongs of our ancestors is surely correct.

Beyond all this, the novel has the atmosphere, the loving physical detail, the dash and quirkiness that characterize Vance's novels. Not perfectly balanced, no, but few Vance novels are. This is not the best Vance novel, nor one of the best dozen, either, but it is far from the worst. Good writing, and good fun.

better late than never
I finally got my book a month after I had ordered it. The sender said the address label had come off and it had been returned to her.
When I did get the book it was in very good condition though.

unfortunately, one of Vance's worst
I'm a big Jack Vance fan, but "The Gray Prince" isn't good.There's some fine material in the middle, where several of the main characters go on a perilous quest across a dangerous and subtly magical wilderness.Here I felt myself plunged into an intense sensual experience, well realized by Vance -- it seemed almost like a dream.But the hurried, tacked-on conclusion was a terrible disappointment and made the novel as a whole not seem worthwhile.

Also, I hate to say it, but I have to side with the reviewers who find something politically offensive here.The novel's allegory of the situation of the Native Americans is only thinly veiled, and I was shocked by the apparent conclusion that it is the rich white "land barons" who are the good guys, the natives the bad guys, and that anyone who disagrees is a sap.The novel sells this oversimplified conclusion by making the barons unrealistically humane and honest (if a little arrogant), the natives unrealistically cruel and scary.Well, the author may have a point when he argues that it would be insane for all land to be given back to its original inhabitants -- for example, does this mean that the Italians have to somehow locate the ancient Etruscans and give Italy back to them?There may be a point to be made here -- but the novel's amateurish, borderline-offensive conclusion ain't it.Particularly disappointing from Jack Vance, who's known for sharp-witted political satire.

Reader, if you've somehow happened upon this book because you like science fiction and would like to check out Jack Vance, let me ask you:why would you even think of reading this extremely minor Jack Vance book when you could read one of his good books instead?Don't be fooled by fanatical fans who write online reviews and will never admit that a single one of their favorite writer's fifty books isn't good.To be specific, if you want to check out Jack Vance, why don't you try one of the following books?

(1)."The Eyes of the Overworld" and its equally brilliant sequel "Cugel's Saga".(Both are conveniently available in a big volume titled "Tales of the Dying Earth" -- though this also includes two other, inferior novels that you can skip.)

(2)."The Demon Princes."A series of five novels (recently reprinted in two big volumes).Novels #1 and #2 disappoint and could be skipped.Novels #3 and #4 are good.Novel #5 is great.

The key to understanding 'The Gray Prince'
This is not a review as such, but contains a piece of information which none of other the reviewers have covered. Much SF is simply discussion of human history in an alien guise. The issues covered in this book are the old arguments about the merits of 'civilization' vesus 'savagery', and what to do about it (Or, if you like, the idea that one way of life is better than another). The older, imperial idea that colonization was the way to spread 'civilization' is out of favor with many people now, but some of these same people support it in other ways. Such as claiming that 'women are oppressed and every one must save them' from some traditional society, which their own multi-cultural principles say they should leave alone.

'The Gray Prince' is a book which explores these themes, but it is rooted in a specific case, of which I think many of its readers are unaware. It is this: the whole development of the plot is heavily influenced by what happened in the 1970's to the African country of Rhodesia (now known as Zimbabwe).

Learn about Rhodesia (taking care to note *all* the different points of view) and see if you do not agree that this is what Vance is doing.

I give the book four stars because the development of the 'clash of cultures' theme is very good. It misses a fifth star because of a flaw which is endemic to many SF stories; containing actual different races of sentitent beings, which may well have different needs. Therefore, in this type of story, racial thinking actually has an objective basis in fact. On Earth we have only one race, the human race, so stories about real, different races do not apply perfectly.

Still, I have to admit, that did not spoil 'Lord of the Rings' for me.

Worth the read.
This is certainly not one of Jacks better books and I would give it a 4 but one has to try and bolster its rating after reading what has been written about this book.This book will keep you entertained and disregard those that slate it from their high horses. ... Read more