An output marked by both quantity and quality.
An ability to write in multiple genres.
An appeal to at least three senses in descriptive passages.
Problem-solving heroes who have sudden realizations but who then make the reader wait for the solution.
An encyclopedic knowledge of mythology, history and science.
Several future histories.
Alternative answers to questions about time travel, telepathy, AI, FTL travel, immortality etc.
Creation of fictional planetary ecologies.
A high value placed on human freedom, creativity and diversity.
Empathetic treatment of characters with different viewpoints.
Respect for alternative worldviews.
Almost subliminal use of pathetic fallacy.
Innovative work and a Stapledonian perspective in later works.
Fiction that addresses serious issues.
5 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
While I certainly agree with you in saying Poul Anderson had "Respect for alternative world views," there were some ideas or systems of belief which he emphatically disagreed with. It's very plain that while he treated Garver and Benoni Strang fairly as persons, he did not agree with or even respect all of their IDEAS. Briefly, Anderson had no use for ideas leading to the centralization of power in the state or a heavy handed, top down homogenizing or "flattening" of human societies.
Sean
He was also very courteous and helpful to younger writers.
Dear Mr. Stirling,
Esp. to a fledgling new writer like you, in the early 1980's!
Sean
He was indeed! A scholar and a gentleman.
Dear Mr. Stirling,
And I still remember with gratitude how patient, kind, and friendly Poul Anderson was in replying to my sometimes far too long and argumentative letters! He even did me the honor of saying he found my letters INTERESTING.
Sean
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