Many people enjoy fictional narratives set in real places but not those set in imaginary extraterrestrial locations. Why and why not? Entirely different kinds of writing skills are involved. I can neither visit New York, then write a convincing account of it, nor imagine somewhere new and write a plausible account of it so I fully appreciate works by authors able to do either or both. Poul Anderson, of course, does both, e.g., see his accounts of Amsterdam in "Star of the Sea."
I suggest that anyone who has never read any fantasy or sf samples some Poul Anderson.
3 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
In this context, I have enjoyed both kinds of stories, ones set in both real and imaginary locations. And I would have included the Crystal Moon as one of the exotic places Flandry visited. And, if a writer can do both kinds of fiction in real/imaginary places, all the better!
I thought of THE BOAT OF A MILLION YEARS as one of Anderson's works parts of which shows us well done real locations. And of course there is Anderson's historical novels.
At times I have suggested to various persons that reading THE HIGH CRUSADE and THREE HEARTS AND THREE LIONS would be a good introduction to Anderson's works. Both SF and F!
Ad astra! Sean
I think A MIDSUMMER TEMPEST.
Kaor, Paul!
A MIDSUMMER TEMPEST would also be a good introduction to the works of Anderson. As would OPERATION CHAOS.
Ad astra! Sean
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