Robert Heinlein because it is a volume of a future history;
CS Lewis and James Blish because it addresses theological issues in science fiction;
Rudyard Kipling because it pays homage to Kipling and also because its young protagonist, an orphan in a multicultural society, is drawn into intelligence work on behalf one empire as against another while helping a pilgrim.
I am confident that this list does not exhaust the implications of Anderson's novel, which could easily be categorized as mere action-adventure fiction.
1 comment:
Hi, Paul!
Besides the parallels, analogies, comparisons, etc., you made, THE GAME OF EMPIRE is ALSO an action/adventure novel. I see nothing in that kind of literature when done well.
And I myself have used THE GAME OF EMPIRE to discuss the theological issues raised in that book in my "God and Allien in Anderson's Technic Civilization" essay. Poul Anderson's skill as a writer includes being able to deftly incorporate philosophical/theological ideas alongside an action/adventure plot. Not that many SF writers are able or willing to do that!
S.M. Stirling, IMO, is one of the few living SF writers I know of (John Wright being anoher), who treats religious ideas seriously in his books.
Sean
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