psychodynamics;
longevity and immortality;
a "generation ship" (multi-generation interstellar spaceship).
Isaac Asimov's future history covers:
robots;
psychohistory (a mathematical science of society).
Poul Anderson's Psychotechnic History covers:
psychotechnics (a mathematical science of society);
immortality;
a robot;
a generation ship.
However, the Psychotechnic History is mainly about psychotechnics. The remaining three issues are addressed in one story each. Anderson makes an original contribution to each of these sf ideas and he uses the Psychotechnic History background for this purpose.
Next, it will be necessary to reread three of the four "political" stories in the Solar Union period in order to trace the history of political opposition. I reread one work, The Snows Of Ganymede, recently.
My birthday presents yesterday included the two remaining volumes about SM Stirling's Draka and I have yet to finish rereading Volume III of that series so these regrettable characters will have to return to the agenda. In the authentic sf manner, Stirling has created an original premise and presented its logical consequences, however unpleasant.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
Back from Hawaii and still catching up with your blog. I read some SF in Hawaii, such as Greg Bear's THE FORGE OF GOD. The topic of that book reminded me in some ways of Poul Anderson's AFTER DOOMSDAY. I thought Bear's book was interesting, often gripping, and well worth reading. If FORGE has a fault, it's in being perhaps a bit too long and could have used some trimming. And, of course, we both know Greg Bear is PA's son in law.
I agree with you in sharing your distaste for the Draka, but I'm eager for any further comments you care to make about THE STONE DOGS, DRAKON, and the stories other authors wrote about the Domination in DRAKAS!
It's my belief, as we both agree, that S.M. Stirling was a worthy colleague and now successor of Poul Anderson. Stirling can write very interesting and gripping stories and can make even the Draka well rounded and well developed characters. And, again like Anderson, Stirling does very careful research for writing his books.
Sean
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