Monday 8 February 2016

A Few Observations

There is a good interplay between discussion of SM Stirling's works and discussion of Poul Anderson's. Their alternative histories spark off each other.

I suggested an Anderson collection:

The Old Phoenix And Other Universes

"The House of Sorrows" is set in an alternative history. Furthermore, it is a history in which the Jews did not return from Babylon.

"Eutopia" is about travel between alternative histories. Furthermore, the travelers originate in a history where Alexander the Great did return from Babylon.

"House Rule" and "Losers' Night" are set in a meeting place between alternative histories.

Three stages: presentation, elaboration and summation of the concept.

I hope that I present practical demonstrations of the value of rereading. Several works by Anderson and Stirling have been read and blogged about twice. There is always more to be found in their texts.

Yesterday, Sunday, was spent with the lap top while recovering from a party. The next few days will be spent in other activities. Thus, less time from blogging. I will continue to reread SM Stirling's Conquistador.

3 comments:

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Paul!

Would you recommend that a hypothetical THE OLD PHOENIX AND OTHER UNIVERSES be a volume in a much needed COMPLETE COLLECTED WORKS OF POUL ANDERSON?

Sean

Paul Shackley said...

Sean,
Of course! And should be packaged with 3 HEARTS..., the OPERATIONS... and A MIDSUMMER TEMPEST as THE OLD PHOENIX SEQUENCE.
Paul.

Sean M. Brooks said...

Kaor, Paul!

I agree! I think you would collect THREE HEARTS AND THREE LIONS with the two OPERATION books in one volume. And then bring together A MIDSUMMER TEMPEST in another volume with the "Old Phoenix" stories, "Eutopia," and "The House of Sorrows."

Sean