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On p. 72, Blish writes that Anderson "...follows a deliberate policy of appealing to at least three senses in every scene." What have I always said?
On pp. 90-91, Blish discusses Anderson's uncollected "Security Risk." According to Blish:
this story "...is at least readable..."; (p. 90)
Anderson is always skillful;
the story is competently plotted with a "...snapper at the end..." (ibid.) - a surprise ending?;
it combines psi with an alternative Earth but rationalzes neither;
thus, it interweaves cliches;
its emotional content is limited;
it is an occasional misfire, to be expected given Anderson's vast output.
5 comments:
Kaor, Paul!
Yes, re Anderson's use of multiple senses in his stories.
I assume "Security Risk" is the "Security" (SPACE SCIENCE FICTION, Feb. 1953) I listed in my "Uncollected Works of Poul Anderson" article.
Yes, some of Anderson's stories ends with what I've called "shockers." Examples being "Welcome," WORLD WITHOUT STARS, "The Martyr," "Eutopia."
I agree a few of Anderson's stories are either failures or at least weak. One example being "Genius." But not many!
Sean
Sean,
You listed a "Security" (1953) and a "Security Risk" (1957).
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
Dang! I checked, and you are correct. I goofed! (Smiles)
Depressing to see how how many of Anderson's works has not yet been collected and republished.
Sean
Sean,
Maybe we can influence the publishers.
Paul.
Kaor, Paul!
And NESFA Press, the publishing "pseudopod" of the New England Science Fiction Association, has been reprinting many of the short works of Poul Anderson. And Baen Books has done that for the Technic Civilization series. I would be happy if either of them would do the same for the most obscure of Anderson's uncollected stories and essays.
Sean
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