Growth Of Two Series

Any long series grows through distinct stages towards completion: first, individual stories; then, collections; then, more comprehensive collections.

For over a decade, Guardians Of Time was the complete Time Patrol series. Now, its four stories are among the ten narratives of different lengths in the omnibus collection, Time Patrol, which is followed by the long novel, The Shield of Time. What a long way we have come.

Trader To The Stars was Volume I of the Polesotechnic League series. Now, its three stories about Nicholas van Rijn are among the eighteen narratives of different lengths in Volumes I and II of the seven-volume The Technic Civilization Saga. What a very long way we have come. Additionally, the entire contents of The Earth Book Of Stormgate are now fully incorporated into Saga, Volumes I-III.

In one sense, Guardians Of Time, Trader To The Stars, the Earth Book and some other earlier collections have been rendered redundant. However, I think that it makes sense to retain and value copies of all such collections. They are part of the history of their series and reminders of the stages of its growth. We can view that history on a bookshelf and can also choose which edition we want to reread any particular story in. Remember that that is how these stories originally appeared in book form. And we are also extremely grateful that each series continued to grow.

(Tomorrow a visit to Andrea above the Old Pier Bookshop.)