Heinlein
Asimov
Blish
Anderson
Heinlein's future history, which is "the Future History," includes longevity and a generation ship ( a slower than light multi-generation interstellar spaceship).
Asimov's future history comprises robots and a predictive science of society.
Anderson uniquely wrote eight future histories. His first, the Psychotechnic History, has one story each on:
longevity
a generation ship
a robot
- and is based, especially in its earliest instalments, around attempts to apply a predictive science of society.
Heinlein perfected the circular causality paradox whereas Anderson fully developed both time travel paradoxes: circular causality and causality violation.
Heinlein also wrote about magic used as a technology. Anderson expanded this theme and wrote other fantasies.
Anderson and Blish both wrote sf, fantasy and historical fiction, the main difference being Anderson's much larger output. Despite this difference, I think of Anderson and Blish in parallel and this blog reflects that.
Kaor, Paul!
ReplyDeleteSF completists should also read Cordwainer Smith's Instrumentality of Mankind stories, Jerry Pournelle's Co-Dominium series (including contributions from other writers, and Larry Niven's Known Space stories (also with contributions by other authors).
Ad astra! Sean
Of course. But I was only talking about the Campbell future historians.
ReplyDeleteKaor, Paul!
ReplyDeleteI agree, but there were other editors and magazines Anderson wrote for, such as PLANET STORIES, THE MAGAZINE OF FANTASY AND SCIENCE FICTION, GALAXY, etc. Besides Campbell Anderson also had a special affection for Tony Boucher, who edited the MAG. OF F & SF. "Kyrie" was partly a homage to Boucher by Anderson.
Ad astra! Sean