Classics of Science Fiction Book Discussions
A classic is a work that survives its own time. After the currents
which might have sustained it have changed, it remains, and is seen
to be worthwhile for itself. John Hertz will lead discussions of
these three SF classics at Boskone 50. Come to as many as you like.
You’ll be welcome to join in.
- Friday, 5pm, Lewis: The Man in the High Castle by Phillip K. Dick--This won
Dick his only Hugo. The Allies lost World War II; Nazi Germany controls the east of North America, Imperial Japan the west, where the story is mostly set. Avram Davidson said “It’s all here, extrapolation, suspense, action, art philosophy,” and if the likes of us dare add to him, endless resonances, for example falsehood.
- Saturday, 10am, Griffin: Galactic Patrol by E.E. “Doc” Smith--Here we first meet Boskone and the Lens; prequels and sequels followed. Samuel Johnson said the essence of poetry was invention; Patrol has that; its vitality, and its focus through all the coruscations, are remarkable. Characterization? If you think Worsel is painted too explicitly, look at Kinnison’s leaving footprints all over Blakeslee.
- Sunday, 11am, Independence: Moonraker by Ian Fleming--Nothing like the Moonraker came for two more years; even then the R-7 and Atlas couldn’t burn hydrogen –- fluorine. Science fiction all right. Can James Bond take it? What can we learn? Could this be among the rare craftsmanly s-f from authors outside our field? What about the denouement of Gala Brand?
We encourage you to participate in one (or all) of these book
discussions by reading the books.