O Céu Silencioso

by Lloyd Biggle Jr., Mário de Abreu (Translator)

9 • The Rule of the Door - (1958)
45 • Petty Larceny - (1958)
53 • On the Dotted Line - (1957)
83 • Judgement Day - (1958)
97 • Secret Weapon - (1958)
117 • The Perfect Punishment - (1965)
155 • A Slight Case of Limbo - (1963)
169 • D.F.C. - (1957)
189 • Wings of Song - (1963)

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories

208 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1967

About the author

Biggle was born in 1923 in Waterloo, Iowa. He served in World War II as a communications sergeant in a rifle company of the 102nd Infantry Division; during the war, he was wounded twice. His second wound, a shrapnel wound in his leg received near the Elbe River at the end of the war, left him disabled for life.

After the war, Biggle resumed his education. He received an A.B. Degree with High Distinction from Wayne State University and M.M. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan. Biggle taught at the University of Michigan and at Eastern Michigan University in the 1950s. He began writing professionally in 1955 and became a full-time writer with the publication of his novel, All the Colors of Darkness in 1963; he continued in the writing profession until his death.

Reviews

[Raymond Mathiesen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Silent Sky

A quirky twist to life…

This book, first published in 1967, is just passed the classic era of science fiction, but none the less represents the 'new wave' of sf writers, who put their own unique spin to the genre. Biggle does not put the emphasis on herd science, nor does he write swash buckling action adventures (both common in classic sf). But then again this is not the science fantasy of later (second wave) authors like Anne McCaffrey. Rather Biggle writes about ordinary 'people', be they alien or human, in unusual circumstances. Biggle plays 'what if' with normality. Life takes unusual turns in these stories, and we find Biggle often has a humorous twinkle in his eye and his tongue in his cheek. Which is not to say that the author does not have a serious point in the end: something serious to say about people.

There are nine stories in this book, ranging from quite short to medium length. Biggle immediately catches your attention, then moves the reader along quickly, and often comes to a 'wow' end. Perhaps the best story is The Perfect Punishment, a tale which will really make you think twice about 'progressive', 'scientific' programs to advance society. Can people ever see where they are going wrong at all, and can society help them to see their mistake?

This book is ideal if you want a fun break from the troubles of your busy life. If you are willing to suspend your disbelief, and just go with Biggle, you will be intrigued, amused and entertained, and, if you are luck, you may learn something about life and people. As, I say, this book was a pleasure to read, and quite quirkily different. I am happy to rate it at 5 stars.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this anthology in the 1970s, as a teenager newly into science fiction. For years, I vaguely recalled one particular story about a prison planet, which stuck with me over the decades. I highly recommend "The Perfect Punishment."

[Steve Rainwater · Rating 2 out of 5]

An anthology of Biggle's short stories from the pulps that were published between 1957 and 1965. Most are not memorable but a couple are ok, like "The Rule of the Door" and "Wings of Song", and will probably seem familiar anyway as they've been anthologized quite a few times.

[Eric Maier · Rating 3 out of 5]

The is a collection of short stories. Some were pretty good, some were just average.

[SciFiOne · Rating 4 out of 5]

1979 grade none
2012 grade B

[Mick · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Mostly) fun stories from the inimitable Lloyd Biggle, Jr.