The Mammoth Book of 20th Century Science Fiction, Volume I

The Mammoth Book of... #1

by David G. Hartwell (Editor), James Tiptree Jr. (Contributor), William Tenn (Contributor)

So says David G. Hartwell in his introduction to The Science Fiction Century, an anthology spanning a century of sf writing, from its birth in the 1890's to the future it predicted. He's compiled the mother of all definitive anthologies, guaranteed to change not only the way the field views itself but also the way the rest of literature views the field.
Introduction (2003) essay by David G. Hartwell
Beam Us Home (1969) story by James Tiptree Jr
The Music Master of Babylon (1954) novelette by Edgar Pangborn
Hot Planet (1963) story by Hal Clement
The Hounds of Tindalos (1929) story by Frank Belknap Long
The Angel of Violence (1978) story by Adam Wisniewski-Snerg
Nobody Bothers Gus (1955) story by Algis Budrys [=Paul Janvier]
As Easy as ABC (1912) novelette by Rudyard Kipling
Ginungagap (1980) novelette by Michael Swanwick
Minister Without Portfolio (1952) story by Mildred Clingerman
Time in Advance (1956) novelette by William Tenn
Good Night, Sophie (1973) novelette by Lino Aldani (=Buonanotte Sofia 1963)
Fire Watch/Time Travel (1982) novelette by Connie Willis
Goat Song (1972) novelette by Poul Anderson
The Scarlet Plague (1912) novella by Jack London
"Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman (1965) story by Harlan Ellison
Blood's a Rover (1952) novella by Chad Oliver
Sail the Tide of Mourning/Bentfin Boomers (1975) story by Richard A. Lupoff
Great Work of Time (1989) novella by John Crowley
The Dimple in Draco (1967) story by R.S. Richardson [=Philip Latham]
Consider Her Ways (1956) novella by John Wyndham
Something Ending (1973) story by Eddy C. Bertin
Sundance (1969) story by Robert Silverberg
Swarm/ShaperMechanist (1982) novelette by Bruce Sterling

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories, Anthologies

586 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

David Geddes Hartwell was an American editor of science fiction and fantasy. He worked for Signet (1971-1973), Berkley Putnam (1973-1978), Pocket (where he founded the Timescape imprint, 1978-1983, and created the Pocket Books Star Trek publishing line), and Tor (where he spearheaded Tor's Canadian publishing initiative, and was also influential in bringing many Australian writers to the US market, 1984-date), and has published numerous anthologies. He chaired the board of directors of the World Fantasy Convention and, with Gordon Van Gelder, was the administrator of the Philip K. Dick Award. He held a Ph.D. in comparative medieval literature.

He lived in Pleasantville, New York with his wife Kathryn Cramer and their two children.

Reviews

[Ahimsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As with any anthology, there are some good stories and some not so good. That said, there were quite a few excellent stories here that I hadn't encountered before. (The only ones I'd already read were "Hounds of Tindalos" and "Repent Harlequin.") The small bit of historical context and commentary that editor David Hartwell provided was most welcome.

Stories I enjoyed: "Nobody Bothers Gus," "Consider Her Ways" "Time in Advance," and "Goodnight Sophie." These were each excellent in their own way, and worth reading for any spec fic fan.

For my money, "Fire Watch," "Music Master of Babylon" and "Minister without Portfolio" were weak sauce, not worthy of inclusion. But that's the beauty of anthologies--everyone will have their favorites and least-favorites.

This is a great anthology--I'll keep my eyes out for the companion volumes.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked:
James Tiptree jr.
Edgar Pangborn
Hal Clement
Rudyard Kipling
Mildred Clingerman
William Tenn
Connie Willis
Chad Oliver
Robert Silverberg
Bruce Sterling

[Steve Clark]

Paperback