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The Harry Harrison Megapack: 12 Classics of Science Fiction, including ROBOT JUSTICE, DEATHWORLD, and DEATHWORLD II
The Harry Harrison Megapack collects 12 novels and stories by the author of the Stainless Steel Rat series, including the classics science fiction novels DEATHWORLD and PLANET OF THE DAMNED -- more than 700 pages of great reading! (Updated in 2016 to add the story "Robot Justice.") Included ARM OF THE LAW
DEATHWORLD
THE ETHICAL ENGINEER
THE MISPLACED BATTLESHIP
THE K-FACTOR
NAVY DAY
PLANET OF THE DAMNED
THE REPAIRMAN
TOY SHOP
THE VELVET GLOVE
SENSE OF OBLIGATION
ROBOT JUSTICE
If you enjoy this ebook, check out the more than 290+ other volumes in the series, covering not only science fiction, but fantasy, horror, mystery, western, and classic authors. Search your favorite ebook store for "Wildside Press Megapack" to see the complete list.
DEATHWORLD
THE ETHICAL ENGINEER
THE MISPLACED BATTLESHIP
THE K-FACTOR
NAVY DAY
PLANET OF THE DAMNED
THE REPAIRMAN
TOY SHOP
THE VELVET GLOVE
SENSE OF OBLIGATION
ROBOT JUSTICE
If you enjoy this ebook, check out the more than 290+ other volumes in the series, covering not only science fiction, but fantasy, horror, mystery, western, and classic authors. Search your favorite ebook store for "Wildside Press Megapack" to see the complete list.
610 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
295 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
Harry Harrison
1,289 books1,040 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Harry Harrison (born Henry Maxwell Dempsey) was an American science fiction author best known for his character the The Stainless Steel Rat and the novel Make Room! Make Room! (1966), the basis for the film Soylent Green (1973). He was also (with Brian W. Aldiss) co-president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group.
Excerpted from Wikipedia.
Harry Harrison (born Henry Maxwell Dempsey) was an American science fiction author best known for his character the The Stainless Steel Rat and the novel Make Room! Make Room! (1966), the basis for the film Soylent Green (1973). He was also (with Brian W. Aldiss) co-president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group.
Excerpted from Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
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August 12, 2021I've read a couple of the Stainless Steel Rat books, although probably some 30 years ago. Since I'm having a Golden Age phase in my reading, I picked up this megapack. A few thing struck me as I worked my way through this collection. And unfortunately, it was work in parts.
Many of his protagonists have similar characteristics. There was a certain Gary Stu-ness to them, and they didn't have a lot of problem summoning the resources and abilities needed to cope with the scenarios where they found themselves. I guess the stories were more an exploration of unusual concepts/situations, and less about the people dealing with them or any challenges they might face. This might explain why I generally enjoyed the shorter stories more than the novella-sized ones: in a short, I don't feel so bothered by a lack of character development (or even, frankly, by a lack of character).
I bailed out of Deathworld and didn't touch the sequel. While the start was interesting, dinAlt had absolutely no personality, and the whole scenario was implausible enough (both the world and dinAlt's amazing progress against all odds) that my eyes were rolling constantly. The sexism didn't help, though I realise that probably just reflects the time it was written. Oddly, although diGriz has similar characteristics, I enjoyed The Misplaced Battleship more. diGriz is certainly a more distinct character, and the first person PoV with snarky asides helped.
Although I'm not particularly into robots, my two favourite stories were probably Arm of the Law and The Velvet Glove.
Overall, an interesting book to dip into for historical interest, though I wouldn't view any of the stories as must-read classics.
Many of his protagonists have similar characteristics. There was a certain Gary Stu-ness to them, and they didn't have a lot of problem summoning the resources and abilities needed to cope with the scenarios where they found themselves. I guess the stories were more an exploration of unusual concepts/situations, and less about the people dealing with them or any challenges they might face. This might explain why I generally enjoyed the shorter stories more than the novella-sized ones: in a short, I don't feel so bothered by a lack of character development (or even, frankly, by a lack of character).
I bailed out of Deathworld and didn't touch the sequel. While the start was interesting, dinAlt had absolutely no personality, and the whole scenario was implausible enough (both the world and dinAlt's amazing progress against all odds) that my eyes were rolling constantly. The sexism didn't help, though I realise that probably just reflects the time it was written. Oddly, although diGriz has similar characteristics, I enjoyed The Misplaced Battleship more. diGriz is certainly a more distinct character, and the first person PoV with snarky asides helped.
Although I'm not particularly into robots, my two favourite stories were probably Arm of the Law and The Velvet Glove.
Overall, an interesting book to dip into for historical interest, though I wouldn't view any of the stories as must-read classics.
May 4, 2014
What a bargain. 37p for eleven stories (some novel length) by a classic writer. I cant buy a small bar of chocolate for that price! I haven't read them all yet, but the first few were enough to give this a solid 5* rating.
Traditional sci-fi at its best in the style of White, Heinlein, and Asimov. Great writers. (Now I just need to find a Megapack of E.E. Doc Smiths Lensman series!)
Traditional sci-fi at its best in the style of White, Heinlein, and Asimov. Great writers. (Now I just need to find a Megapack of E.E. Doc Smiths Lensman series!)
September 19, 2019
This was an excellent collection of Harrison's work, except the publisher didn't include Deathworld III.
About Deathworld. A resourceful and emotionally grounded genius (the two elements that are rarely present in one person), Jason dinAlt, finds himself on three different and quite dreadful planets. How Jason gets there and what he does to survive (barely) is for you to discover.
Deathworld is a trilogy: Deathworld I, Deathworld II (or "The Ethical Engineer"), and Deathworld III (or "The Horse Barbarians").
Regrettably, the third book wasn't included in this collection, and per my research, Kindle edition only published incomplete version of the Deathworld III. So I purchased a hardcopy printed in 1968, and truly enjoyed reading from the old pages. The third novel is more severe and cruel, however.
Overall, the whole collection is a dynamic read with philosophical tenor, which I personally liked. Also, the novels and novellas are short--by design. They were written to fit a magazine format back in the sixties. That's how most of the science fiction was published back then anyway. Regardless, I am a slow reader but found myself going through the collection quickly.
About Deathworld. A resourceful and emotionally grounded genius (the two elements that are rarely present in one person), Jason dinAlt, finds himself on three different and quite dreadful planets. How Jason gets there and what he does to survive (barely) is for you to discover.
Deathworld is a trilogy: Deathworld I, Deathworld II (or "The Ethical Engineer"), and Deathworld III (or "The Horse Barbarians").
Regrettably, the third book wasn't included in this collection, and per my research, Kindle edition only published incomplete version of the Deathworld III. So I purchased a hardcopy printed in 1968, and truly enjoyed reading from the old pages. The third novel is more severe and cruel, however.
Overall, the whole collection is a dynamic read with philosophical tenor, which I personally liked. Also, the novels and novellas are short--by design. They were written to fit a magazine format back in the sixties. That's how most of the science fiction was published back then anyway. Regardless, I am a slow reader but found myself going through the collection quickly.
March 5, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this collection of stories by Harry Harrison. I had read most of them before, but enough time has passed where I didn't recall the specifics, so each repeat was genuinely a fresh discovery. While his "tape" control of spaceships is somewhat antiquated, the basic plot elements and stories are still relevant today. The common thread that runs through these is his examination of humanity; how we relate to one another and how mankind might develop under entirely different conditions. His underlying faith in the best of all of us and his disdain for political machinations is made clear without hitting the reader over the head with it. I like that.
July 14, 2017
Harrison is always a good read. I especially like his Stainless Steel Rat stories (and one of those is in this work). I have three of the books that are in this selection, so I skipped over those yarns.
I was disappointed to see two versions of Planet of the Damned in here (under different names). Seems like cheating by the publisher???
The stories I did read were as entertaining as usual. Harrison can always be counted on for a good yarn and these lived up to his standards.
I was disappointed to see two versions of Planet of the Damned in here (under different names). Seems like cheating by the publisher???
The stories I did read were as entertaining as usual. Harrison can always be counted on for a good yarn and these lived up to his standards.
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July 26, 2017Not for Stainless Steel Rat Fans
Like The Stainless Steel Rat? Then this is not for you as he doesn't appear here once. This collection of short stories is okay, but I felt cheated as there were two slightly different versions of the same quite long story, hence only a four star rating. Some enjoyable and thought provoking tales of dystopian worlds.
Like The Stainless Steel Rat? Then this is not for you as he doesn't appear here once. This collection of short stories is okay, but I felt cheated as there were two slightly different versions of the same quite long story, hence only a four star rating. Some enjoyable and thought provoking tales of dystopian worlds.
May 29, 2018
What a great collection!
Being a huge Harry Harrison fan, I loved this collection. My only question is why the one story was repeated. Would love to see Bill, the Galactic Hero or more St
ainless Steel Rat.
Being a huge Harry Harrison fan, I loved this collection. My only question is why the one story was repeated. Would love to see Bill, the Galactic Hero or more St
ainless Steel Rat.
September 7, 2018
As with any anthology...
Some of the stories are good, some bad. This version of Deathworld is the magazine version, as it's sequel, so it was interesting to see the difference. Of the short stories, the first, with a robot policeman, was the best.
Some of the stories are good, some bad. This version of Deathworld is the magazine version, as it's sequel, so it was interesting to see the difference. Of the short stories, the first, with a robot policeman, was the best.
July 15, 2020
Something for all sci-fi fans
I'm glad I read these stories. My favorite was Death World and the Repair Man. They were really good. Something about Jason I just liked. I even enjoyed how many of these stories are 2000 years in the future.
I'm glad I read these stories. My favorite was Death World and the Repair Man. They were really good. Something about Jason I just liked. I even enjoyed how many of these stories are 2000 years in the future.
February 5, 2019
Highly entertaining!
Stainless Steel Rat was first i had read of Harry Harrison. This Megapack did not disappoint. The stories flowed with a familiar style
Stainless Steel Rat was first i had read of Harry Harrison. This Megapack did not disappoint. The stories flowed with a familiar style
May 6, 2021
Class is SciFi
This mega pack has an excellent mix of Harry Harrison's work. May favorite is from the Death World series. Great low price for this many classic stories.
This mega pack has an excellent mix of Harry Harrison's work. May favorite is from the Death World series. Great low price for this many classic stories.
April 13, 2022
Great Harrison book
Great storytelling and I have been addicted to his writing since the first story I have read I will be looking for more stories from him
Great storytelling and I have been addicted to his writing since the first story I have read I will be looking for more stories from him
October 30, 2022
good stories
A great variety of good reading. Authors’ stories keep your interest throughout. You want to keep reading and looking for more.
A great variety of good reading. Authors’ stories keep your interest throughout. You want to keep reading and looking for more.
February 28, 2024
Cannot beat the best of all
Originally from the first one to go out for a bit of strange. You should get some laughs for free here.
Originally from the first one to go out for a bit of strange. You should get some laughs for free here.
March 6, 2025
Some were good however, there was some duplication that was a waste of space.
October 18, 2020
Harrison holds up better than many from this era. Recommended.
July 30, 2014
For the price, this was a really good investment. Although I think it's a bit of a cop-out having Planet of the Damned and Sense of Obligation in one pack, Harrison's got loads more stories which would've fitted better.
The short stories are all worth a read. I'm very fond of Arm of the Law and The Velvet Glove, and the Repairman is fun, too. The Misplaced Battleship is a nice intro to Jim, and Harrison really lucked out when he expanded that character. It was fascinating to see DinAlt because of the rat parallelism, which is perhaps more evident in The Ethical Engineer.
On amore personal level, this is one of the very few collections I didn't read in order. I did the short stories first, in the order they appear (Arm of the \law opens, The Velvet Glove ends which is brilliant as they are both superb), and then the novellas. had I scanned this in as a paperback book, I'd have found skipping around the text much more difficult, so the eBook wins again!
The short stories are all worth a read. I'm very fond of Arm of the Law and The Velvet Glove, and the Repairman is fun, too. The Misplaced Battleship is a nice intro to Jim, and Harrison really lucked out when he expanded that character. It was fascinating to see DinAlt because of the rat parallelism, which is perhaps more evident in The Ethical Engineer.
On amore personal level, this is one of the very few collections I didn't read in order. I did the short stories first, in the order they appear (Arm of the \law opens, The Velvet Glove ends which is brilliant as they are both superb), and then the novellas. had I scanned this in as a paperback book, I'd have found skipping around the text much more difficult, so the eBook wins again!
August 4, 2015
Adventure and Snark
Lots of great Harrison here, including the magazine version of two of the"Deathworld" novels. Only one short "Stainless Steel Rat" stories, but most of those are still in print elsewhere. For those unfamiliar with Harrison don't let the note in the introduction that says he was a man of the Left scare you- He wrote in a time when the American Left was still anchored in reality. (Yes, I know that sounds odd when talking about science fiction.) Try it, you'll like it!
Lots of great Harrison here, including the magazine version of two of the"Deathworld" novels. Only one short "Stainless Steel Rat" stories, but most of those are still in print elsewhere. For those unfamiliar with Harrison don't let the note in the introduction that says he was a man of the Left scare you- He wrote in a time when the American Left was still anchored in reality. (Yes, I know that sounds odd when talking about science fiction.) Try it, you'll like it!
November 16, 2016
A Mixed Bag
Some of the stories here are showing their age , but there are a couple of gems that stand out (normally involving robots). Even though Harrison is capable of brilliance (e.g. The Stainless Steel Rat), a large chunk of the content here failed to grab me (either the characters weren't engaging enough or there was a lack of a 'wow factor'). Yet the Long Arm of the Law is a particularly entertaining story (even though I've read it else where) and there is even a short story that became part of the Stainless Steel Rat novel.
Some of the stories here are showing their age , but there are a couple of gems that stand out (normally involving robots). Even though Harrison is capable of brilliance (e.g. The Stainless Steel Rat), a large chunk of the content here failed to grab me (either the characters weren't engaging enough or there was a lack of a 'wow factor'). Yet the Long Arm of the Law is a particularly entertaining story (even though I've read it else where) and there is even a short story that became part of the Stainless Steel Rat novel.
September 15, 2014
I read all the Stainless Steel Rat stuff when I was a teenager. Loved it then and saw this megapack eBook on Amazon for, I think, 33p or something. Couldn't resist. It's still great stuff. Fast paced writing, doesn't take itself too seriously, but compelling characters nevertheless. Definitely a 'Classic of Science Fiction' as the title suggests.
September 3, 2015
A good read
There are only ten books as Planet of The Dammed and Sense of Obligation are the same book with a different name. I have never read a bad book written by Norton and this book with this many stories is a bargain. However it annoys me that the people who put it togather did not even skim the stories or they would have caught the duplication.
There are only ten books as Planet of The Dammed and Sense of Obligation are the same book with a different name. I have never read a bad book written by Norton and this book with this many stories is a bargain. However it annoys me that the people who put it togather did not even skim the stories or they would have caught the duplication.
January 2, 2017
Not what I was expecting. I've read elsewhere that these megabucks are different to the books that were actually published. That they're collections of original drafts published in trade magazines and such-like. Either that's correct, or Harrison was a much worse writer than I recall as I wasn't able to finish reading due to issues with the edits.
April 3, 2015
Good ideas but sometimes too wordy
For me a good story moves to an end and is not dragged out. Here the story's at times are just like that but otherwise to end but then continue
For me a good story moves to an end and is not dragged out. Here the story's at times are just like that but otherwise to end but then continue
January 27, 2016
A bargain collection of some classic SF from one of the great names in the genre. Many I had read before, years ago, and I thoroughly enjoyed re-visiting them. Others were new to me, but just as good. Excellent reading.
February 10, 2025
The 1st story
In itself is worth the dollar! It's also pretty surprising, though these stories were written in the fifties, that these stories don't seem dated, save for one, which mentions a bunch of reporters running from the 'press box' to the phones to call in their story!
In itself is worth the dollar! It's also pretty surprising, though these stories were written in the fifties, that these stories don't seem dated, save for one, which mentions a bunch of reporters running from the 'press box' to the phones to call in their story!
January 2, 2016
No Bill or stainless steel rat but...
It was nice to read some less mainstream work.
Aside from two different versions of one story, a good read.
It was nice to read some less mainstream work.
Aside from two different versions of one story, a good read.
March 20, 2016
Great classic scifi.
This pack has some of Harrison's best. The stories are examples great early science fiction. A must read for any classic SciFi fan.
This pack has some of Harrison's best. The stories are examples great early science fiction. A must read for any classic SciFi fan.
April 23, 2016
Same stories
The story Planet of the Damned was in this book twice. What a ripoff. I like Harry Harrison books and this had a few good stories.
The story Planet of the Damned was in this book twice. What a ripoff. I like Harry Harrison books and this had a few good stories.
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November 15, 2017Harry Harrison! Nothing else needs to be said.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews