Trio for Slide Rule and Typewriter

The Essential Hal Clement #1

by Hal Clement

This volume contains three of the most important hard science fiction novels of Hal Clement--Needle, Iceworld, and Close to Critical.

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction

522 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1999

About the author

Harry Clement Stubbs better known by the pen name Hal Clement , was an American science fiction writer and a leader of the hard science fiction subgenre.

Further details at Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This trio of novellas is dated at certain parts, the writing shines. Excellent sci-fi, can't wait to read Volume 2.

[Dalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of three novels, I'll go one by one in my reviews.

Needle: 2.75/5 A YA detective story that reminds me of other stories from the 40s-50s American literature.

Iceworld: 3/5, the main conceit of Earth being freezing cold to the aliens was fun, along with the use of tobacco as an addictive drug. The cops vs gang narrative was a bit thin, and this one definitely felt dated.

Close to Critical: 3.25/5 The puzzle in this one was pretty fun, and I enjoyed the alien planet and the challenges it posed. The pacing also felt a bit better in this one.

Overall the characterization was a bit thin and the novels were clearly products of their time. Not bad, but unless you have an overwhelming nostalgia for 40s-50s American fiction you can probably skip these (or if you want to try out another Golden Age sci-fi author).

[Alger Smythe-Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Classic mid-range Astounding tales. These novels belong to the one-note fiction that filled out the majority of the magazine. Clement's fiction leans towards the Spielberg formula of an alien meets a kid... Adventures Ensue! Wheeeee.....

Clement falls also into the category of writers who see the future as a direct line projection of the present. Sure, this means slide rules and typewriters, but also this means antique gender roles and professions. A fun read, but mostly empty of real content.

[Gus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Hal Clement's stuff. I picked up Mission of Gravity for 10 cents at a library sale. The cover looked corny but the science was great and the plot really unique. He has a style all his own