Published : 1980Pages : 472
Overall Mark : 8/10
Walter M. Miller is best remembered for A Canticle For Leibowitz but he also produced many shorter works of fiction of stunning originality and power that had a radical and important impact on science fiction. His profound interest in religion and his innate literary gifts marked him out as a unique talent and fuse perfectly in fine and subtle works like 'Dark Benediction', 'The Darfsteller' and 'Conditionally Human', which are included in this essential collection.
WALTER M. MILLER JR (1923-1996)
Born and raised in the American south, Walter M. Miller enlisted in the Army Air Corps and took part in fifty-five combat sorties over Italy and the Balkans as a radio operator and gunner. After the war, he studied engineering before turning to writing. He won Hugo Awards for A Canticle For Leibowitz and 'The Darfsteller'.
VERDICT
This collection of short stories by Walter M Miller Jr is a fascinating read and a great exploration of sci-fi writing in the 1950s. The majority of the stories age well, read well, and are great fun to read. Fans of short fiction will definitely get a kick out of this, and should also check out A Canticle For Leibowitz for a book length tale that is every bit as entertaining.
