Two Worlds – Poul Anderson

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Hard science fiction can be a tough sell. I once heard an English professor mock the work of Isaac Asimov as being nothing but stories where scientists in the future sit around and talk about how some particular piece of technology works/worked. A story or novel that relies too heavily on explaining in cringing detail the inner workings of every ‘impulse drive manifold’ or ‘subspace transceiver’ runs the risk of running off its reader. So, when hard fiction is done well, it’s usually done really well.

Such is the case with ‘Industrial Revolution’ and ‘Duel on Syrtis,’ two short stories featured in ‘Two Worlds of Poul Anderson: Science Fiction from the Golden Age.’ Anderson’s two short stories do not disappoint, either. From revolutionary wars in space to an ‘Avatar-like’ bond between Martian and Mars, these stories are a ripping good yarn.

‘Industrial Revolution’ is told some years after the events in the story, in the best fashion of old school science fiction and mystery pieces, with fireside reminiscences of hard times/cases. It is almost a science fiction retelling of the events in Concord and Lexington in the American Revolutionary War, as Anderson chronicles the moments that unexpectedly lead to a revolutionary movement that changes our Solar System forever. Now, one proviso with this piece: this is ‘golden age’ science fiction at its best, so prepare yourself for a moment or two of old fashioned misogyny. I’m not advocating it or saying I appreciate it, but it is what it is; so female readers, be aware.

‘Duel on Syrtis’ is ‘The Most Dangerous Game’ on Mars. No points for originality in this regard, but the piece beat ‘Avatar’ to the punch in terms of alien-planet symbiosis, and is still a darn good thriller. The Martians are a species that have been brutalized by humanity. The days of enslaving and hunting them are past, and some argue on behalf of full emancipation for them, but, like the Jim Crow-south, some just aren’t having it. Enter Riordan, the story’s big game hunter who wants one last chance to hunt the sentient species while he can still get away with it. Though, again, not a shockingly new plotline, still a thrilling chase through the barren wastelands of a dying world, with a startling and frightening climax.

So, my rating? Let’s say four-and-a-half out of five stars. Absolutely worth the read, and not that much time out of your day, either. In this busy world, as it moves ever more rapidly toward the future, what’s better than some quick sci-fi reads? (Here here! – Ed.)