Al Bester is mostly remembered for writing two books: The Demolished Man, and The Stars My Destination. But I suspect that he probably wouldn’t mind that, because if you’re going to be remembered for only two things, having it be these two books is nothing to sneeze at. Many people would be pleased to be remembered for writing a book that reminded people of The Stars My Destination. I wouldn’t object, myself.
And so: adieu to Dream Park.
My notes from when i read it in 2009
Occasionally hilarious early sci-fi classic (both funny by design and because of 50 years of hindsight). The material and topics are ripe for re-mining by a modern author – anyone know if it has been done?
Last week’s pick: Just finished Dream Park. Remember it from when (I think) it was a SF Book of the Month Club pick. Technology has certainly changed in ways not imagined. Ordered the others in the series, which I don’t remember reading/ knowing about.
This week: always thought it would be sort of to the tune of Yankee Doodle
Gully Foyle is my name
And Terra is my nation
Deep space is my dwelling space
And the stars my destination.
Randall Garrett once wrote a poem based on the plot of The Demolished Man. Also Asimov’s Caves of Steel, which I can personally attest can be sung to “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain.”
I’m still going through Fritz Leiber’s Fafhrd and Grey Mouser stories. It’s amazing how the story quality stays consistent across 50 years of writing.