Author: Poul Anderson
First Publication: 1967
Source: News stand
Publisher: Ace Books
Serial: Analog June & July 1966
Cover 1: Michael Whelan
Cover 2: Kelly Freas
Cover 3: Chesley Bonestell
Way back in the days I bought books off a spinner rack at a newsstand, one series of books seemed to jump off the racks at me. They were the reissues of Poul Anderson’s novels with new covers by Michael Whelan. Whelan has created many classic covers but one of my favorites was always his one for this cover. To this day I still can spend time staring at it.
A bonus, in addition to the cover, was the fiction of Poul Anderson. I had previously read one of his Dominic Flandry novels in the final issues of “Worlds of IF”. That was “A Knight of Ghosts and Shadows”. It led me to search out other books he wrote.
“World Without Stars” has many classic elements. Travel to an alien world, trying to establish trade relations, alien contact, and a traveler who is separated from the woman he loves. That relationship is what ties the book together.
At this short length, I would recommend reading this Anderson classic.
My first subscription to a science fiction magazine began with the August 1974 issue of Galaxy. Beginning in September of that year, my short lived (due to cancellation) subscription to its sister magazine Worlds of IF. Both were edited by Jim Baen who quickly became my favorite editor at the time. Through yard sales and flea markets I was able to collect other issues of both magazines. I am still slowly filling in the gaps.
Originally published in Astounding in 1959 as "We Have Fed Our Seas", this story was retitled The Enemy Stars when it was published a book. I think the original title was the better one. When you read this story, you will too. Over the years I have read mixed reviews. Some have trashed this book, others have praised it. I fall into the praise camp but recommend it with reservations.
For varying reasons Ryerson, Maclaren, Nakamura, and Sverdlov end up on a mission to investigate a black star. While they are on the mission, we get to see what happens back home between Ryerson's new bride and his father. The main plotline involves the men learning how to work together and what happens when tragedy strikes. Like many of Anderson's stories, this one reflects the Norse grand tragedy theme he is fond of. It is one of the things that makes his fiction stand out from others. You never know if the characters are going to suceed let alone survive. That sounds like real life to me.
I thought he was able to bring the characters to life in a short time. It is one of his many strengths as a writer.
This is a short book but it also feels "heavy" because of the storyline. The inevitable tragedy and how the characters cope with it is what makes this a memorable story.
The line "we have fed our seas" will have a meaning you might not think of after you read this story. I know I will never look at a sea or ocean the same way again.
If you like stories where you know everything will be ok at the end, avoid this book. Otherwise, by all means hunt this book down and read it. Especially fans of Poul Anderson.
Rating: 4 out of 5.
