Introduce Yourself here and say Hi.

[Lyn]

Its so good to find folks that sympathise. One of my work collegues said to me the other day, 'What you actually go home, pick up a book and read poems for fun????' in an incredulous tone of voice. Yes, yes I do. Am slightly scared that someone thinks that's weird. Forums like these are good because there's bound to be someone who's read at least one of the books I witter on about. Currently reading Valis by Phillip K Dick. I've recently been converted to the wonders of sciffy, having been a die hard classicist before. I didn't realise how diverse the genre was. I love anything that messes with me head and makes me think.

[EAP]

Early sci-fi? How early is early sci-fi?

Even if you like Dostoevsky more than Le Guin (which is sacrilege in my world :|), welcome aboard. There are few novels trippier than Dick's stuff and Valis is probably the trippiest of 'em all.

[prophitus_86]

If you like sci-fi, you should probably read the Martian Chronicles by...well isn't that embarrassing. I cannot for the life of me remember his name. Could someone help me out?

[EAP]

Ray Bradbury.

[Lyn]

I'll definitely have a look at Bradbury again. By early I just mean I tried to start with the 'classics' whatever they might be. So HG Wells, Huxley. I love the scifi masterworks series, Fahrenheit 451, Behold the man, Dancers at the end of time, Man Plus, Flowers for Algernon, More than Human, Shrinking Man, I am Legend, PKD, etc. I haven't tried Arthur C Clarke yet, should I bother? Sorry bout Dostoevsky. Tis the fault of my indoctrination by my hideously prejudiced education. And I read the Double which is just weirdly brilliant. Im trying to broaden me horizons. Got any more recommendations of classic, decent, scifi?

[littlewing53]

illustrator man, ray bradbury...didn't he write that...it was scarey...

[EAP]

Lyn,

Sure, I happen to love sci-fi and the more sf fans, the merrier.

Frederik Pohl's 'Gateway,' Hal Clement's 'Mission of Gravity,' Frank Herbert's 'Dune,' Arthur C. Clarke's '2001: A Space Odyssey', 'Rendezvous with Rama,' and 'Childhood's End,' Ursula Le Guin's 'The Left Hand of Darkness,' and 'The Dispossessed,' Robert Silverberg's 'Dying Inside,' and 'The Book of Skulls,' George Stewart's 'Earth Abides,' John Wyndham's 'The Day of the Triffids,' and 'The Chrysalids,' Walter M. Miller's 'A Canticle for Leibowitz,' Alfred Bester's 'The Stars My Destination,' and Thomas Disch's 'Camp Concentration,' are all excellent novels in their own way.

As far as short stories go, and it can be argued that a well written sf short story is often more effective and spectecular than a full blown novel, anything by James P. Tiptree, Cordwainer Smith, Clifford Simak, Theodore Sturgeon and Harlan Ellison's early is worth reading. The first two and Sturgeon is particular are unrivalled in the craft of short story IMO.
Some less well known, but almost equally good in many cases, names are Tom Reamy, Norman Spinard, Jack Vance, Fritz Leiber and Brian Aldiss.

If I were asked to recommend one, and only one, sf author I'd put up Le Guin's name.

[Lyn]

Many thanks for the list. I'll definitely look some of those up and have a read.

[Weisinheimer]

Hi. I'm Sarah. I just stumbled onto this site looking for info on a book. It looks pretty interesting. I've had a great time reading through some of the threads so far.

[Niamh]

welcome to litnet!

[dramasnot6]

Welcome Weisin! Glad youre enjoying it here

[Saphira]

Hello! I am eleven years old and found this site because my father (ClaesGefvenberg) posts here a lot. I read and write a lot too, so I wanted to become a member.

/Niki

[Logos]

Hello to all the new members!

and Saphira/Niki! it's great to have you here! yes, a lot of us know Claes, he's a pretty cool guy! I hope you'll enjoy the site

[Saphira]

and Saphira/Niki! it's great to have you here! yes, a lot of us know Claes, he's a pretty cool guy! I hope you'll enjoy the site

Thank you for the welcome! Yes, I think I will like it here.

/Niki

[lauracraig]

Hello, everyone. I just discovered this site. I may be very busy for a while exploring here. I'll send up a flare if I get lost, but don't be in too much of a hurry to find me. There are worse places in which to be lost.