Posted by Dean McMillan on September 30, 1999 at 17:13:15:
In Reply to: Re: me empty-handed re: Anderson/Vance? posted by Dan Gunter on September 13, 1999 at 08:50:25:
Dan worte:
:>"A.N. Der Poulson" in one of the chapter-opening epigraphs. As I recall, Vance (through the voice of the "author" of the epigraph) calls "A.N. Der Poulson" the leading or premier cosmologist of the time."
As to Poul and cosmology, I have no opinion. But I suspect BROKEN SWORD and THREE HEARTS, THREE LIONS will each bear watching as, over time, the dust settles upon the literature of the fantastic.
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: I was rereading "The Killing Machine" yesterday evening and came across a reference to "A.N. Der Poulson" in one of the chapter-opening epigraphs. As I recall, Vance (through the voice of the "author" of the epigraph) calls "A.N. Der Poulson" the leading or premier cosmologist of the time.
: Also, in reading some of the descriptions of Thamber, I thought that I could detect a hint (or tint or shade, to use color terminology) of Eddison's "The Worm Ouroboros." I was also struck by the thought that any other writer would have been unable to leave the beautiful jewel of Thamber as quickly as Vance did.
: : : I can't help on Vance blurbs, but I recall reading that Vance and Anderson are friends. ...I bought "The War of the Gods" a few months ago, but I put it down about 70 or so pages into it and haven't bothered to pick it up again.
: : That's what I'm dealing with generally regarding Anderson's work. After twenty or so pages of admiring the light touch of his settings and characterizations, I toss the books aside and rarely, if ever, pick 'em up. But Jack finds these same books special, and I wish I knew why. I do think Jack avoids reading authors very much like himself. Well, maybe I'll find some cozy website for Anderson and see if Vance is mentioned by Anderson fans. Perhaps a waste of time, but maybe by doing so I'll learn useful things about both authors. "War of the Gods, you say? I've got a list going now of books you've recommended, Dan, so, as the proud owner of a library card in my new city, I resolve this moment that I shall seek to find each one!
: : : : Wait, I remember now, one of the Anderson books was "Knight of Something Something," and it probably got misplaced during our recent major move from CO to FL. Anyone with knowledge of favorable blurbs by Vance of Anderson, and with a depth of pity, feel free to render me aid.
: : : : : Hayford Pierce, eh? It *is* a strange blurb. Hm. But about Anderson, my wits may be tricking me (though I swear not), for at sight of your comment I dashed to my unread half-shelf of Anderson and looked for the blurbs...and couldn't find 'em. I know I saw them on some Anderson books in various used book stores around Denver.
: : : : : : This is the first I've heard that Vance has acclaimed Anderson's work. Where has he done so? The only blurb I've ever seen from Vance is on PHYLUM MONSTERS by Hayford Pierce, where he says "Hayford Pierce has a mysterious knack for making his readers feel alive", which is the most ambiguous blurb I've ever read!
: : : : : : ---Mike