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brucehoward's review
3.0
I originally read this anthology just for “Reflex”, an opening story later removed from the first draft of “The Mote in God’s Eye” (but restored in a later edition).
Overall an interesting collection of stories and essays, though some may not have aged well in the post-coldwar era. Certainly a decent snapshot of the views of various military science fiction from that time.
Overall an interesting collection of stories and essays, though some may not have aged well in the post-coldwar era. Certainly a decent snapshot of the views of various military science fiction from that time.
traveller1's review
2.0
My 2c worth. I have noticed a correlation in the history of military writing, the more contact the author has with actual combat the less adulation the concept receives. In this collection Pournelle has assembled a wide range of stories dealing with war. The theme is that war is somehow glorious, should be respected, and that it is also inevitable. This is capped with the notion that through war humanity will emerge victorious and courageous.
Two decades ago when I purchased this collection I was not impressed either with the quality of the writing, which was, overall, mediocre, nor the theme, which was worse. I have not re-read this book.
Two decades ago when I purchased this collection I was not impressed either with the quality of the writing, which was, overall, mediocre, nor the theme, which was worse. I have not re-read this book.
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