[.uk] The Best of John W. Campbell (ISBN 0345249607)

Prelude to the Golden Age:
The Best of John W. Campbell (1976) is a collection of short SF works and an editorial. In his introduction, Lester Del Rey states that Campbell had three successful careers in Science Fiction: the first as Campbell the author, the second as the author Don A. Stuart, and the third as editor of Astounding/Analog. The first two careers are amply illustrated by the contents of this volume, but the last career is best shown by the works of dozens of authors who learned from, or were influenced by, Campbell the editor. The Last Evolution (1932) was originally published in Amazing Stories under the John W. Campbell byline. It tells of an invasion of the Earth by aliens from outside the Solar system and the rapid invention of machine/immaterial minds to defend humanity. The following stories were written as Don A. Stuart. All were originally published in Astounding Stories: Twilight (1934) involves the accidental transport of a scientist from 3059 into the remote future where the remnants of humanity still survive but without curiosity. Before he attempts to return to his own time, the timetraveler takes some steps to resume progress. The Machine (1935) tells of the departure of the ubiquitous Machine that first came to Earth to help humanity, but finds that almost all mankind has since settled comfortably into dependency and indolence. The Invaders (1935) depicts the invasion of Earth by aliens several millennia after the Machine leaves. The aliens find humanity dwelling in a paradise of plenty among the fallen ruins of great works. They put mankind to work and start a breeding program. Rebellion (1935) recounts the results of the alien breeding program after a few centuries and the reinvention of secrecy, deceit, and rebellion. Blindness (1938) portrays the efforts of a dedicated scientist to provide humanity with a new source of energy. Elimination (1936) shows the influence of random chance upon any foretelling of the future. Forgetfulness (1937) conveys the muzziness of an advanced individual trying to remember the techniques of his more primitive ancestors. Out of Night (1937) is the first part of the story about the human rebellion against the Sarn using truly advanced technology. The following stories were written as Don A. Stuart and were originally published in Astounding Science Fiction: Cloak of Aesir (1939) is the second part of the Sarn rebellion story. Who Goes There? (1938) is one of the most famous horror/suspense stories of all time. How do you detect shapeshifters who have taken the form of your friends and livestock? Space for Industry (1960) was originally published as an editorial in Analog Science Fiction/Fact. It makes the case for industry in space rather than upon a planetary surface. The Postscriptum is a recollection of the ways of John Wood Campbell, Jr., by his widow and is fascinating reading. These stories are only a few of the short works of John W. Campbell. Many of the Campbell stories were eventually incorporated into novels of the space opera variety; some were very good, even by current standards. Of course, Campbell commissioned or influenced the writing of thousands of short stories and novels by other authors, contributing suggestions and even short outlines. In many respects, most of the Astounding/Analog fiction was coauthored by Campbell, as were many stories published elsewhere. Highly recommended for Campbell fans and for anyone who has ever enjoyed stories originally published in Astounding/Analog while he was the editor. -Arthur W. Jordin

Not Free SF Reader:
An introduction by Lester Del Rey on 'The Three Careers of John W. Campbell' detailing editing and pseudonym, and also an essay on space industry by Campbell at the end, after the classic 'Who Goes There?'' Best of John W. Campbell : The Last Evolution - John W. Campbell Best of John W. Campbell : Twilight - John W. Campbell Best of John W. Campbell : The Machine - John W. Campbell Best of John W. Campbell : The Invaders - John W. Campbell Best of John W. Campbell : Rebellion - John W. Campbell Best of John W. Campbell : Blindness - John W. Campbell Best of John W. Campbell : Elimination - John W. Campbell Best of John W. Campbell : Forgetfulness - John W. Campbell Best of John W. Campbell : Out of Night - John W. Campbell Best of John W. Campbell : Cloak of Aesir - John W. Campbell Best of John W. Campbell : Who Goes There? - John W. Campbell Outsider Ultimate Energy. 3 out of 5 Future science dwindling. 3.5 out of 5 Self-improvement trip. 3 out of 5 Tharoo Eugenics. 3 out of 5 Winback type. 3 out of 5 Moon power speak. 3 out of 5 Future trails. 3 out of 5 City builder space power advances astonish. 3.5 out of 5 Shielded opposition judgement. 3.5 out of 5 Mother rebellion blackness. 3.5 out of 5 A discovery of a lifeform buried in the Antarctic ice causes serious problems for an isolated research team. 5 out of 5 3.5 out of 5