James Gunn was writing “hard science fiction” in the 1950’s, and was in some ways the precursor of people like Ben Bova and Larry Niven. The connected stories in this book are Gunn’s attempt to envision the construction of an orbiting space station, at a time when “serious” scientists still dismissed talk of space exploration as mere fantasy. Unlike many who had written stories in which eccentric scientists built space ships in their back yards, Gunn understood that such a project would require engineering and financing on a mammoth scale, and would involve political complexities. The stories are quaint, now, but will interest anyone who reads fiction with a historical perspective.
contents:
15119. (James E. Gunn) The Cave of Night [story]
15120. (James E. Gunn) Hoax [story]
15121. (James E. Gunn) The Big Wheel [story]
15122. (James E. Gunn) Powder Keg [story]
15123. (James E. Gunn) Space Is a Lonely Place [story]
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