http://www.amazon.com/Citizens-John-Ringo/dp/1439133476
Citizens is a new sci-fi anthology just out from Baen. Do you ever read Mil SF and say to yourself, this author has obviously never been in the military? Yeah, bugs me too. I’m a cake eating civillian but I’ve spent enough time in the world of guns & military contracting that somebody pontificating about a life that they obviously don’t understand gets really annoying. That won’t be an issue here. Each story is military SF, and every author is a veteran.
I’m plugging the heck out of this anthology because some of the authors are friends of mine, and they’re a talented bunch. Here is the list of stories that I stole from a review on Amazon.
– Field Test (Analog, 1976) by Keith Laumer relates the first use of a Bolo Mark XX Model B.
– Allamagoosa (Astounding, 1955) by Eric Frank Russell tells of the trials of a navy ship returning after a long voyage to find that the Inspector General will soon be visiting them.
– Exploration Team (Astounding, 1956) Murray Leinster concerns an illegal colony on a planet that receives an unexpected visit from a Colonial Survey officer.
– Superiority (F&SF, 1951) by Arthur C. Clarke considers the risks of new technology. This seems to be a recurring theme in military and naval SF.
– The Horars of War (Nova 1, 1970) by Gene Wolfe illustrates the comradery of war.
– Fireproof (Astounding, 1949) by Hal Clement shows the strange effects of a weightless environment.
– Peace with Honor (Analog, 1971) by Jerry Pournelle relates an incident in the history of the CoDominium.
– Under the Hammer (Galaxy, 1974) by David Drake presents an untrained recruit with a situation.
– Time Piece (If, 1970) by Joe W. Haldeman talks of Heaven and Hells in the Forever War.
– Neither Sleet, Nor Snow, Nor Alien Invasion… (first publication) by Dave Freer reveals the power of Political Incorrectness.
– Light (first publication) by Kacey Grannis recounts a mysterious intervention within Iraq.
– The Question (first publication) by Patrick A. Vanner gives the response to an innocent question.
– The Price (first publication) by Michael Z. Williamson examines the thoughts of a small group of dedicated warriors.
– Earth’s First Improved Chimp Gets a Job as a Janitor (Cosmic Tales, 2004) by John Ringo introduces a genetically modified human to another — but older — genetic mod.
– The Long Watch (American Legion, 1949) by Robert A. Heinlein presents a serviceman with a conflict of loyalties.
Here are some samples and the intro by John Ringo. http://www.webscription.net/chapters/1439133476/1439133476.htm
I love sci-fi anthologies even more than hairy-legged hippie chicks love bean sprouts and pine needles!
I’m buying this thing right flippin’ now!
Sounds like a good collection of “WHAMMO BLAMO!” 🙂
“Superiority” should be required reading for everyone in Military Procurement. Check it out.
I got this in the mail on Tuesday after a looong wait. I have to say so far my favorite story is Allamagoosa. I have rarely laughed out loud while reading a story, sure there’s the occasional smirk or snicker. But I read this during class and busted out laughing and everyone thought I was crazy. Great collection 🙂
Allamagoosa is my favorite. Everyone sees the joke coming, then there’s this 90* twist at the end. Hysterical.
I agree on Allamagoosa — it’s a great story. I wish Baen could get the rights to more EFR stories (my favorite of his is “I Am Nothing”). Also, even though I’ve read it dozens of times, I *still* get choked up when I read RAH’s “The Long Watch.”
A mix of great classics and some equally great new stuff, you cannot go wrong with this anthology, IMHO.
Got it, loved it! Old classics and some great new pieces.