Frederik Pohl, Science Fiction Master
I picked up a used copy of The Far Shore of Time for a buck at the local library fundraiser a while back. It has been sitting on my bed side table for over a year. The first time I picked it up I didn't get into it but, having read many books by Pohl, I didn't want to give up on it either. Recently I got past the opening and breezed through it.
I have not read The Siege of Eternity or The Other End of Time which come before it. The trilogy is known as the Eschaton Sequence. Generally it is a bad idea to read a series out of order and this book reinforces the rule. The fact I was reading a sequel didn't sink in until I was well into the book for the 2nd time. It was interesting enough for me to finish, but not gripping enough for me to seek out the rest of the series and do it right.
I enjoy thought provoking science fiction and Pohl provokes thought. He is not a hard science type, he will just invoke a machine that allows people to travel through space and time with no regard to limits like the speed of light and he doesn't bother explaining that disregard. Rather Pohl sets up situations with aliens and/or humans in the future which allows us to explore social issues. His use of satire lightens up his highly entertaining body of work.
Checking my book shelves I find 10 books by Pohl including the complete Heechee series. Any fan of Science Fiction who hasn't read Pohl should read Gateway, the first Heechee book. I think you will be hooked and will want to read the entire series.
One of Pohl's earliest novels is The Space Merchants. That satirical treatment of advertising and consumerism established Pohl as one of the most prominent SciFi writers of the golden age of SciFi. I highly recommend reading The Space Merchants even if Gateway is not your cup of tea. Don't make the mistake I did with The Far Shore of Time, make sure to read my recommendations before you start on their sequels.
The Far Shore of Time read April '09 - Read the other recommendations first.
Gateway - Highly Recommended.
The Space Merchants - Highly Recommended.
This page written 4/13/09. CW
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