There was a big turkey dinner at night and time flowing on.
“April 2000—The Third Expedition”
Heterogeneous short stories, originally published throughout the late 1940s and early 1950s, then weaved into a loose narrative that chronicles our colonization of Mars at the turn of the 21st Century. My idea of an excellent beach book, it also lends itself to reading aloud beside a cozy fireplace. (Note to self: Next spring break, find a beach or a cozy fireplace.) “The Third Expedition” showcases the creepy nostalgia for the small-town Midwest that is a Ray Bradbury specialty, and “Usher II” delivers an anti-censorship warning in the guise of a maniacal revenge tale (Poe… in… space!) Meanwhile, “Ylla” casts a classic domestic melodrama in the gold and silver tones of a surreal Martian abode, all fire and metal and fluid crystal. Many of the tales end with a twist sure to delight devotees of “The Twilight Zone” (especially “The Third Expedition,” “Night Meeting,” and “The Silent Towns”), while the stories related to the fourth expedition (the one that sticks) are likely to amuse fans of the space western.
How fascinating to experience a science fiction future that by now corresponds to the past, offering further insight into the era of its imagining. I wonder, has an official term emerged from academia or fandom to describe such expired futures? Turns out that as the turn of the century approached, Bradbury tried to buy some time for his Chronicles by pushing the chronology forward three decades in some editions (and replacing the story that critically depicts 1950s racism). Such revisions don’t sit well with me, and I am grateful to have encountered an original version of the collection. What can I say? Feet firmly planted in the “Han shot first” camp. Plus, a cataloging headache.
*** liked it
Inspired me to…
- watch Forbidden Planet (1956)
- play Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars on repeat
- conclude my Christopher Isherwood project by actually reading some Christopher Isherwood
We are your fireplace for next Spring Break destination. Includes large dog, home cooking, peace & quiet, watching Firefly if desired. Plus at least two handsome men to fuss over you.
Didn’t know about the “Han shot first” phrase and concept. My guys don’t really like the “improved” graphics of the Special Edition DVDs of parts IV, V, and VI. Guess I better add “Purchase original version of SW IV, V, VI on DVD” to Steve’s honey-do list!
XXXOOO
from Dad’s in Indy ~ Go Butler DAWGS!!!