I’ve just ordered two classic Science Fiction novels:

1. Heliconia Spring by Brian W. Aldiss

I have not read too many works by Aldiss, but as far as I know his work, I like it. About this book: Heliconia Spring is part of a trilogy that consists of the books Helliconia Spring (published 1982), Helliconia Summer (1983) and Helliconia Winter (1985).

The Helliconia Trilogy is set on the Earth-like planet Helliconia. It is an epic chronicling the rise and fall of a civilization over more than a thousand years as the planet progresses through its incredibly long seasons, which last for centuries.

2. A Midsummer Tempest by Poul Anderson

I always look forward to read another Anderson novel. He seems to like to write about ancient Scandinavian peoples and time travel. A Midsummer Tempest is an alternate history fantasy novel, taking place in the era of Cromwell and Charles I, but the characters deal with, as well as the English Civil War, the Industrial Revolution. In 1975, it was nominated for the World Fantasy Award for Best Novel and Nebula Award for Best Novel and won the Mythopoeic Award.

I can hardly wait to get them…

Share This

He was the one who first showed us a glimpe of Jupiter. He was the first who told us to be cautious with computers, for they might turn against us. He was the first (along witg Stanley Kubrick) who showed us the moon Europa and the loneliness of the Starchild - as well as the future of Science Fiction films.

He was also the one who made communication satellites possible, the one who imagined the huge bridge over the Strait of Gibraltar and the space elevator that can take us into low orbit without rocket propulsion.

He was the one who showed us how the Earth’s Childhood will end, he was the one who showed us Rama and the Monolyth. He told us how it felt (or it will feel) walking on the surface of Halley’s Comet and visiting the sun that has turned into a supernova exactly on the day Jesus was born. He sang to us the Songs of Distant Earth.

As far as I heard, his only wish was that the existence of alien life forms would be confirmed before he passes away. His wish was not fulfilled.

He gave us dreams. He gave us hope. He was 90 going on 91.

Rest in peace, Sir Arthur. You have the answers now.

Share This

It seems the One Ring has proven to be malevolent again, at least for New Line Cinema, the movie company which brought The Lord of The Rings to the big screen.

For the heirs of J. R. R. Tolkien are suing the studio, claiming royalties of 75 million GBPs - their share of the 3 billion + profit generated by the big screen version of the hobbit saga.

The heads of The Tolkien Trust, the author’s son Christopher and his daughter Priscilla claim that they did not receive a penny for the films - their share must have been lost in the “infamous practice of creative ‘Hollywood accounting’”.

J. R. R. Tolkien sold the film rights of his saga in 1969, for 100.000 GBP and a certain percentage of the royalties. The trust now claims - in the spirit of the original contract - 7.5% of the films’ gross revenues. They also wish to have the right to block any rights New Line might have over the works of Tolkien, including the upcoming movie “The Hobbit” produced by Peter Jackson.

Of course, New Line did not comment on the case…

Share This