The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume One, 1929-1964 is a collection of stories that have aged well, though some reflect the societal norms of their time. The collection includes timeless classics like 'Nightfall', 'Flowers for Algernon', and 'It’s a GOOD Life', which still resonate strongly. The book also features a story that inspired the reviewer to start writing, 'The Quest for St Aquin'.
The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume One, 1929-1964 is a treasure trove of classic science fiction stories that have stood the test of time. The collection includes some timeless classics that still hold up remarkably well. 'Nightfall' made the reviewer dream of the end of the world, 'Flowers for Algernon' brought tears, and 'It’s a GOOD Life' left a lasting impression. The book also features a story that inspired the reviewer to start writing, 'The Quest for St Aquin', which features a robot that uses Aquinan logic to deduce the existence of God. The reviewer also enjoyed 'The Little Black Bag' by C.M. Kornbluth, a story about a far-future medical kit ending up in the 1950s and resurrecting the career of a struck-off alcoholic doctor. The collection is notable for its lack of commentary on each story, which allows the stories to speak for themselves, contrasting with the approach of Harlan Ellison.
Quick quotes
This is the motherlode. The uncut drug. Aslan’s Country to the shadowlands of a further half century’s scribblings.
Some stories with the best will in the world haven’t held up.
Nightfall' (which made me dream of the end of the world that night); the original 'Flowers for Algernon' (something in my eye); 'It’s a GOOD Life' (shudders).