Publication History |
Speculative fiction grandmaster Fritz Leiber compiled a two volume collection
in the 1970s. These slim books spanned his entire career and cut across his
many interests and styles. The “Second Book of Fritz Leiber” follows the same
format as the “The Book of Fritz Leiber,” alternating between essays and
stories.
The five essays cover widely differing topics. The first is an almost hypnotic
essay on humanity’s fascination with tides and the science behind them. The
second is the popular essay among Leiber fans and scholars, “Fafhrd and Me,”
in which Leiber describes the creation of his most enduring characters, the
infamous sword and sorcery misadventurers Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. He
follows these up with three essays that are, unfortunately dated. In “Ingmar
Bergman: Fantasy Novelist,” he presents the title thesis. “Those Wild Alien
Words” is another linguistic essay whose relevance is lost in our global society.
Lastly, “Through Hyperspace with Brown Jenkin” examines science in HP
Lovecraft’s works. However, given Lovecraft’s decline in popularity since 1966
(the date of the essay), few readers are likely to appreciate it. And then there
have been the changes in our state of scientific knowledge.
The six pieces of Leiber included in this volume, like the essays, are a varied
sort and more esoteric than the stories in the previous volume. Even the Fafhrd
and the Gray Mouser tale (“Trapped in the Sea of Stars”) is largely a dark and
philosophical tale. “The Mechanical Bride” is a science fiction play in “The
Stepford Wives” vein. “A Defense of Werewolves” is less of a story rather than
a soliloquy on how science can enhance our fears and sense of wonderment at
the world rather than diminish it. Both “Belsen Express” and “Scream Wolf” are
more straightforward tales, more easily enjoyed.
By far this reader’s favorite was “The Lion and the Lamb.” Taking up nearly a
quarter of this slim book, it is difficult to believe that this novella was written in
1950. A compelling mix of adventure, politics, and horror in a science fiction
setting, “The Lion and the Lamb” is simply outstanding. Together with Leiber’s
essays The Mighty Tides” and “Fafhrd and Me,” this is one of the absolute
stand-outs in the book.
Because of the erratic way in which the book holds up over time, however, I
can only rate this volume an 6 out of 10.
in the 1970s. These slim books spanned his entire career and cut across his
many interests and styles. The “Second Book of Fritz Leiber” follows the same
format as the “The Book of Fritz Leiber,” alternating between essays and
stories.
The five essays cover widely differing topics. The first is an almost hypnotic
essay on humanity’s fascination with tides and the science behind them. The
second is the popular essay among Leiber fans and scholars, “Fafhrd and Me,”
in which Leiber describes the creation of his most enduring characters, the
infamous sword and sorcery misadventurers Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser. He
follows these up with three essays that are, unfortunately dated. In “Ingmar
Bergman: Fantasy Novelist,” he presents the title thesis. “Those Wild Alien
Words” is another linguistic essay whose relevance is lost in our global society.
Lastly, “Through Hyperspace with Brown Jenkin” examines science in HP
Lovecraft’s works. However, given Lovecraft’s decline in popularity since 1966
(the date of the essay), few readers are likely to appreciate it. And then there
have been the changes in our state of scientific knowledge.
The six pieces of Leiber included in this volume, like the essays, are a varied
sort and more esoteric than the stories in the previous volume. Even the Fafhrd
and the Gray Mouser tale (“Trapped in the Sea of Stars”) is largely a dark and
philosophical tale. “The Mechanical Bride” is a science fiction play in “The
Stepford Wives” vein. “A Defense of Werewolves” is less of a story rather than
a soliloquy on how science can enhance our fears and sense of wonderment at
the world rather than diminish it. Both “Belsen Express” and “Scream Wolf” are
more straightforward tales, more easily enjoyed.
By far this reader’s favorite was “The Lion and the Lamb.” Taking up nearly a
quarter of this slim book, it is difficult to believe that this novella was written in
1950. A compelling mix of adventure, politics, and horror in a science fiction
setting, “The Lion and the Lamb” is simply outstanding. Together with Leiber’s
essays The Mighty Tides” and “Fafhrd and Me,” this is one of the absolute
stand-outs in the book.
Because of the erratic way in which the book holds up over time, however, I
can only rate this volume an 6 out of 10.
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| The Second Book of Fritz Leiber (Fritz Leiber) By SC Bryce |
First Printing:
SFReader.com (Jul. 4, 2006).
SFReader.com (Jul. 4, 2006).
Second Printing:
SCBryce.com (Dec. 23, 2006).
SCBryce.com (Dec. 23, 2006).
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