Jack Vance's stories have won the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy and Edgar awards, and he has been honored as a Grand Master of the genre. This book highlights some of his most famous quotes, passages and excerpts, all in his inimitable and distinctive style. The selections are organized into broad themes such as philosophy, love, religion, footnotes and prefaces, arguments and discussions, bargaining, advice, and even trivia questions! Relive your enjoyment of these wonderous works with the author as he recounts how and when he first encountered them during his Life in Science Fiction.
"Is all this clear"
"You speak with authority! I must accept your concepts." (Throy; VIII, 4)
Even when insulting an opponent, the characters may do so in a subdued, indirect way:
... “Meanwhile, you may also pay your score as of this moment, in case you become suddenly indignant and prance off by night.”
“That is a churlish remark to make to a gentleman!”
“No doubt. I am careful never to do so.” (The Green Pearl; IX, 6)
The short man now regarded Luke as he might an insect in his victual ration. “You talk like a Nonconformist. Excuse me if I seem offensive.”
“Why apologize for something you can’t help?” asked Luke and turned his back. (Dodkin’s Job)
“Since your intellects are, in the main, of no great complexity, I will be terse.” (Rhialto the Marvellous; XIV)
Miguel Lugo's not sure what he wants to be when he grows up. So far he's become an eye surgeon specializing in corneal transplants; a competitive dominoes player and commentator for ESPN:Deportes and Univision with a best-seller book on the subject; a composer of progressive symphonic music with a recent album on the Cassini Mission to Saturn; and a life-long Science Fiction bookworm. Please don't give him any further ideas.