First edition copy. . From the library of science fiction and fantasy writer, editor, publisher and prolific book reviewer D. Douglas Fratz. (science fiction, fantasy, short stories).

Seller Inventory # O06G-00388

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title: Before They Were Giants: First Works from Science Fiction Greats (Planet Stories)
Publisher: Paizo Publishing, LLC.
Publication Date: 2010
Language: English
ISBN 10: 1601252668
ISBN 13: 9781601252661
Binding: Soft cover
Edition: 1st Edition
Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

See how it all began! In Before They Were Giants, editor James L. Sutter collects the first published stories of 15 of science fiction and fantasy's most important authors, including winners of the prestigious Hugo and Nebula awards, New York Times bestsellers, and members of the Science Fiction Hall of Fame. Along with these often rare or never-before-anthologized stories, all 15 authors provide brand-new retrospective critiques and interviews discussing the stories' geneses, how publication affected their lives, and what they know now about writing that they wish they'd known then.
Contributors include Ben Bova, Charles Stross, China Mi�ville, Cory Doctorow, David Brin, Greg Bear, Joe Haldeman, Kim Stanley Robinson, Larry Niven, Michael Swanwick, Nicola Griffith, Piers Anthony, R. A. Salvatore, Spider Robinson, and William Gibson.

Reviews

Sutter's primary goal for this anthology is to show the humble beginnings of famous authors so new writers will be less embarrassed by their own early efforts. In this the results are mixed, since many of the 15 stories are impressive. China Mi�ville's "Highway 61 Revisited" and Nicola Griffith's "Mirrors and Burnstone" make deft use of familiar themes; Kim Stanley Robinson's "In Pierson's Orchestra" and Michael Swanwick's "Ginungagap" are legitimately masterful. More reassuring are the short interviews, which contain helpful advice and humanizing tales of rejection. Sutter limited his invitations to authors who were available to give interviews and hadn't contributed to similar compilations, like Martin Greenberg's recent Wondrous Beginnings and Magical Beginnings; readers may appreciate the lack of crossover but will bemoan the resulting lack of female authors in Sutter's TOC.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

A mighty name from the pulp era, Planet Stories, now revived, offers this anthology of the first published short stories of authors who are mighty names right now. Few of the stories are world-beaters, except for Spider Robinson’s “The Guy with the Eyes,” the first Callahan story. Otherwise, the real interest is the author interviews. Nicola Griffith describes changing the gender of two aliens in a moment of insight while actually on a panel. Larry Niven started off with a story of Known Space—and astronomical data that was obsolete before the story saw print. Joe Haldeman’s first story nearly didn’t see print at all, the entire issue of the magazine being trapped in a rail yard. And China Mieville is both proud and embarrassed that his first story was written when he was 12 and won a young people’s writing contest—but has not worn all that well. Really good reading about the start-up stages of many distinguished careers. --Roland Green

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

With 3 stores less than 1 hour outside the DC/Metropolitan area (1 in Gaithersburg, 1 in Frederick and 1 in Hagerstown, MD), we have the largest selection of books in the tri-state area. Wonder Book and Video has been in business since 1980 and online since 1997. We have over 1 Million books for sale on our website and another 1 Million books for sale in our 3 locations. Items on Abe are not necessarily in stock at our retail locations. Please do not call the stores to place orders for Abe Books sales. We have a very active online inventory and as such, we can receive multiple orders for the same item. We fill those orders on a first come first serve basis, but will refund promptly any items that are out of stock. Since 1980 it has always been about the books. ALL kinds of books from 95 cent children's paperbacks to five figure rare and collectibles. A merging of the old and new is where we started, and it is where we are today. Our retail stores have always been places where a reader can rush in looking for a title needed for a term paper that is due the next day, or where bibliophiles can get lost "in the stacks" for as long as they wish. In 2002 USAToday recognized us as "1 of 10 Great Old Bookstores", and we have been featured in numerous other newspaper and TV stories including Washington Post and CSpan. Members ABAA, ILAB.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

Wonder Book
Wonder Book and Video, 1550 Tilco Drive, Frederick, MD, 21704, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

We want you to be satisfied with the book you order. Our general description is conservative and the book should be as good or better than our general description may indicate.

RETURNS are cheerfully accepted up to 30 days. We ship out within 1-2 business days and U.S. Standard Shipments usually arrive within 6-9 business days, Priority 3-6. We want you to be satisfied with the book you order. Our general description is conservative and the book should be as good or better than our general descr...

More Information

Shipping Terms

STANDARD DOMESTIC U.S. SHIPPING IS FREE. Priority Shipping is only $6.99 for first item, $1 each additional. Orders ship within 2 business days. Shipping outside of U.S. is typically between $8-13 and takes between 8-15 business days. Heavier books may require additional shipping. Faster Needs Please Inquire.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 9 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 0.00	US$ 10.98

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.