It's interesting to delve into the literary history of science fiction through the work of one of the prime literary figures in sf, Samuel Delany. He casts a particular kind of spell on this reader that's not about perfect prose, but is always about fascinating ideas and compelling characters. ( )

Uma história interessante ( )

Bar none, the best collection of stories I have ever read.
I've always reading short stories to be greatly overwhelming, at least since completing a seventh grade English class that focused exclusively on the short story as a form. The economy of form needed to craft a good short story is not easy to pull of well, and all the writers, no matter how great or lauded, seem to always miss something in their short stories. If the story has a great idea, it lacks a strong setting. If it has good characters, it lack a theme. The short story is little more than the world's most difficult juggling act.
Delany has masters this balancing act, and manages to give enviable stories that seems to have it all; complex characters, rich settings, interesting ideas and worthy themes. Admittedly, three of the stories in the collection are rather lengthy novellas, but even with the shorter ones he manages to give you as much off all that is needed for the story to be enjoyed. With character and setting, his gift is pure economy; Delany can give you just enough for your diagetic space weave the story in very few words.
These stories are brilliant, and the meter by which other stories are measured. ( )