Date: Thu, 31 Mar 2005 08:20:49 -0500
From: Sam Lubell <samlubell at verizon.net>
Subject: [WSFA] Re: Old School
To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>

At 01:30 AM 3/31/2005, Mark  wrote:
>"Doc" Smith was one of the first SF writers I was exposed to in my youth,
>and while I acknowledge his shortcomings, his stuff is FUN, which is often
>more
>important to me than literary merit.

Yes, but if you haven't read him by age 12 or so, his flaws outnumber his
virtues.  And at this point, I'd argue his work is of historical importance
rather than an example of a major quality work of the field.

However, our very own Mike Walsh has brought the Lensmen books back into
print.  So anyone who hasn't read them could buy them and decide for
themselves.

>Cordwainer Smith has been mentioned a couple of times...anyone who hasn't
>been turned on to his beautiful work has been missing out.
>

Oh yes.  Smith's works are true classics.  Especially his short science
fiction.  And he's in print too thanks to NESFA.