The Wall Around the World (collection) by Theodore R. Cogswell

Like most readers, I have a large stack of books in my to-be-read pile. Some have sat there for an Continue reading →

The Bound Man by Ilse Aichinger

Here’s an idea I had a while ago for a series of columns: take two completely unrelated stories that happen Continue reading →

Lean Times in Lankhmar by Fritz Leiber

Time to admit a heresy. This year I began reading for the first time the sword and sorcery adventures of Continue reading →

Disappearing Act by Richard Matheson

The story opens with a diary, kept because the narrator feels he has to confess somewhere. In short, spare prose Continue reading →

A Note for the Milkman by Sidney Carroll

Mr. Peters, the protagonist, is a seemingly normal married businessman. His appearance of normality is something he takes pride in. Continue reading →

Punishment Without Crime by Ray Bradbury

Sometimes it’s difficult to appreciate old classics. For example, I have trouble with Robert A. Heinlein’s ‘Orphans of the Sky.’ Continue reading →

The Rag Thing by Donald A. Wollheim

It would have been all right if spring had never come. During the winter nothing had happened and nothing was Continue reading →

Fool’s Mate by Stanley Ellin

George is resigned to his unhappy marriage with Louise. She controls his life, never letting him out to make new Continue reading →