Rating:  Summary: Pretty good collection Review: This is a collection of short stories by authors associated with the "cyberpunk movement" within the science fiction field. I enjoyed the book overall, but I wouldn't necessarily call this a representation of cyberpunk. In fact, three of the stories to me (and more among others) absolutely do not qualify as such, and two of them actually seem to be more rooted in the fantasy field than anything else. However, it's a good read, definitely worth it for the stories by Willam Gibson, both solo and collaborative. Interestingly, my favorite was "Petra" by Greg Bear, which is one of the fantasies I referred to: a very original idea and superbly written.One final thing: if someone understands "Tales of Houdini", please contact me and explain. I just don't get it!
Rating:  Summary: Pretty good collection Review: This is a collection of short stories by authors associated with the "cyberpunk movement" within the science fiction field. I enjoyed the book overall, but I wouldn't necessarily call this a representation of cyberpunk. In fact, three of the stories to me (and more among others) absolutely do not qualify as such, and two of them actually seem to be more rooted in the fantasy field than anything else. However, it's a good read, definitely worth it for the stories by Willam Gibson, both solo and collaborative. Interestingly, my favorite was "Petra" by Greg Bear, which is one of the fantasies I referred to: a very original idea and superbly written. One final thing: if someone understands "Tales of Houdini", please contact me and explain. I just don't get it!
Rating:  Summary: Best Collection For the Genre Review: This is simply a fantastic collection of the best stories of my favorite literary subgenre, the Cyberpunk Movement in the 1980s and early 1990s. While I may not like William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, I am not ignorant when it comes to their importance in popularizing and shaping the genre. Also here are Rudy Rucker, the acting grandfather of the genre; and Pat Cadigan, the Queen of Cyberpunk (even though she had very little, if any, real competition). While there are a couple newer Cyberpunk collections, The Ultimate Cyberpunk coming to mind, the first is still the best. Not only are the stories fantastic, but the anthology didn't have to rely on a nostalgia effect, like those that are being published now. A good introduction to the genre, as well as an essential item for one's collection.
Rating:  Summary: GREAT READ Review: This was the book that introduced me to cyberpunk when I was 15. I go back to this book again and again as the years go by. Some of the stories in here are so perfect (500 Boys, Synners, Stone Lives, Tales of Houdini) that I find myself trying to emulate the slick, tight, ultracool writing style. Other stories from this collection are less interesting and fall short of the mark, but are still worth reading.
Rating:  Summary: GREAT READ Review: This was the book that introduced me to cyberpunk when I was 15. I go back to this book again and again as the years go by. Some of the stories in here are so perfect (500 Boys, Synners, Stone Lives, Tales of Houdini) that I find myself trying to emulate the slick, tight, ultracool writing style. Other stories from this collection are less interesting and fall short of the mark, but are still worth reading.
Rating:  Summary: Splendid Introduction To Cyberpunk Science Fiction Review: Unquestionably, this is one of the most important books of cyberpunk fiction, showing who were its most important practitioners in the 1980's. While the literary quality may not be as refined as that you'd find in William Gibson's "Burning Chrome", there are quite a few excellent tales here. Those unacquainted with John Shirley's or Pat Cadigan's work may be pleasantly surprised with their gritty, lyrical stories. Others who craft excellent tales include Gibson, Bruce Sterling, and a suprise entry from Greg Bear, who is not usually included among the cyberpunks. Without a doubt this is an important book for students of science fiction and others who are willing to take a look at well crafted tales written outside of mainstream literature.
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