I'm currently reading Michael Moorcock's Black Corridor published in 1969. Short and thought-provoking it's a very good read and quite SWORDesque, describing, as it does, a dying Earth. It is essentially a novel about the decay of society and the deep personal and social isolation this has caused, and tells of a man fleeing through interstellar space from Earth, where civilisation is collapsing into anarchy and wars [Wikipedia - alert! its full page contains spoilers!].
Given the plot it seems only right that an edition by Mayflower even featured SPACEX toys on its pinky cover, shown below right. Try as I might, I have been unable to find a copy of this particular paperback and on two occasions mistakenly purchased the more common black Mayflower cover, below left, despite the Amazon listings showing the SPACEX cover. Drat!
The story of the man suffering alone in deep space reminds me of the plot of Duncan Jones' film MOON. This solitary slide into mental breakdown is a popular idiom in Science Fiction.
The malaise is in fact real and called Pandorum, which is defined as "a disease founded by emotional triggers, usually found in deep space missions, a feeling of fear. Thinking you can't be saved, you may find yourself in a state of Pandorum, or extreme fear of being alone". There is a film of the same name from 2009, which I have yet to see. Have you?
What books or other publication are you reading at the moment?
3 comments:
I read this recently, found it way too depressing. The spacex cover editions were really common on eBay last month!
I was going to suggest eBay as well, where I can confirm Kevin's observation. Had a look and there's one available now in the US for less than a tenner incl post.
Currently reading some Larry Niven short stories of similar vintage. Which hold up surprisingly well - available ashtrays being the most obvious discrepancy with today's reality. :)
Best -- Paul
ive never found Moorcocks sci-fi to be especially entertaining, but his fantasy is colourful and imaginiative, especially the Eternal Champion cycle, able illustrated over the years by Rodney Matthews.
Post a Comment