X Books

This is one of my favorite collections of science fiction stories. I had a copy of it in the 1970s, when it was first published, and I recently got around to replacing my copy.

If you enjoy the _Science Fiction Hall of Fame_ collections, you'll enjoy this one too. At the time of its publication, it was one of very few collections of all-new SF. And Robert Silverberg and Roger Elwood selected (almost) nothing but the best. (There are a couple I don't particularly care for, but at least none of them are real stinkers.)

There is, for example, Harry Harrison's "Run From the Fire," a great parallel-universe tale. There's Clifford Simak's bittersweet "The Ghost of a Model T," which just drips with nostalgia. There's R.A. Lafferty's "For All Poor Folks at Picketwire" (and if you know who R.A. Lafferty is, the mention of his name is all you'll need here). There's a full novella by Jack Vance.

There's also my personal favorite in the book, and one of my favorite SF short stories ever: George R.R. Martin's ". . . for a single yesterday." This is one of the most haunting pieces of fiction you're ever going to read. It takes place on a rural hippie commune after The Blast has destroyed the cities. The title is, of course, a line from the Kris Kristofferson/Fred Foster song "Me and Bobby McGee," which figures into the tale. I won't spoil it for you by telling you anything more; just read it. (It was memories of this particular story that led me to hunt down a used copy of this book in the first place.)

If you like good SF, scare up a copy of this collection. It's one of the best ever assembled.

This is the first book that I have found that gives a clear and precise plan for how to estimate how much an individual will need for a secure retirement. Mr. Benna gives a step-by-step plan for projecting how much money a person needs to accumulate in order to have enough money to last them throughout their life. The charts are easy to follow and can be individualized for each persons particular circumstances, risk tolerance and level of sophistication. Previously I was apprehensive as to my ability to accurately project my financial needs in retirement but after reading this book I felt that a huge load had been taken off my shoulders. Now I know I will not be surprised by running out of money during the most vulnerable part of my life.

Flash Gordan, Star Wars, and a few other space dramas contribute to the setting of the next episode of the Cross-Time Caper. Kurt gets to work on his swordplay, Lockheed the dragon has a huminoid conterpart, and there is the fast action and easy pacing of a space drama. Issue 16 has one of my favortie covers, and the books are fun, with great art throughout. The two issues together (with issue 17 as part two) are a great stand alone story.

21 & 22 The Cross-Time Caper continues, as the team jumps into a world where the American Revolution failed and the English Empire is still strong, as is Prussia. Caps alternate is a Native American who is called Crusader X, and is the leader of the X-men who are officially a part of the British Intelligence agencies. They participate in stopping an attempt by the Shadow King and Iron Man to assasinate a large meeting of ambassadors. A good, tight story, able to stand alone in the two issues, with excellent artwork, even though Davis is again absent from the book. Perhaps my favorite episode of the Cross-Time Caper.

21 & 22 The Cross-Time Caper continues, as the team jumps into a world where the American Revolution failed and the English Empire is still strong, as is Prussia. Cap's alternate is a Native American who is called Crusader X, and is the leader of the X-men who are officially a part of the British Intelligence agencies. They participate in stopping an attempt by the Shadow King and Iron Man to assasinate a large meeting of ambassadors. A good, tight story, with excellent artwork, even though Davis is again absent from the book. Perhaps my favorite episode of the Cross-Time Caper.

INFERNO! Issues 6 & 7 are tied into the major X-men event called Inferno. The members of the team are drawn into the event when Rachel flies to New York in response to a mental cry for help from the baby, Nathan Summers. Some are trasformed or captured by the demonic magics controling New York, while those left fight to free them and to simply stay alive. The excellent art by Davis, and the full and complete storytelling by Claremont continue. As always in Claremont's storytelling there are hints for the future. Excellent Issues.

INFERNO! Issues 6 & 7 are tied into the major X-men event called Inferno. The members of the team are drawn into the event when Rachel flies to New York in response to a mental cry for help from the baby, Nathan Summers. Some are trasformed or captured by the demonic magics controling New York, while those left fight to free them and to simply stay alive. The excellent art by Davis, and the full and complete storytelling by Claremont continue. As always in Claremont's storytelling there are hints for the future. Excellent Issues.

While issue 8 seemed a little like filler, 9 &10 jump right back into the strong storylines, and do so with a vengance. The opening panels, revealing the presence of Nazified alternates of Excalibur, set the stage for a conflict lasting through the end of issue 11, and leading directly into the Cross-Time Caper. Widget and his dimension switching abilities is strongly featured, as is W.H.O. (Wierd Happenings Organization), and Sat-yr9 as Courtney Ross, but the alternate Excalibur team know as Lightning Force really steals the show. They are remarkable in concept and the artwork to bring that out is excellent. Issue 10 again has a guest artist, and loses a little bit, but not much, artistically.

where may i get to buy one of these books i cant seem to get it anywhere plz could u send me sum information thank you cant wait to read it

-Exiles- ramps up The Age of Apcalypse w/a chilling story abouut the Timebroker demanding that the Exiles kill Mimic - & Clarice [Blink], of course, refuses. So he punishes them by sending the not-so-merry group to Apocalypse's Age, removing Heather Hudson [Sasquatch] & Barnell Bohunk [Beak], & giving the Exiles a new member: Holocaust!

Suddenly, Namora's decision to defy the Timebroker doesn't seem so bad...