DREAM MAKERS VOLUME II: The Uncommon Men and Women Who Write Science Fiction

by Charles Platt ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 1, 1983

Interviews, 1981-82, featuring 28 sf and non-sf luminaries--plus an interview of Platt himself. They follow a pattern-of-sorts: after a brief introduction to the authors' work and some biographical details, the authors more or less take over and discuss what they please. With no editorial overview, this often comes across as an undigested morass of facts end opinions--rational and otherwise. Jerry Pournelle's harsh militarist views are counterpoised by Joe Haldeman's 1960s-engendered disillusionment; Piers Anthony, a manic writing-machine, has his opposite in thoughtful, literate Christopher Priest. Keith Laumer rants-and-raves obscurely; L. Ron Hubbard is interviewed by mall (reports of his death thus seem greatly exaggerated); ex-intelligence-operative Alice (James Tiptree, Jr.) Sheldon reveals her compulsive need for secrecy and anonymity. Non-sf writers (William Burroughs, D. M. Thomas, Alvin Toffler, Stephen King) are included, by editorial fiat; and two non-writers, publisher Donald A. Wollheim (DAW books) and editor Edward Ferman (F & SF magazine), deny that writers always get the short end of the stick. With other famous names represented, from Larry Niven, Arthur C. Clarke, and Jack Vance to Joanna Russ, Janet Morris, and Kit Reed: often amusing to dip into, but fragmentary and erratic.

Pub Date: June 1, 1983

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Berkley

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1983

Categories: NONFICTION