STALKING THE NIGHTMARE

by Harlan Ellison ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 1, 1982

An Ellison potpourri: rewrites of tales that first appeared in 1950s pulp magazines (one a collaboration with Joe L. Hensley), recent tales, and four excellent non-fiction items. The non-fiction: some witty autobiographical sketches; an in-person account of events at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as data from Voyager I's fly-by of Saturn arrives; the full story behind Ellison's acrimonious battle with Hollywood over the short-lived TV series The Starlost; and the story of how Ellison ran away from home at age 13 to join a carnival, learning ""more about the darker side of human nature than any kid should ever know."" The fiction, alas, pales by comparison. There are several dressed-up variations on the Quest for the Grail. The sf tales offer so-so variations on familiar notions (Earthlings discovering their roots on an alien planet; robot megalomania; Adam & Eve; teeny weeny alien invaders). And Ellison-ian satire is aimed at a TV show devoted to humiliating its guests--plus two other, more effectively humorous pieces on Aladdin's lamp and the Nativity. Less vivid than Ellison's best, with too many tired old variations and flabby retreads--but sparkling in spots.

Pub Date: Sept. 1, 1982

ISBN: 0759230188

Page Count: -

Publisher: Phantasia Press (13101 Lincoln St., Huntington Woods, MI 48070)

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1982

Categories: FICTION