Neil Gaiman, Bram Stoker, Patricia A. McKillip, Harry Harrison, Edgar Allan Poe…in its two years of existence, this blog is littered with comments about said authors. These are the authors whose works I tend to devour and who frequently find their way on to my re-read list. Although I have read a number of astounding books by other authors in my lifetime, it is these 5 particularly whose novels are significant signposts marking memorable points along my reading journey. I believe I am ready to annoint John Scalzi as a member of this pantheon of my literary heroes.
As threatened yesterday, I have brought back the Friday Favorites. For the uninitiated, this category features sites from my Favorites file, mostly art, that I want to share with you. This month’s selections will primarily be science fiction artists whose paintings have either graced science fiction covers for years or are in their own unique way reminiscent of those great artists. Les Edwards (also known as Edward Miller) is one such artist.
The above painting, Cygnus, is one of my absolute favorite pieces of science fiction art. The hazy blue tone and the depth it creates gives one the sense that there is an enormity to this place that is only hinted at in the painting. I sit and stare and wonder who the person walking on the bridge is. For a long time I mistakingly thought that he was walking towards the ship when in fact he is walking away. Is he the pilot? A passenger? A mechanic? His presence gives the piece a feeling of melancholy that I find endearing.
(Click on the picture for a wallpaper sized version)
For my part I know nothing with any certainty,
but the sight of the stars makes me dream.
~Vincent Van Gogh~
What is it about space? About the stars? What makes it such a thrilling notion, to climb aboard a rocket ship and fly off into the unknown? As I sat outside tonight, gazing up at a full moon through the telescope, seeing the edges of craters and the brilliant depths of whites and grays, I was overtaken with awe at the idea that we have built flying machines that have ferried men to the moon. It is almost beyond imagination.
*Updated post from yesterday: The Review! (No spoilers)*
It is finished! My first completed book of 2007, and a rolicking good time it was. It has been a long time since I have stayed up past the witching hour to finish a book, but what better time to be reading about vampires?
