The Best of John W. Campbell

I consider myself a newcomer to the sci-fi genre. Well, not really, but I certainly have been spoiled enough by the more established sci-fi settings coming after John Campbell's time that it seems hard to discern what is original and what is derivative (hence, being a newcomer). This book certainly has some cliche, but there are many original ideas, and it has an overall distinct feel to it. The themes seem to be repetitive in subsequent stories, but the way the author explores them are very interesting. Definitely worth a read!

An excellent collection of Campbell's work, includes the short story "Who goes there?" which was the basis for the The Thing form another world, and both of the later remakes titled The Thing.

John Campbell is a science fiction giant known best for his years as an editor of Astounding. He had the ability to find and develop gifted writers and it is not too much to say his work as editor brought respectability to the whole business. His own stories are superb, but not as remembered as they should be. My personal choice as his best (and among the best in all of science fiction) is Who Goes There, later made into a movie but don't go there. I believe it was called The Thing, featuring James Arness as a sort of giant carrot. Hollywood at its worst, which is saying a lot. By all means visit John the writer.

I got acquainted with the work of John W. Campbell when I saw the movie 'The Thing'. I liked it so much that I watched the end credits and saw it was based on the story 'Who Goes There?' which is included in this book. So naturally you can get a taste of just how good a writer he was by reading this collection of his work. He was one of the pioneers of sci-fi and crafted its direction for decades. He pushed other sci-fi writers to strive for excellence where good just wasn't good enough and it shows! Don't just take it from me. Give his work a try!

Great condition. Smelled good.

If you're a fan of the movie "The Thing", then you'll truly appreciate its genesis in John W. Campbell's 1938 short story, "Who Goes There?"

Such an old story can still give me chills.

Nephew loves the book. Came in good condition!