It's a little ironic that I can't think of a title for this one
There are many reasons I love science fiction, some of which I may blog about some time, but here's one of the big ones:
Science fiction, as a genre, is filled with fantastic titles. And I'm not just talking about cheesy gems like "Earth vs. the Flying Saucers," which, yes, is an actual movie, and yes, is a great way to pass a Saturday night. (Of particular note are the special effects, especially the scene in which the flying saucers destroy DC.)
No, I'm talking about the truly classic titles, the ones that roll off the tongue with the rhythm of a sonnet. I have read decided to read plenty of books on the basis of their beautiful titles alone--and most of them, for whatever reason, have been science fiction.
These are some of my favorites:
- Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein. (Weird book. Probably not the best intro to Heinlein.)
- The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester. This one has also been published as "Tiger! Tiger!", a reference to the William Blake poem. That title is probably more appropriate to the book, but I like the Stars better anyway. I just finished this book, actually, mostly because of the title, and when I can summon up the mental energy, I'll post a review.
- The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin
- The Moon is a Harsh Mistress. Heinlein again--he really does get good ones.
- The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury. Or The Martian Chronicles. I like them both equally.
- The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, by Douglas Adams, while not as poetic as some of these others, is still pretty fantastic.
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller, Jr.
- I, Robot by Isaac Asimov. Brief, but like, totally deep, man. Ponder it.
- Stars In My Pocket Like Grains of Sand by Samuel R. Delany
- The Years of Rice & Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson
- The Nine Billion Names of God by Arthur C. Clarke
- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. This is the story upon which Blade Runner was based. I guess the original title was too long to fit on the movie posters, but damn, Hollywood. Way to drop the ball.
Now I know the genre has a lot of utilitarian titles, and no doubt some truly unfortunate ones as well, but I've never met a mystery or romance or fantasy title that can compete with the above. (Granted, I'm not as well-read in those genres.) Also, I feel I should clarify: I have not read most of the books on this list, so my affection for the titles does not necessarily stem from an affection for the work itself. (Or in the case of Stranger in a Strange Land, I like the title in spite of the book.)
So: what are your favorite titles (science fiction or otherwise)?
2 comments:
I also love Science Fiction/ Fantasy titles and was a little surprised that you missed Douglas Adams best ones and possible the greatest title ever, "The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul." I am also partial to Terry Pratchett's "Carpe Jugulum" because who doesn't love Latin puns?
I can't BELIEVE I forgot "The Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul"! Thank you for reminding me! I've borrowed that book from the library at least three times in the last six months, although I've yet to actually read it. All in good time, I suppose...
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