Description
Publisher
Berkley Books, New York
Publication Year
1982
Edition
First Berkley Paperback Edition, First Printing Thus (September 1982)
Original Publication
1981
ISBN
0-425-05498-5
Binding
Mass Market Paperback
Language
English
Genre
Science Fiction
Subgenres
Mythic Science Fiction, Philosophical Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction
Condition
Very Good vintage condition. Light shelf and edge wear consistent with age. Covers remain attractive with bright artwork. Interior is clean with no writing or highlighting noted. Protected in a new archival-quality removable sleeve.
Description
A fascinating and ambitious work of speculative fiction from Stuart Gordon, Smile on the Void blends mythology, philosophy, African folklore, and science fiction into an imaginative epic unlike anything else published during the early 1980s. The novel follows the legendary Ralph M'Botu Kitaj, a mysterious figure whose life spans continents, cultures, and centuries. Combining elements of spiritual allegory with cosmic science fiction, Gordon creates a sweeping narrative exploring human destiny, mythmaking, and civilization itself. Praised by Kirkus Reviews as "Grand Scale Myth-Making," the novel represents one of the more unusual literary science fiction titles published by Berkley during the period, appealing to readers who enjoy thoughtful speculative fiction alongside more traditional space opera. This is the first Berkley paperback edition and first printing, making it especially desirable to collectors of vintage science fiction paperbacks. Protected in a new archival-quality removable sleeve for long-term preservation.
About the Author
Stuart Gordon was an American science fiction novelist whose work combined mythology, philosophy, anthropology, and speculative fiction. Rather than focusing solely on technology or space adventure, Gordon explored human evolution, spirituality, and civilization through richly imagined narratives. His novels have earned a loyal following among readers and collectors of literary science fiction and New Wave speculative fiction.