As a music historian, I know the endless value of studying the great masterpieces of the past. Thus I thought it valuable to read Larry Niven's 1970 Hugo-winning Ringworld. (I read, or rather devoured, only the first, but I'm hooked now, of course.) To continue the analogy to music history, using Niven as a model for sci fi writing is like using Bach as a model for composition. Of course he's great, of course there's much to be learned from him. But one is so unlikely to match his skill and ingenuity that in a certain way any attempt is laughable.
What a perfect balance of plot, characterization, complete world-building, and viable scientific invention. It's breathtaking. And very humbling.
No comments:
Post a Comment