Steel and Other Stories
Richard Matheson. Tor, $14.99 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-0-7653-2942-4
Matheson’s latest collection features two recently published pieces, but is otherwise a repackaging of largely unremarkable speculative fiction stories originally published in the 1950s. Matheson’s inextinguishable imagination is apparent in “Dr. Morton’s Folly” (2009), a humorous little gem about a vampire in need of immediate dental assistance, and “The Window of Time” (2010), a heartfelt, quietly profound story about an elderly retired author who seeks out a nearby retirement home and finds a portal to the past. Other standouts include the classic “Steel,” inspiration for the forthcoming film Real Steel, and “The Traveller,” about a researcher who goes back in time and witnesses the crucifixion of Jesus. With stories that span more than half a century and the full range of horror, science fiction, and dark fantasy, this uneven collection primarily stands as a testament to Matheson’s literary longevity. (Oct.)
Details
Reviewed on: 08/08/2011
Genre: Fiction
Mass Market Paperbound - 319 pages - 978-0-7653-6761-7
Other - 320 pages - 978-1-4299-7040-2
Paperback - 112 pages - 978-1-931436-15-1
Paperback - 112 pages - 978-1-929750-60-3