The Martians

Robinson offers what has to be reckoned the sf collection of the year to date: 28 pieces of varying length and content, all set in the universe of Robinson's magisterial and mega-selling Martian novels, Red Mars (1993), Green Mars (1994), and Blue Mars (1996). Some involve characters familiar from the novels: Michel the psychologist has three appearances, the first set during the training of the original Mars explorers in Antarctica. Some are humorous, as even the title of "Arthur Sternbach Brings the Curveball to Mars" suggests, including tongue-in-cheek descriptions of the problems the original anaerobic Martian life-forms experience in coping with all the oxygen humans introduce to the planet. "Jackie on Zo" is about childbirth on Mars, "Exploring Fossil Canyon" is a classic planetary exploration tale with realistic characters and plausible technology. The story entitled "Green Mars" is about the first expedition to the summit of Olympus Mons, the gigantic volcano that is the most conspicuous feature of the Martian landscape. The twenty-seventh numbered piece, "If Wang Wei Lived on Mars," consists of poems. Finally, under such titles as "Four Teleological Truths," there are what can be best described as thought experiments. Altogether, a perfect smorgasbord of a collection, united by the outstanding feats of world building and characterization that so distinguished Robinson's Mars in the novels. A must for virtually all sf collections. --Roland Green

With a Nebula and two Hugos to its credit, Robinson's monumental Mars trilogy (Red Mars, etc.) is one of the most honored series in the history of science fiction. Having finished the trilogy, however, and gone on to write yet another major novel, Antarctica, Robinson realized that he simply wasn't done with the red planet. There were important episodes in the lives of his major characters that hadn't made it into the novels. There were alternate possibilities that he still yearned to explore. There were pages of essays, vignettes, fables, poems, and fictional science and history, all demanding to be written. This collection represents Robinson's further thoughts on Mars. It encompasses a number of new short stories, including at least two set in alternate universes where events have taken place quite differently than in the novels. Among the best entries are "Coyote Makes Trouble," which concerns a plot to capture one of the planet's leading revolutionaries; "Arthur Sternbach Brings the Curveball to Mars," about the effect of Martian gravity on America's favorite pastime; and "Sexual Dimorphism," which involves a Martian scientist whose work strangely echoes his personal life. Also included is "Green Mars," a previously published novella about climbing Olympus Mons, the highest mountain in the solar systemÄa wonderful story that, curiously, has no direct connection to Robinson's later novel of the same name. Some of the pieces here will be of interest only to those who have already read the trilogy, but the finest of the short fiction stands firmly on its own. As is the norm with Robinson's work, the stories are beautifully written, the characters are well developed and the author's passion for ecology manifests on every page. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

YA-The description on the dust jacket of this collection of short stories and one novella might lead readers to think these stories simply expand on Robinson's "Mars Trilogy" (Bantam). Actually, with each story, the author presents a fresh perspective, further expanding the possibilities beyond the story in the trilogy-and subverts any tendency to view it as the "Mars Canon." In fact, the first story tells how the decision was made not to colonize Mars. Subsequent stories explore the red planet and life there-human and otherwise-with great imagination, variety, and humor. For those who have read the trilogy, these stories can be enjoyed as alternate histories or as return visits to familiar places and characters-often with a twist. For those who have not tackled it, they stand on their own as beautifully crafted and accessible examples of science-fiction writing at its best. Whether exploring the planet's badlands with a group of extreme eco-tourists, considering the Constitution of Mars (and how and why it works), or examining the nature of life from a very entertaining variety of perspectives, this collection will be a treat for any thoughtful reader.-Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

The dream of terraforming and settling Mars becomes reality as a hundred individuals link their fate to that of the red planet, bringing with them their hopes and frailties, their hidden fears, latent violence, and uncompromising dedication. The author of the award-winning Mars trilogy interweaves a series of stories that stretch from preliminary training missions in Antarctica to the events surrounding the drafting of a Martian constitution. Robinson uses a variety of narrative styles to reflect the broad scope of human drama that surrounds the taming of a new and dangerous world. Recommended for most libraries. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/99.] (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Robinson offers what has to be reckoned the sf collection of the year to date: 28 pieces of varying length and content, all set in the universe of Robinson's magisterial and mega-selling Martian novels, Red Mars (1993), Green Mars (1994), and Blue Mars (1996). Some involve characters familiar from the novels: Michel the psychologist has three appearances, the first set during the training of the original Mars explorers in Antarctica. Some are humorous, as even the title of "Arthur Sternbach Brings the Curveball to Mars" suggests, including tongue-in-cheek descriptions of the problems the original anaerobic Martian life-forms experience in coping with all the oxygen humans introduce to the planet. "Jackie on Zo" is about childbirth on Mars, "Exploring Fossil Canyon" is a classic planetary exploration tale with realistic characters and plausible technology. The story entitled "Green Mars" is about the first expedition to the summit of Olympus Mons, the gigantic volcano that is the most conspicuous feature of the Martian landscape. The twenty-seventh numbered piece, "If Wang Wei Lived on Mars," consists of poems. Finally, under such titles as "Four Teleological Truths," there are what can be best described as thought experiments. Altogether, a perfect smorgasbord of a collection, united by the outstanding feats of world building and characterization that so distinguished Robinson's Mars in the novels. A must for virtually all sf collections. ((Reviewed July 1999)) Copyright 2000 Booklist Reviews

Just in time for the new Mars landing in fall 1999: short stories from the author of the famed "Mars Trilogy." Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

The dream of terraforming and settling Mars becomes reality as a hundred individuals link their fate to that of the red planet, bringing with them their hopes and frailties, their hidden fears, latent violence, and uncompromising dedication. The author of the award-winning Mars trilogy interweaves a series of stories that stretch from preliminary training missions in Antarctica to the events surrounding the drafting of a Martian constitution. Robinson uses a variety of narrative styles to reflect the broad scope of human drama that surrounds the taming of a new and dangerous world. Recommended for most libraries. [Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 6/1/99.] Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

With a Nebula and two Hugos to its credit, Robinson's monumental Mars trilogy (Red Mars, etc.) is one of the most honored series in the history of science fiction. Having finished the trilogy, however, and gone on to write yet another major novel, Antarctica, Robinson realized that he simply wasn't done with the red planet. There were important episodes in the lives of his major characters that hadn't made it into the novels. There were alternate possibilities that he still yearned to explore. There were pages of essays, vignettes, fables, poems, and fictional science and history, all demanding to be written. This collection represents Robinson's further thoughts on Mars. It encompasses a number of new short stories, including at least two set in alternate universes where events have taken place quite differently than in the novels. Among the best entries are "Coyote Makes Trouble," which concerns a plot to capture one of the planet's leading revolutionaries; "Arthur Sternbach Brings the Curveball to Mars," about the effect of Martian gravity on America's favorite pastime; and "Sexual Dimorphism," which involves a Martian scientist whose work strangely echoes his personal life. Also included is "Green Mars," a previously published novella about climbing Olympus Mons, the highest mountain in the solar system a wonderful story that, curiously, has no direct connection to Robinson's later novel of the same name. Some of the pieces here will be of interest only to those who have already read the trilogy, but the finest of the short fiction stands firmly on its own. As is the norm with Robinson's work, the stories are beautifully written, the characters are well developed and the author's passion for ecology manifests on every page. (Sept.) Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.

YA-The description on the dust jacket of this collection of short stories and one novella might lead readers to think these stories simply expand on Robinson's "Mars Trilogy" (Bantam). Actually, with each story, the author presents a fresh perspective, further expanding the possibilities beyond the story in the trilogy-and subverts any tendency to view it as the "Mars Canon." In fact, the first story tells how the decision was made not to colonize Mars. Subsequent stories explore the red planet and life there-human and otherwise-with great imagination, variety, and humor. For those who have read the trilogy, these stories can be enjoyed as alternate histories or as return visits to familiar places and characters-often with a twist. For those who have not tackled it, they stand on their own as beautifully crafted and accessible examples of science-fiction writing at its best. Whether exploring the planet's badlands with a group of extreme eco-tourists, considering the Constitution of Mars (and how and why it works), or examining the nature of life from a very entertaining variety of perspectives, this collection will be a treat for any thoughtful reader.-Christine C. Menefee, Fairfax County Public Library, VA Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.