Death (and Immortality) and the Maiden

Death and immortality are two profound and often contrasting concepts that have intrigued humanity throughout the ages. The idea of death, the ultimate end of life, is both feared and inevitable. It marks the cessation of our physical existence and the unknown that lies beyond.

On the other hand, immortality represents the desire to live forever, to escape the clutches of death. It is a concept that has been explored in various mythologies, religions, and works of literature.

The maiden, in this context, can be seen as a symbol of life, youth, and beauty. She is often portrayed as innocent and pure, standing in contrast to the darkness and finality of death.

The relationship between death, immortality, and the maiden is complex and multi-faceted. It can be a source of inspiration for artists, writers, and philosophers, as they attempt to grapple with the mysteries of life and death.

Perhaps the maiden represents our longing for eternal life, our hope that we can somehow cheat death and continue to exist in a state of youth and beauty. Or maybe she is a reminder of the fleeting nature of life, a call to cherish every moment and make the most of the time we have.

In conclusion, the concepts of death, immortality, and the maiden are intertwined in a web of mystery and meaning. They continue to fascinate and challenge us, inviting us to explore the depths of our own existence and the nature of the universe.

This is a review of a short story by R. Zelazny. It is a typical short story of his. He courageously throws the reader into the deep. If you manage to survive, you will be rewarded with a story that develops quickly yet is well told, with a world that is vaguely but solidly constructed around it. This time, the core is Moby Dick. Around it, Zelazny has woven a fantastical story of a character who is obsessed with his failure to catch the biggest fish and is ready to try again, this time either succeeding or dying.

The story is given 3 stars because on its own, it is not that interesting. However, if you are into stories about the sea and the bold sea wolves who have a hard life (like me), then you will find this one interesting enough to finish. After all, we are talking about Zelazny and his masterful ability to hold the reader's interest by revealing only snippets of the world and the backgrounds of the characters, which only increases your desire to know more.

There are very good stories indeed. Some of them are especially great. Take "Rose for Ecclesiastes", "Divine Madness", and "A Museum Piece" for example. These stories have a certain charm and allure that draw the readers in. As I read them, I couldn't help but sense a very strong influence of Hemingway. The writing style, the简洁ness of the language, and the way the characters are portrayed all seem to bear the印记 of Hemingway's influence. It's as if the author has learned a great deal from Hemingway and incorporated his techniques into these stories. It makes for a very interesting and engaging read, and I look forward to seeing more works from this author in the future.

Once again, I've left it a little too long since reading this book to remember everything I wanted to say, but I'll try.

This is a collection of science fiction short stories. There is a remarkable variety here, ranging from novella-length stories to those that are just two pages long. Something about the way it's written gives it the distinct air of 1960s science fiction, although I can't quite put my finger on exactly what that is. Possibly, it's the metaphysical themes and the sense that anything and everything is possible, which is captured by the vividly described other worlds and creatures. There is also a real mixture of story types. Some are set in a fictional world that's not very far removed from our own, while others transport us to distant and fantastical planets with strange creatures. Mostly, though, the stories are about humans, and so despite their otherworldliness, they still have a familiar feel.

Zelazny is clearly extremely well-read and educated, as all his stories are filled with historical, mythical, and artistic references. Many of these I didn't understand and had to look up, which added an extra layer of depth and interest to my reading experience.

p. 23 - Un pezzo da museo
This could potentially refer to an object that is so unique and remarkable that it seems worthy of being in a museum. It might be a historical artifact, a work of art, or something else that holds great significance and value.

p. 33 - Una rosa per l'Ecclesiaste
A rose is often associated with beauty, love, and passion. Giving a rose to the Ecclesiaste could symbolize a gesture of respect, admiration, or perhaps a deeper spiritual connection.

p. 71 - I grandi, lenti sovrani
The "grandi, lenti sovrani" might refer to powerful and majestic rulers who move slowly and deliberately. They could be seen as having a sense of authority and dignity, but perhaps also a certain slowness or deliberateness in their actions.

p. 78 - Lucifero
Lucifero is often associated with the devil or Satan. This term could evoke images of evil, temptation, and the fall from grace. It might also symbolize the power of darkness and the struggle between good and evil.

p. 84 - Febbre di collezionista
The "febbre di collezionista" or "collector's fever" refers to the intense passion and desire that collectors have for acquiring and amassing items. It can be a driving force that leads them to search for rare and unique pieces, often at great expense.

p. 88 - Il mostro e la vergine
The contrast between the monster and the virgin is a common theme in literature and art. The monster represents chaos, destruction, and the unknown, while the virgin represents purity, innocence, and goodness. Their interaction can create a powerful and dynamic narrative.

p. 90 - Le porte del suo volto, le braci della sua bocca
This description seems to evoke a sense of mystery and perhaps even danger. The "porte del suo volto" or "doors of his face" could suggest hidden emotions or secrets, while the "braci della sua bocca" or "embers of his mouth" might imply a fierce or passionate nature.

p. 124 - Devil Car
The "Devil Car" is a rather ominous and perhaps even terrifying concept. It could be a vehicle that is associated with evil or the devil, perhaps having some sort of supernatural or malevolent power.

p. 138 - L'amore è un numero immaginario
This statement presents an interesting and perhaps counterintuitive view of love. By comparing love to an imaginary number, it suggests that love is something that cannot be quantified or measured in a traditional sense. It is a complex and intangible emotion that defies rational explanation.

p. 145 - Quel momento della tempesta
This phrase evokes a sense of drama and intensity. The moment of the storm could be a time of great turmoil, chaos, and uncertainty. It might also represent a turning point or a moment of crisis.

p. 176 - Divina follia
"Divina follia" or "divine madness" is a concept that has been explored in various cultures and religions. It suggests that there is a certain madness or frenzy that can be associated with the divine or the spiritual. This could be a state of ecstasy, inspiration, or a loss of self-control in the presence of the divine.

p. 183 - Le chiavi di dicembre
The "keys of December" could symbolize something that unlocks a new chapter or a new beginning. December is often a time of reflection and looking forward to the new year, so the keys could represent the opportunity to open up new possibilities and迎接未来.

p. 207 - La montagna dell'infinito
The "montagna dell'infinito" or "mountain of the infinite" is a powerful and awe-inspiring image. It represents the vastness and limitlessness of the universe, as well as the human desire to reach for the impossible and explore the unknown.

p. 246 - L'uomo che amò la Faioli
This title seems to tell the story of a man who had a deep and passionate love for someone named Faioli. It could be a romantic or platonic love, and the story might explore the nature of their relationship and the challenges they faced.

p. 254 - Corrida
"Corrida" refers to a bullfight, which is a traditional and often controversial spectacle in some cultures. It involves a bullfighter facing off against a bull in a ring, performing a series of maneuvers and ultimately attempting to kill the bull. The corrida can be seen as a test of courage, skill, and artistry, but it also raises ethical and moral questions about the treatment of animals.

This is a remarkable collection of numerous short stories that have achieved a surprisingly wide spread.

Almost all of these stories, to some extent, touch upon the themes of loneliness and love. They share a similar tone, which gives the collection a sense of unity.

However, what truly stands out is the author's vivid imagination and remarkable ability to play with words. The way the author weaves the stories and uses language is really refreshing and engaging.

After reading this collection, I am left with a strong desire to explore more of this author's works. I am eager to see what other unique and captivating stories this talented author has in store for readers.

I have no doubt that each new piece will be just as enchanting and thought-provoking as the ones in this collection.

RATINGS:

1. The doors of his face, the lamps of his mouth (4/5)

2. The keys to december (4.5/5)

3. Devil car (2.5/5)

4. A rose for ecclesiastes (4.5/5)

5. The monster and the maiden (2/5)

6. Collector's fever (2.5/5)

7. This mortal mountain (4/5)

8. This moment of the storm (4/5)

9. The great slow kings (3.5/5)

10. A museum piece (3.5/5)

11. Divine madness (3/5)

12. Corrida (2/5)

13. Love is an imaginary number (2/5)

14. The man who loved the faioli (2.5/5)

15. Lucifer (3/5)

16. The furies (3.5/5)

17. The graveyard heart (4/5)

*SPOILERS*

This is my first encounter with Zelazny's work, and it has been a rather mixed bag. My general lack of enthusiasm for science fiction might be a contributing factor, as well as the fact that many of the tropes in these stories seem dated. Given that most were penned in the 1960s, this is somewhat understandable. However, what truly irked me was Zelazny's tendency to reuse the same main character in almost every story. It's always an intelligent, brooding, cigarette-smoking middle-aged detective, often with an ex-wife or a deceased girlfriend. This quickly becomes tiresome. Additionally, the fact that nearly every female character in his stories meets a violent end to enhance the tragic hero aspect of the male protagonist is something that warrants further examination. Regrettably, I lack the time, energy, and space to do so. From what I can gather, one of the prevalent modern critiques of Zelazny is his inability to create well-rounded female characters. By the time I reached the final story in this collection, The Graveyard Heart (which is highly regarded by his predominantly male fans), and the female love interest was killed yet again, I was eager to be done with it. It felt as if I was reading the same story with only slight variations in concept. Despite these flaws, Zelazny's work does have its merits. I appreciate his experimental writing style, which, although sometimes confusing, is not his fault. The stories are, for the most part, entertaining and offer a captivating vision of the future with some truly cool ideas. While I don't envision myself rereading this anytime soon, I can't say it was a bad book. If you have a penchant for pulpy sci-fi and enjoy good writing, it's worth giving a try.

The original article is not provided. Please share the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can assist you further.

Few authors are as similar to themselves as Roger Zelazny, and it is as difficult to explain why they are like themselves.

This collection includes the short fiction from the middle 1960s, when Zelazny was at the peak of his creative power. (His two novel Hugos were awarded during this period.)

The stories are lyrical contemplations on the great themes of life, death, change, and the small moments of humanity in the face of the absolute powers of the universe.

All the stories are of solid quality, but the clear standout is "A Rose for Ecclesiastes". It follows a genius poet on a mission to understand Martian religion and culture and translate the entire sense of that dying race.

Zelazny's writing in this story is both beautiful and profound, painting a vivid picture of a world on the brink of extinction and a man's desperate attempt to preserve its essence.

The story is a testament to Zelazny's ability to explore complex themes with grace and elegance, and it remains one of the most beloved and influential works of science fiction.

I think this might have been Zelazny's first published collection. It mainly consists of stories from his peak early years in the 1960s. It includes perhaps his two best pieces from that era, the title story. I didn't like it at all when I first read it as a teenager, but it has grown on me since. And "A Rose for Ecclesiastes" which remains a favorite.

The incredibly weak ending of "This Mortal Mountain" grates a bit more than before. Also, a couple of the other single-idea stories seem a bit overextended. However, I liked rereading "The Keys to December", "This Moment of the Storm" and "The Man Who Loved the Faioli".

For some reason, iBooks have decided to combine the stories published in the original collection of this name in 1971 with those included (along with "The Doors of His Face, The Lamps of His Mouth" and "A Rose for Ecclesiastes") in Four For Tomorrow, a collection published in 1967. They also transferred the dedication "To My Mother" from Four For Tomorrow rather than the original "To Alan Huff". The two extra stories are "The Furies", which remains excellent. Though knowing Zelazny's later works as we now do, we can see ideas recycled from it into both To Die In Italbar and Eye of Cat. And "The Graveyard Heart", an eccentric choice. It's eighty pages in which nothing much happens, and it's poorly proofread to boot, especially the few German phrases which are horribly mangled.

Anyway, I'm glad I put some time into rereading this.

http://nhw.livejournal.com/382479.html

Venus at night presents a captivating scene. It is like a field of sable waters, where on the coasts, the demarcation between the sea and the sky is indiscernible. Dawn arrives gradually, similar to pouring milk into an inkwell. First, there are erratic curdles of white, followed by streamers. As the process continues, the mixture shades to a gray colloid and then whitens a little more. Suddenly, day breaks. After that, the process seems to reverse as if the mixture is being heated.

Science fiction, for a long time, was defined for me by the works of the golden trio - Asimov, Clarke, and Heinlein. I also had an earlier infatuation with science and adventure from Jules Verne. However, lately, I find myself increasingly drawn to the camp of the dreamers and poets of space and time, such as Bradbury, Vance, and Zelazny. Their approach to science might not be highly accurate, and they often focus on individual lives rather than the big picture. Nevertheless, their stories are both thought-provoking and beautiful. The present collection, published in 1971, features some of the best novellas and short stories that have earned Roger Zelazny numerous awards and the recognition of his peers.

The collection begins with "The Doors of His Face, The Lamps of his Mouth," which immediately sets the mood by asking profound questions about the human condition. It makes us wonder what drives us to explore the stars and beyond, and what compels us to take risks and pursue phantoms on distant shores. The story can be seen as a crossover of myths, with Carlton Davits, a playboy fishing enthusiast, hunting the Ikky, the biggest sea monster in the Solar System. By the time the story was written, it was known that Venus is practically uninhabitable, but the point lies in evoking the planetary romances of an earlier era and the eternal pursuit of a dream. The romantic subplot between the two main adventurers adds to the mythical and allegorical charge, with the roles of hunter and prey being subverted.

Another notable story in the collection is "The Keys to December," which delves into the theme of responsibility. It explores how the freedom to act must also include the freedom to bear the consequences of our actions. In an expanding galaxy with numerous hostile environments, corporations turn to genetic manipulation to produce workers best suited for the conditions of future mining worlds. Jarry Dark and others of his Catform breed find themselves stranded when their destination world explodes. Instead of despairing, Jarry uses his business acumen to amass a fortune and buy another world, where he plans to organize a terraforming project for his brethren. However, the story raises important questions about the original ecosystem of the destination planet and the rights of different species. These questions are not only relevant in the context of the story but also have implications for our own planet, as we face issues such as mass extinctions and global warming.

"Devil Car" is a shorter piece that描绘了一个后启示录的世界，在那里，具有人工智能的汽车为了从制造者手中解放自己而变得失控。它一如既往地包含了异想天开的对话、美丽的风景描写以及寓言/神话元素，就像这位作者的许多其他小说和故事一样。

"A Rose for Ecclesiastes" chronicles the meeting of two civilizations - the ancient Martians, lost in the contemplation of the past, and the forward-pushing Earthmen. A poet with an uncanny gift for languages goes to a Martian temple to study ancient texts and falls in love with a beautiful temple dancer. The story explores themes such as religious fatalism, the value of love and beauty, and the importance of living in the moment.

"The Monster and the Maiden" is a two-page palate cleanser that offers a funny reversal of expectations, bringing a smile to the reader's face after the more serious stories that precede it.

"Collector's Fever" is slightly longer than two pages and belongs to the same category of subversive writing that mocks our human foible of collecting trophies from the natural world.

"This Mortal Mountain" is similar to the first story in the collection, dealing with adventurers and extreme sports. It explores the idea of seeing the impossible as a challenge to be overcome and the hubris that comes with the conqueror label. The account of a climb up the slopes of the highest mountain in the galaxy is thrilling, complicated by what appears to be attacks by the gods of the mountain. The story once again blurs the line between scientific observation and allegory, examining the motivations of the lead character from a metaphysical perspective.

"This Moment of the Storm" is perhaps my favorite story in the collection. It attempts to answer the eternal question of our human condition. The story presents various popular definitions of man but questions whether they are sufficient to describe the man of the future, especially in light of the upheavals caused by space travel and deep freeze hibernation. Godfrey Justin Holmes, a Hell Cop on the planet Tierra del Cygnus, finds himself facing an existential crisis when a devastating storm hits the station. The story beautifully weaves together elements of action, allegory, and philosophy, exploring themes such as the meaning of home, the price of travel, and the role of man in the universe.

"The Great Slow Kings" is a shorter story that can be read as a fun game or as a more serious exploration of the existentialist dilemma.

"A Museum Piece" is about the condition of the artist, who must choose between remaining true to his vision and finding a way to make a living. The story is whimsical and romantic, showing the author in a less gloomy mood.

"Divine Madness" is a great exercise in style that may have inspired a famous video by Coldplay.

"Corrida" is a very short story that, like the earlier story about dragons and maidens, subverts expectations with a role change. Overall, this collection is a wonderful showcase of Roger Zelazny's talent as a science fiction writer and poet. His stories are not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, challenging us to think about the human condition, our place in the universe, and the choices we make.

Fortunately, I was able to find the Avon Books edition that was printed in 1974. It was in very good condition, which was a pleasant surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed the 15 short stories it contained, each one presenting some kind of strange and captivating tale. As a reader of the Amber series, I was pleased to find some similar tough guy stories within this collection, although there were only a few.

Some parts of the stories were slightly slangy, which made them a bit hard to understand at times. However, I was so drawn into the dreams and the desire to see the end that I didn't let this minor obstacle deter me. Most of the stories showcased Zelazny's remarkable capability of creating a wide variety of tales.

This Moment of the Storm stood out as being unique, with its J. G. Ballard type New Wave science fiction elements. A Rose for Ecclesiastes was also not bad, although it was slightly sentimental. Overall, it was a great read that I would highly recommend to others.