RIP Ian M. Banks

One of the most interesting authors of science fiction has died, aged 59.
Read this article in the Guardian.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2013/jun/09/iain-banks-dies-59-cancer

I remember the first book I read, Excession, and was impressed by the scope and the multiversity of the Culture-Universe.

May he rest in peace.

UNKLE - Lonely Soul (Fighter Pilot)

Arthur C. Clarke - The Sands of Mars

Arthur C. Clarke - The Sands of Mars, a photo by ortokur01 on Flickr.

Cover by Vincent di Fate - 1974

Atomic Energy by H.D. Smyth - 1945

Atomic Energy - A General Account of the Development of Methods of Using Atomic Energy for Military Purposes under the Auspices of the United States Government 

This little paperback caught my eye, when I was strolling through the Portobello Flea Market in London, a few weeks ago. It cost only a few pounds, and I bought it because I am interested in the history of WW 2 and also the first days of nuclear technology. In the forties and fifties, it seemed there was no limit for the use of atomic power. So, this was a genuine document from this time, written for the public (and authorized by the powers-that-be).  And - quite special, when you look at it with the eyes of a non-UK-resident of the 21st century - it was printed an published by "His Majesty Stationery Office" - I do not know it this office still exists.

It is a interesting read - and according to my research, a quite cheap buy. 

The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction

Untitled, a photo by alittleblackegg on Flickr.

A very special cover by Frank Kelly Freas - from the year 1956