Title: They Shall Have Stars
Author: James Blish
First published January 1, 1956
159 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780099086703 (ISBN10: 0099086700)
Rating: 3.76
Overview
2040 AD. The world is in a state of chaos, ravaged by natural disasters and political turmoil.
The ruling governments, once separate entities, have merged into a single entity, driven by a desire for complete control. However, a small group of rebels in the West refuse to give up hope.
They are working tirelessly behind the scenes, pursuing a project that could change the course of human history. As their work nears completion, they must navigate the dangerous political landscape and avoid detection at all costs.
Will they succeed in their mission to bring about a better future for all?
About the Author
James Benjamin Blish was an American author who wrote fantasy and science fiction. He was also known as William Atheling Jr. when he wrote literary criticism of science fiction.
In the late 1930s and early 1940s, he was a member of the Futurians. Blish trained as a biologist at Rutgers and Columbia University and served in the U.S. Army as a medical technician from 1942-1944.
After the war, he worked as the science editor for Pfizer pharmaceutical company. He started his writing career in 1940 and eventually gave up his job to become a full-time writer.
Blish is credited with coining the term “gas giant” in his story “Solar Plexus.” Originally published in 1941, the term was added in a rewrite done for the anthology Beyond Human Ken in 1952. Blish was married to the literary agent Virginia Kidd from 1947 to 1963.
He worked for the Tobacco Institute from 1962 to 1968.
From 1967 until his death in 1975 from lung cancer, Blish wrote short story collections based on the classic TV series Star Trek. He wrote 11 volumes of short stories adapted from episodes of the 1960s TV series and an original novel called Spock Must Die! in 1970.
This was the first original novel for adult readers based on the series. Blish died in the middle of writing Star Trek 12, which his wife completed.
She also finished the adaptations in the volume Mudd’s Angels.
Blish lived in Milford, Pennsylvania, at Arrowhead until the mid-1960s. He then emigrated to England, where he lived in Oxford until his death.
He is buried in Holywell Cemetery, Oxford, near the grave of Kenneth Grahame.
Editoral Review
“They Shall Have Stars” by James Blish is a science fiction classic that was first published on January 1, 1956. Blish was an American author who was known for his contributions to the science fiction genre.
He was also a prolific writer who produced many novels, short stories, and works of criticism. “They Shall Have Stars” is a novel that explores the relationship between humans and technology, and the role that science plays in shaping our future.
The novel is set in the year 2018, where the world is on the brink of a nuclear war. A group of scientists and engineers are working on a project to build a starship that can transport humans to other solar systems.
The main protagonist of the novel, Dr. Chris DeFord, is a scientist who is leading the project. He is a brilliant and ambitious man who is determined to make the starship a reality, despite facing numerous obstacles and challenges.
The novel is a compelling mix of hard science fiction and social commentary. Blish’s writing is precise and engaging, and he is able to convey complex scientific concepts in a way that is easy to understand.
The characters are well-developed and believable, and their interactions with each other are realistic and engaging.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the relationship between humans and technology. Blish is able to show how technology can both benefit and harm humanity, and he raises important questions about the role that science should play in shaping our future.
The novel also explores themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the pursuit of knowledge.
However, one of the weaknesses of the novel is its pacing. The novel can be slow at times, and some readers may find it difficult to stay engaged.
Additionally, the novel’s social commentary can be heavy-handed at times, and some readers may find it preachy.
Overall, “They Shall Have Stars” is a thought-provoking and engaging science fiction novel that is well worth reading. It is a classic of the genre that continues to be relevant today, and it is a testament to Blish’s skill as a writer.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who is interested in science fiction or social commentary. I give it a rating of four out of five stars.
