The Geomancer

9/24/07

This Man Knows How to Write

Neth Space has just posted a review of Michael Moorcock's forthcoming work, The Metatemporal Detective.I'm really glad to see he likes the book, especially since Neth confesses to being a Moorcock virgin. Those already initiated will know that pretty much everything in Mike's extensive canon takes place across the various quantum realities of his "multiverse," wherein the majority of his protagonists (and a few of his antagonists as well) are all various permutations of the same reincarnated soul. What's more, this particular book not only collects and unifies all of Mike's Seaton Begg stories, but also ties in directly with his recent Elric trilogy as well, so for Neth to declare that the book is "one of the more enjoyable books that I’ve read in a while" really makes me smile. He further says that "My immediate impression of Moorcock’s writing was one of awe and appreciation for someone who clearly is a master of language. The writing was an absolute joy to read while never becoming flippant. In mere moments, the mood was set and characters brought to life. This man knows how to write."

Update: Just noticed that The Fantasy Review posted their thoughts on The Metatemporal Detective as well, which I'm pleased to say are equally as positive: "...an entertaining collection of short stories that are highlighted by controversial figures, engagings dialogues, vivid landscapes and enigmatic characters. Moorcock does an excellent job of creating engaging mysteries that kept me guessing until the very end. If you are a fan of mystery and intrigue I would recommend checking out this book. If are a fan of Michael Moorcock’s Elric saga then this book is an absolute must read and if you don’t pick it up you should be ashamed of yourself!

Update Two: And the Library Journal says, "Moorcock's storytelling is impeccable, his humor both arch and to the point. Most libraries should consider adding this themed short story collection to their holdings."

6 comments:

  1. By the way, do you actually have the story list for this on the web somewhere Lou?

    Thanks,

    bt

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  2. The Affair of the Seven Virgins
    Crimson Eyes
    The Ghost Warriors
    The Girl Who Killed Sylvia Blade
    The Case of the Nazi Canary
    Sir Milk-and-Blood
    The Mystery of the Texas Twister
    London Flesh
    The Pleasure Garden of Felipe Sagittarius
    The Affair of the Bassin des Hivers
    The Flaneur des Arcades de l'Opera

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  3. Thanks very much!

    Was wondering which ones I had/had read.

    bt

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  4. Some come from some obscure sources. All have been revised somewhat, reworked to fit into the overall story of the book.

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  5. Yeah, which is cool. I think I have only seen 3-4.

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  6. Many were published in obscure venues and others in out of print small press works, which, I think, adds value to aggregating them here. But when we put them togther and went through them "in order" I was struck by how well they told one story.

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