Jack Williamson has been one of my favorite authors for as long
as I've been reading Science Fiction. He published his first short
story in 1928. (Can you say, "Before the Golden Age?" I
knew you could!) During his long career, he has written some
of the most ground-breaking prose in Science Fiction. Even Sir Arthur
C. Clarke considers him one of America's best (according to a blurb on
the front cover). Its not surprising that he has become really good at
what he does -- he's had a lot of time to practice.
Terraforming Earth is another high water mark for Mr.
Williamson. It is the story of the struggle to replace and replenish
mother earth after a catastrophic meteor strike. Even as the hammer
fell, some elements of mankind were almost ready to survive.
A small band of humans escapes to the moon to set up a base where,
in time, mankind and the natural world we know today will live again.
This is more than just a scientific tour-de-force, however. Mr.
Williamson is always at his best in describing the manner in which
people interact. That fateful band who reached the moon is cloned
again and again over the millenia in attempt after attempt to
Terraform Earth. In the end, nature succeeds while they are in
hibernation.
As an interesting note, while the final band lives again and
again over the millenia, their basic reactions tend to be similar
(although modified by circumstances). This would lead one to believe
that Mr. Williamson is somewhat of an agnostic in the Nature vs. Nurture
debate, as am I.
What can I say, except to note that Mr. Williamson has indeed,
"Still got it!" Live long and keep writing, Jack!
