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Mr. Singer 9/21/06


 * Classic But Clumsy**

Poul Anderson’s __Tau Zero__ is one of the most revered Science Fiction classics – and with good reason. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t sometimes tediously boring, the characters aren’t one-dimensional, and the writing isn’t down right clumsy. What saves the book from being chucked into the ash heap of oblivion is the saving grace of most classic sci-fi – namely, one heck of a good idea. In __Zero__, Anderson acknowledges our collective desire to visit the stars and our yearning for a light speed drive to get there. However, asks Anderson, what would happen if such a device malfunctioned and we couldn’t slow down? As we traveled faster and faster through space-time (yes, Anderson adds the temporal component) not only would we get farther away from Earth, we’d also move far into the future and the universe, itself, might appear to age right before our eyes! Now that’s a scary concept! Such creativity makes up for a lot. That’s why anyone who really likes the above situation would probably enjoy the book. However, be prepared to put up with some coal among that diamond of a concept.

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