Robinson, Kim Stanley

(US 1952– )

The Mars trilogy, Red Mars (1992), Green Mars (1994), and Blue Mars (1997), re-established the credibility of science fiction set in space. In dealing with the colonization of another planet, Robinson raises major issues of our time—politics, economics, and the impact of technological decisions on human welfare. The three novels can be read independently but are more satisfying read in sequence. The scale of Robinson's achievement in imagining a whole history of a planet has been recognized by all the major science fiction prizes. Enjoyable for their lyrical descriptions of Martian landscapes and understanding of the way political factions manœuvre, the books will appeal to those who like topical thrillers as well as to traditional science fiction readers. Antarctica (1997) brings political debate closer to home, in an adventure story which explores green issues in the last wilderness on earth.

Ray Bradbury, Philip K. Dick, Arthur C. Clarke  RV