The Big Time
Mar 2020 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
104
Pages
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About this ebook
The Big Time (1958) is a short science fiction novel by American writer Fritz Leiber. Awarded the Hugo Award during 1958. The storyline features members of one of two factions, both capable of time travel, engaged in a long-term conflict called "The Change War". Their method of battle involves changing the outcomes of events throughout history (temporal war). The two opposing groups are nicknamed the Spiders and the Snakes after their respective sponsors. The narrator of the novel is Greta, a young human female employed at a Recuperation Station where soldiers recover from battles. Greta is an Entertainer: part prostitute, part nurse, part psychotherapist. However, other characters narrate parts of the story in lengthy monologues about their experiences and opinions as they visit the spider-staffed facility.
About the author
Fritz Leiber (1910-1992) was a towering figure in speculative fiction, whose work spanned the realms of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Born in Chicago, Leiber was the son of Shakespearean actors, which imbued him with a deep appreciation for drama and storytelling from an early age. He initially pursued a career in acting and theology before turning to writing, a decision that would leave an indelible mark on the literary world.Leiber's most enduring creation is the sword-and-sorcery duo Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, characters who redefined the fantasy genre with their blend of swashbuckling adventure and psychological depth. His stories often explored themes of existential dread, urban alienation, and the supernatural, making him a pioneer in blending horror with science fiction.Controversially, Leiber's work sometimes delved into the darker aspects of human nature, challenging the moral binaries often found in genre fiction. His novel "The Big Time" won the Hugo Award and is celebrated for its innovative take on time travel and war.Leiber's influence extends to contemporary writers like Neil Gaiman and George R.R. Martin, who have cited his work as a significant inspiration. He was also a key figure in the development of the "New Wave" science fiction movement, which sought to elevate the genre through literary experimentation and social commentary.A master of atmosphere and a keen observer of the human condition, Fritz Leiber remains a seminal figure whose revolutionary ideas continue to resonate with readers and writers alike. His legacy is a testament to the power of speculative fiction to explore the complexities of existence.
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