Earthman's Burden


Earthman's Burden is a collection of science fiction stories by American writers Poul Anderson and Gordon R. Dickson. It was first published by Gnome Press in 1957. The stories involve a teddy bear-like alien race known as Hokas, and spoof a variety of fictional genres.
The story "Don Jones" was original to this collection. The other stories originally appeared in the magazines Other Worlds, Universe and Fantasy and Science Fiction.
A sequel story collection appeared in 1983 under the title Hoka!. There was also a later Hoka novel, Star Prince Charlie.
An expanded version of Earthman's Burden with two of the stories from Hoka! appeared under the title Hoka! Hoka! Hoka!.

Contents

  • "The Sheriff of Canyon Gulch"
  • "Don Jones"
  • "In Hoka Signo Vinces"
  • "The Adventure of the Misplaced Hound"
  • "Yo Ho Hoka!"
  • "The Tiddlywink Warriors"

Reception

Floyd C. Gale wrote that the stories in Earthman's Burden were "reasonably amusing. Under one cover and in company with minor works, though, the cumulative effect is less rewarding... Hoka, like pickles, is a tasty appetizer in moderation, but leaves a characteristic aftertaste if overindulged".