The Best of Harry Harrison


The Best of Harry Harrison is a 1976 novel written by Harry Harrison.

Plot summary

The Best of Harry Harrison is a novel in which a curated anthology spans nearly two decades of Harrison's career, offering readers a cross-section of his short fiction. The collection includes fantasy, science fiction, and genre-defying tales, each prefaced with personal commentary from Harrison himself. These introductions provide insight into the stories' origins, thematic intentions, and private jokes. The book opens with "The Streets of Ashekelon," a piece that faced initial censorship, setting the stage for Harrison's narrative style. While humor is present—most notably in "Captain Honario Harpplayer, R.N."—the collection leans more into Harrison's capacity to critique violence and social complacency, as seen in stories like "I Always Do What Teddy Says" and "A Criminal Act."

Publication history

The Best of Harry Harrison was released by Timescape Books and introduced by Barry Malzberg.

Reception

C. J. Henderson reviewed The Best of Harry Harrison for Pegasus magazine and stated that "To review each story would take far too long. To give away any of the surprises would be unfair. The best I can do is to direct people to The Best of Harry Harrison and let them take it from there. I am fairly sure no one will be disappointed."

Reviews