Star Science Fiction No. 6, the final volume of Ballantine Books’ “Star Science Fiction” anthologies published from 1953 to 1959, presents a notable example of the evolution of Richard Powers’ art. His earlier cover illustrations for the series are straightforwardly representational, albeit stylistically distinctive in terms of the use of color, and, the depiction of human figures and technology. (See particularly Volumes 1 and 2.) This cover, however, akin to some of Powers’ other illustrations from the late 50s and early 60s, marks a strong turn toward the abstract. Three human-like forms are present, with the two largest figures painted in a style bearing a odd resemblance to wandjina figures of Australian Aboriginal mythology: These have a vaguely humanoid shape, being formed of concentric patterns of contrasting colors.
Against these, the only genuinely human form appears as a small female figure in the lower center of the image. But, this figure too, is symbolic: There are no facial features, and “she” wears only the vaguest representation of a space helmet. And, unlike Powers’ earlier science fiction covers which present alien skies and strange extraterrestrial landscapes in a variety of colors and patterns, the background here is simple: Red, red, and more red, with just a hint of brown land at the very bottom.
As for the stories within? Oh, yeahhh… (!) Well – * ahem * – the book is in my literary “queue”. (At least, somewhere.) Though – Cordwainer Smith being one of my favorite science fiction authors – I did at least read “Angerhelm” some years ago!
Contents
Danger! Child at Large, by C.L. Cottrell (Charles Cottrell)
Twin’s Wail, by Elizabeth Mann Borgese
The Holy Grail, by Tom Purdom
Angerhelm, by Cordwainer Smith
The Dreamsman, by Gordon R. Dickson
To Catch an Alien, by John J. McGuire
Press Conference, by Miriam Allen deFord
Invasion from Inner Space, by Howard Koch
