This is the only free Jack Vance work I have found online as a free ebook download. Maybe it's not great literature, but on the other hand, one must keep in mind that there simply is no bad Jack Vance. This short story, Sjambak, is a run-of-the-mill sf short story of the kind that appeared in pulp magazines through the 40s, 50s and 60s. Writer's like Vance cranked out slightly interesting and amusing yarns like this by the dozen to put coin in their pocket.
But Vance is most likely the greatest sf writer of them all, though far less known than the "big guns" such as Asimov, Heinlein and Bradbury. But Vance is a far, far superior writer to all of the above, (yes, even Bradbury) and the primary reason for that is his extremely unique and elegant style.
Sjambak merely hints at the brilliant potential of Vance. Readers who have read only this story should not make a judgment on Vance until they have read his novels, such as "The Demon Princes" or the sublime "The Planet of Adventure" series. Some of Vance's shorter novels, such as The Dragon Masters and The Last Castle (the latter actually a long short story) are nothing less than literary work of art. There is no true joy like reading a Jack Vance book.
Downloand this short story free for Kindle, Nook and other formats here: SJAMBAK
THE MAN IN THE NOTHING CHAMBER: CLICK HERE
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI confirm that this link is probably the only free e-book of JV on the web.
And I completely agree with what was said, Not because I have read most of SF books but precisely because I have read some those of Jack Vance and I tell you; This stories persists in mind because of the suggested net imageries.
I think that thanks for the valuabe information and insights you have so provided here.
ReplyDeletefree ebook download