The Voyage of the Space Beagle
By A. E. van Vogt

This book comes from the "Golden Age" of science-fiction - a period usually thought of as being the 1940's. The novel itself was published in 1950 but is composed of four stories published the previous decade (a so-called "fix-up" novel). Van Vogt is a new author to me.

The Voyage of the Space Beagle is considered a classic of the science-fiction genre and contains some of his first or earliest published work. It has had a significant influence on later science-fiction, especially films like Forbidden Planet and Alien, as well as TV series like Star Trek. The setting is a spaceship on a scientific survey mission, much like Darwin's original Beagle. It encounters some alien creatures, most of whom are hostile and dangerous. As well as some exciting action, the book explores the workings of science, in particular, Vogt's ideas of the compartmentalisation of the various scientific fields - his "nexialism" discipline aims to bring them together as a whole. The book also explores relations on board between the scientists and their leadership. There is a form of democracy on the ship but also a surprising amount of discord between some members of the scientific body.

This is a short read and one that contains plenty of action, even though some of it feels slightly dated. The "Discord in Scarlet" section includes a particularly horrifying and dangerous alien, one that could inspire some nightmares in a reader less inured to modern science-fiction horror (like Alien). It might be a little old-fashioned sometimes but this is mainly the way the men (there are only men on board!) interact and think: the civilian scientists have a somewhat military bearing as well. In some ways it is refreshing: direct and to the point. Like an older black and white film, men are in suits perhaps but the film is still great. I will read more van Vogt.

As a last word: it is not uncommon for people to believe that we're cleverer today, more intelligent and sophisticated than those that came before us. At least those before the twentieth century. But this is not true. People of the Middle Ages, for instance, certainly had less scientific or technological knowledge, but were no less intelligent. I had a slight prejudice against older science-fiction in the same way but realise now how wrong this is, having read a bit now and thought about it. It is a genre of ideas and the science or technology is just one aspect, and not necessarily an important one.

The Science Fiction Encyclopedia has an entry on the Golden Age of science-fiction. This is a great resource. Online only now but I was very lucky to find a paperback copy going cheaply in a charity shop a few months ago.

I visited the Burrell for the first time a few weeks ago. I've been meaning to visit for years.

The main reason to go was a look at the Degas exhibition before it closed. Being a huge admirer of the works of the great French artist, the exhibition was the big push I needed to get over there. I took the bus for a change, then a short (two stop) train journey from Glasgow Central (to Pollokshaws West), a short walk through the lovely park and arriving at the newly refurbished and fixed Collection building. It's been closed for a few years to have its roof fixed.

What can we say about Degas? He's usually classed as an "Impressionist", having exhibited in their exhibitions over the years (from 1874), but his work always differed substantially from the other artists so described (like Monet). He is famous for his portraits of people at work, whether ballet dancers or washer-women. An artist of the city and modern life. He did not paint en plein air as most of the Impressionists did (in fact, he was highly critical of the practice). The Burrell Collection shows how great a draftsman he was: drawings in pencil or pastel, a favourite medium.

I had a look around the rest of the collection of course and it's impressive. A bit like a mini-Victoria and Albert museum, with a collection of furniture, tapestries, carpets, armour and ceramics: amongst many other things. I was lucky on the day, with the sunshine streaming through the windows and showing off some stained glass to good effect. I'll definitely visit again. With this and the Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow has some great attractions.

Helix
By Eric Brown

British author Eric Brown was new to me, until a brief mention on the Outlaw Bookseller's YouTube channel a while ago and then a recommendation by the owner of Transreal Fiction. His 2007 novel Helix was described as a good introduction.

Well, this was a great read: an exciting and action packed science-fiction adventure story.

A colony spaceship, a crash landing, almost immediate problems with hostile aliens and then a hard journey of discovery: not new ideas and nothing groundbreaking, but Brown tells the story so well, who cares? It starts well and stays good - and then mid-way through the book is a big surprise. An unexpected twist like this can really raise everything to another level. He creates believable and sympathetic characters (both the human and non-human) and we find we care about them. In addition,the book's lean and without the usual "fat" book bloat so many of the well-known science-fiction authors tend towards nowadays. A very refreshing and pacy novel that stands on its own (even though there is a sequel I will almost certainly read).

It is such a shame that Eric died in 2023.