Piers Anthony and Robert Heinlein novels...?

Question

These are two of the best authors of the 1900's IMHO. I also liked Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, but have not read anything else by him. I would like to know what you think of these authors, and who you think is the best sci-fi author of the 1900's. Please list your favorite book(s) by any author(s) you recommend.

Answer 1

the foundation trilogy [ he has now added a fourth one ]
Issac Asimov
battlefield earth by l Ron Hubbard [don't see the film its rubbish anything by Heinlein /Arthur c Clark/ as for the best it would have to be Asimov his story NIGHTFALL is a work of sheer genius
he also writes none fiction and his auto biography is a pretty good read as well
glad to See so many sci fi buffs out there
live long and prosper

Answer 2

Anthony and Heinlein are not in the same category. Heinlein wrote when science fiction was just starting. You have to compare him to Clarke and Asimov. His books are classic. Even then, I think Clarke and Asimov are better. But I do think Heinlein has some great books, and some bad books.

Anthony is the same way. Some of his books are really great. Some of his books are just not good. There are other modern sci-fi writers, like Spider Robinson and Orson Scott Card, who don't put out bad books.

I'd say Robinson (Callahan's series and others) and Card (Ender's series) are probably two of my favorite science fiction writers. I love A. C. Clarke's Rama series, too.

On the fantasy side, I love Mercedes Lackey and Terry Pratchett. Pratchett's Discworld books are my absolute favorite!

Answer 3

Piers Anthony is nowhere near the writer that Heinlein was. Even though Heinlein's books don't always wear well, he was one of the best writers of the 20th century.

Others: Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Terry Pratchett, Connie Willis.

Answer 4

I agree with everyone who said Stranger in a Strange Land is a classic. Other people have mentioned Harlan Ellison and Terry Prachett, also very good. (As a caveat, my brother hates Harlan Ellison, on the grounds of pretentiousness. Okay, true, the guy seems to think he's god's gift to writing, but that doesn't make his writing bad.)

Huxley's Doors of Perception is not sci/fi, but worth a peruse.

If you are willing to stretch the 'sci/fi' category, I highly recommend Neil Gaiman's American Gods. Anansi Boys, sort of vaguely a sequel to American Gods, is a fun read, but not a potential classic.

Answer 5

Piers Anthony used to be my favorite but the Xanth novels have just gotten too boring lately. And the way he tries to sneak sexual innuendos in - childish. So am off him

I agree "Stranger in a Strange Land" is a classic. Worth reading again.

Terry Pratchett's Disc World books are good if you like goofy novels. Kind of like grown up Piers Anthony.

Answer 6

I've read stuff by Heinlein (time travel stuff can't remember the title though) and Huxley. I thought they were very good but I would also suggest George Orwell as a great writer in this field.

Answer 7

Ohh...I hated Brave New World.
But I absolutely love Heinlein -- especially his shorter stories. He's one of those authors who can switch well from short fiction to longer fiction.

Answer 8

Heinlein's "Stranger In A Strange Land" was one of my favorites. Harlan Ellison too.

Answer 9

heinleins great and anthonys good.you should check out orson scott card-start with enders game.
stephen r donaldson-the gap cycle
dune series by frank herbert
hechee series by frederik pohl
robert silverberg is another good writer

out of all these i would say card is the best!

Answer 10

Piers Anthony has written far too many crappy books for me to take the good ones seriously