Henry Kuttner, The Last Mimzy

The Last Mimzy

Henry Kuttner

Del Rey, Mar 23 2007, $13.95

ISBN: 0345497554

The title to Ray Bradbury's Introduction to these seventeen stories succinctly sums up this collection: "A Neglected Master". This reviewer cannot recall reading any of Henry Kuttner's tales before this "reprint" as the author died almost fifty years ago, but had not had a following like Tolkien or Heinlein, etc. Apparently, Mr. Kuttner's tale "Mimsy Were the Borogoves" serves as the basis for a film "The Last Mimzy" (at least we understand the title).

The anthology is top-rate as it runs the gamut from science fiction to fantasy; robots out of control to gnomes out of control to angels out of control to aliens out of control; all sharing in common the proud belief they are right (sounds sort of familiar in DC the last few years). My personal favorite is Mr. Kuttner's take on social issues like the real "The Cold War", "The Housing Problem" remains relevant and "The Iron Standard" where a stubbornly proud alien race is neither hostile nor friendly, just rigid, leading to serious issues. This is a delightful collection as the speculative audience will appreciate the wide range of Mr. Kuttner who used science fiction and fantasy to focus on societal problems that are still issues today.

Harriet Klausner