The Best of Bova: Volume 2

The Best of Bova, Volume 2 from Ben Bova (1932-) is a fascinating and entertaining showcase from Bova’s long running and influential career in science fiction and astronomy. Bova has won Hugo awards for Best Professional Editor and was at the helm for a time at Analog and Science Fact and Fiction, replacing John W. Campbell in 1971. He was also an editor for Omni, the President of the Science Fiction and Fantasy writers of America, and President Emeritus of The National Space Society. As such, he is a guide for would-be space explorers and is representative of the major goals of the field. Bova was prolific, having written over one hundred books and numerous stories. Here collected are some of the fascinating stories he wrote between the 1960s and the present.

This is one of three volumes of stories from someone who was in the field since the beginning of the Space Age. Bova is very accessible and explores some interesting and topical science fiction subjects. He also has a sense of humor. He has collected great stores here and has also written wonderful novels about Mars that should be considered among the classics. Though these are not award-winning stories, this volume is a testament to the hopes, dreams, entertainment value, and concerns of the field.