You know how you've been told to respect your elders? Well, that applies to literature too.
When I first picked up this book, I had no idea that it was considered a classic, even seminal, work of urban fantasy and horror. Thinking it was a more modern work, I was disappointed to find that it seemed derivative and unoriginal. It was too easy to determine the supernatural elements of the story and to guess who was evil vs. trustworthy.
Then it hit me -- maybe the mid-century setting wasn't an attempt at weird noir hipsterism -- maybe the setting was mid-century because that was when it was written. Boom! Such was the case.
With my new knowledge of the novel's provenance, I saw it with new eyes. Rather than a lazy writer copying from the greats, this was a great! Jack Williamson basically set the tone for all that would come in this genre.
Admittedly, I probably should have known that given that I did my master's work on vampire mythology and food anxieties. I'll forgive myself though because I explicitly excluded almost all stories that focused on lycanthropy. (Given the cover of the novel, I don't think I've given too much away by saying that.)
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As with many science fiction novels of its time, this one also emphasizes scientific explanations for supernatural phenomenon to a degree that modern readers may find unnecessary. While some hard science science fiction still gets published and loved, most modern readers of science fiction want a bit more emphasis on characters and action. From a historical perspective, however, it is fascinating to see how writers at the time used contemporary science to explain their supernatural phenomenon.
So, go ahead and read this, but be aware that the style, dialogue, and science-heavy explanations may not be something you immediately love. This novel is still interesting and relevant, but it has definitely aged.
Have you read Darker Than You Think? If so, tell us what you think in the comments below!