VLSI@DEC-MARLBORO@sri-unix.UUCP (10/03/83)
From: Roger H. Goun <VLSI at DEC-MARLBORO> Eric (...!seismo!umcp-cs!aplvax!eric) brought up the subject of the worst SF around, "the stuff written by authors that know nothing about the field but just want to cash in." The worst SF novel I can ever recall reading, and a classic example of what eric describes, is ARMADA, by Michael Jahn. (My library is still packed from a recent move, so I'm not absolutely sure of the author's name.) The plot, and I use the term loosely, revolves around an attempt to destroy a huge alien battleship. The aliens (who are never described -- that would require that the author use his imagination) send scoutships down to Earth's surface. These scoutships reduce people to black sludge and carry them off to be eaten. Space shuttles such as Columbia figure prominently in this little drama, but the capabilities which are ascribed to them are ludicrous. I will not describe the ending, not because I fear a spoiler, but because many of you would die of laughter in front of your terminals if I did. I seem to recall being awestruck that the author was associated with The New York Times, though I don't remember in what capacity. Has anyone else seen this book, or was I the only one foolish enough to shell out for it? -- Roger Goun DEC, Hudson, MA VLSI@DEC-Marlboro.ARPA --------