Note: In All the Colors of the Rainbow, several characters use the word nigger. Forty-Plus Years makes a huge difference in perception. However, in 1973, the active role (rescuing the hero, braving dangers) probably seemed refreshing. They are often beautiful and easily available for the hero's pleasure. Yes, some are brave and smart, in the case of the Helper, the Hero could not accomplish his Quest without her, but still, the women seem to be always the same - help the hero, sacrifice for the hero, give all for the hero. None are the center of the quest or the Doer of Actions. Women are either the Villain (Halfling, Venus), the Helper (Citadel, Venus, Gone Forever), or Damsel/Mother (Dancing Girl, Rainbow, Truants). All the stories take place from the male viewpoint. My big qualm with the stories is the role of women. These stories obviously pre-date the current science which understands there is no life and no way for humans to exist on most of these planets. Several have a fantasy tone (think, Conan the Barbarian) where the SpaceMan comes to the Primitive Tribes, and most take place on other planets, mostly in our solar system. Overall, this is an interesting collection of science-fiction tales.
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