Book description
The opening of The Fugitive Worlds finds Toller Maraquine II - grandson
of the hero of The Ragged Astronauts and The Wooden Spaceships -
bemoaning the fact that life on the twin planets of Land and Overland
has become dull and uneventful compared to the stirring times in which
his illustrious forebear lived. Then, while on a balloon flight between
the worlds, he makes an astonishing discovery - a rapidly growing
crystal disc, many miles across, is creating a barrier between Land and
Overland. Precipitated for personal reasons into investigating the
enigmatic disc, Toller - armed with only his sword and boundless courage
- becomes a pivotal figure in events which will decide the future of
entire planets and their civilizations. Bob Shaw (1931 - 1996)
Bob Shaw was born in Belfast in 1931. After working in engineering,
aircraft design and journalism he became a full time writer in 1975.
Among his novels are Orbitsville, A Wreath of Stars, The Ragged
Astronauts and his best-known work Other Days, Other Eyes, based on the
Nebula Award-nominated 'Light of Other Days', the story that made his
reputation. Although his SF novels and stories were for the most part
serious, Shaw was well-known in fannish circles for his sense of humour,
and his witty 'Serious Scientific Talks' were a favourite of attendees
at Eastercons. Bob Shaw won two Hugos and three BSFA Awards. He died in
1996.
