Gordon R. Dickson Books

Description /Buy link takes you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Gordon R. Dickson was a Canadian author best known for the Dorsai series of novels. While his work wasn’t quite as renowned among mainstream audiences as Heinlein’s Starship Troopers, he accrued more critical acclaim, which is why he was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame (Science Fiction and Fantasy).

Print:

Dickson was born in 1923 in Edmonton, Alberta. He stayed in Edmonton until his father died. Then he migrated to Minneapolis with his mother. That was in 1937. The author spent the early to mid-40s in the US Army (1943-46). Eventually, circumstances took him to the University of Minnesota.

People that know Dickson for his novels might be surprised to learn that his first published piece of fiction was ‘Trespass’, a short story. Dickson cannot take all the credit for the short story because he collaborated with Poul Anderson to write it. It eventually appeared in ‘Fantastic Stories Quarterly’ in 1950.

The next three stories Dickson published he wrote on his own. They appeared in ‘Astounding Science Fiction’ and ‘Planet Stories’. Dickson’s first novel was ‘Alien from Arcturus’. The novel, which was published in 1956, had a seriousness that went on to appear in the author’s later works, with the Dorsai series being the most popular.

The Dorsai books attempted to explore humanity’s evolutionary potential as Dickson saw it. He introduced a genetic offshoot of humankind that he used to explore various ethical quandaries. Interestingly enough, Dickson’s earlier works were humorous, especially the radio plays and westerns.

The stories he wrote became more tragic over time. Though, his admirers have noted that he had an uncanny ability to blend serious themes with a light-hearted, and even comical tone. The Canadian filled his stories with opposing figures and forces that had to learn to corporate for the greater good. Dickson performed meticulous research for his books and it showed in the impressive detail that appeared in his work.

Gordon R. Dickson Awards

Dickson’s collection of accolades includes the Hugo Award (1965, 1981), Nebula Award (1967), and the British Fantasy Society Award (1977).

Gordon R. Dickson Books Into Movies

Rankin/Bass produced an animated movie in 1982 called ‘The Flight of Dragons’. It was based on the Gordon R. Dickson novel ‘The Dragon and the George’.

Best Gordon R. Dickson Books

People have called the author gregarious and engaging. He died in 2001. Some of Dickson’s best novels include:

Dorsai: No other race on the fourteen worlds that humanity calls home compares to the Dorsai. They are the ultimate warriors, strong, honorable, fierce, respected, and feared in equal parts. Because the Dorsai has mastered war, they have become an invaluable force among those circles that rely on mercenaries to do their work.

One Dorsai stands out even among his people. As tall and hardy as the Dorsai are, Graeme is taller and hardier. His talents have exceeded even those of his people. Once Graeme begins his journey, nothing will remain the same.

Dorsai is the first novel in the Childe Cycle series. It introduces readers to a universe where every world has a specialized society that has nurtured specific skills and attributes. The Dorsai live in a world filled with talented fighters.

Because their world lacks resources, the Dorsai spend their days selling their skills to planetary governments that require mercenaries. On the surface, Graeme, the hero, looks just like any other Dorsai that came before him. But as he ventures into the stars, it quickly becomes clear that Graeme has an extraordinary destiny.

The Dragon and The George: Jim Eckert was determined to get his betrothed back. He was willing to make any sacrifice. He thought he understood the stakes. But then he followed Angie through an astral projection machine. When he woke up, Jim was shocked to find that he had landed in the body of a dragon.

Angie was still human, but her fate wasn’t any better. The world they now inhabited was filled with magical creatures and monsters. To these beasts, humans were food. One such beast, a dragon, had captured Angie. Jim had to get her back, a task that was easier said than done.

Before he could put his plan into motion, Jim had to come to terms with his new reality, one in which logic had gone out the window and magic had come to life.

When Does The Next Gordon R. Dickson book come out?

Gordon R. Dickson doesn't seem to have an upcoming book. Their newest book is No Shield from the Dead and was released on November, 17th 2014. It is the newest book in the Gordon R. Dickson Short Stories/Novellas.

Home » Author » Gordon R. Dickson