The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester is a classic of science fiction, blending a brutal, high-stakes narrative with philosophical depth. This relentless, fast-paced tale follows Gully Foyle, a vengeful and nearly indestructible antihero, as he embarks on a quest for revenge after being stranded in deep space. His journey takes him through an expansive, dystopian universe marked by space travel, corporate intrigue, and personal transformation. The novel is widely regarded as a precursor to cyberpunk, with its sharp focus on personal power, social systems, and revenge. This First Vintage Books Edition features an Introduction by Neil Gaiman and is Compiled and Edited by Alex and Phyllis Eisenstein, adding further depth and context to this groundbreaking work of speculative fiction. A must-read for fans of bold and visionary science fiction.
Editorial Reviews
“A blazing, fast-paced adventure with an antihero at its center who is both unsympathetic and magnetic, The Stars My Destination is one of science fiction’s most daring and essential works. Alfred Bester’s vision of space, revenge, and human frailty remains unmatched in its intensity and creativity.” —Publishers Weekly
“A tale of vengeance, space travel, and self-discovery, Bester’s novel stands as one of the genre’s great works, influencing generations of writers and readers. This edition is enriched by Neil Gaiman’s insightful introduction, offering a modern context to a work that has long been a touchstone in science fiction.” —The New York Times
About the Author
Alfred Bester (1913–1987) was an American author and editor known for his innovative contributions to science fiction. Best known for The Stars My Destination and The Demolished Man, his works often explore themes of psychology, society, and individual freedom. A pioneer in blending genre fiction with literary sophistication, Bester’s style is marked by his sharp prose, complex characters, and boundary-pushing ideas. He was a Hugo Award winner and played an influential role in the Golden Age of science fiction, pushing the genre’s boundaries with his psychological depth and fast-paced storytelling. His unique narrative approach and complex themes have earned him a lasting legacy in the science fiction community.
### **Genres to Categorize the Book**:
* **Science Fiction**
* **Dystopian Fiction**
* **Cyberpunk**
* **Space Opera**
* **Classic Science Fiction**
* **Adventure Fiction**
* **Philosophical Fiction**
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### **Summary Recap**:
This edition of *The Stars My Destination* by Alfred Bester, which includes an **Introduction by Neil Gaiman** and is **compiled and edited by Alex and Phyllis Eisenstein**, offers an opportunity to rediscover a groundbreaking science fiction classic. A true vision of the genre’s potential, it’s a must-have for any fan of **dystopian**, **cyberpunk**, or **space opera** fiction.
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