FIRST CONTACT & EXPLORATION TEAM

Murray Leinster (1896-1975) saw his first book published in 1930, but he's best known for more than a thousand short stories and novelettes, many classics of contemplative science fiction. Here are two of his best. In fact, "First Contact" is one of the most frequently reprinted stories in all of science fiction. David Warner reads in a flat, resonant, careful voice. He employs some inflection but not a whole lot, avoiding flamboyance in favor of minor variations in tone to distinguish the few characters. The musical interludes are interesting, somewhat futuristic without being a collection of random noise. Leinster's classic stories are well worth hearing even today. D.W. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/JUL 98]