The Redward Edward Papers

The Redward Edward Papers is a 1978 collection of science fiction and fantasy stories by Avram Davidson, featuring six novelettes and short stories. The collection includes both previously published works from magazines like The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction and Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, as well as the never-before-published title story. The book's structure is enhanced by editorial contributions from Michael Kurland and Randall Garrett, plus Davidson's own afterwords following each story. The title piece, "The Redward Edward Papers," is divided into five distinct sections that form an interconnected narrative. The collection earned recognition in the science fiction and fantasy community, receiving a World Fantasy Award nomination for Best Anthology/Collection in 1979. It placed fifteenth in the 1979 Locus Poll Award for Best Single Author Collection. The stories blend elements of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery to explore themes of discovery, hidden knowledge, and the intersection of the mundane and extraordinary. Davidson's work in this collection demonstrates his ability to cross genre boundaries while maintaining narrative cohesion.

Limited reader reviews exist online for this obscure book. The few available reviews on Goodreads and other sites describe it as a collection of surreal, interconnected vignettes with complex language and unusual narrative structure. Readers appreciated: - The dreamlike atmosphere - Davidson's vocabulary and linguistic playfulness - The puzzle-like nature of piecing together the narrative Readers complained about: - The challenging, dense writing style making it hard to follow - Lack of a clear, linear plot - Difficulty determining what is real vs imagined Current ratings: Goodreads: 3.58/5 (12 ratings, 2 reviews) No Amazon reviews available The small number of published reviews suggests this is a niche book with limited readership. Several readers mentioned needing multiple readings to grasp the full meaning. One Goodreads reviewer noted: "Like trying to remember a dream - fragments that seem meaningful but slip away when examined too closely."

The Shadow of the Torturer by Gene Wolfe A far-future tale that combines hidden manuscripts, personal discoveries, and layered narratives in ways that mirror Davidson's blend of mystery and genre elements.

Little, Big by John Crowley The story unfolds through interconnected tales and family documents that reveal supernatural truths beneath everyday reality.

The Einstein Intersection by Samuel R. Delany Multiple narrative threads weave science fiction and mythology into patterns that challenge genre expectations.

Peace by Gene Wolfe The structure presents itself as a memoir while concealing deeper supernatural elements through unreliable documentation and hidden connections.

The Gormenghast Novels by Mervyn Peake The narrative combines archaic documents, rituals, and interconnected stories that reveal hidden meanings within an established order.

🏆 The book earned a World Fantasy Award nomination, demonstrating its significant impact in the fantasy genre during the late 1970s. 📚 Editor Michael Kurland, who provided the introduction, was also Davidson's literary executor and helped preserve many of his unpublished works. 🔍 The title story remained unpublished until this collection, making it a valuable addition to Davidson's published works. 📖 Davidson's stories appeared in leading magazines of the era, including The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, where he later served as editor from 1962 to 1964. ✍️ The collection is unique for including the author's personal afterwords for each story, giving readers rare insights into his creative process and inspirations.