Old Mars

Old Mars is an anthology of science fiction stories edited by George R.R. Martin and Gardner Dozois. The collection features fifteen original tales from authors who reimagine Mars in the style of classic pulp science fiction. The stories draw inspiration from the romantic visions of Mars popularized in early 20th century fiction, before space exploration revealed the planet's true nature. Writers create worlds with ancient civilizations, sweeping deserts, mysterious ruins, and canal-building Martians - deliberately ignoring modern scientific knowledge in favor of nostalgia and wonder. The anthology includes contributions from established science fiction writers like Michael Moorcock, Joe R. Lansdale, and Allen M. Steele. Each story maintains its own distinct voice while paying homage to influential authors like Edgar Rice Burroughs, Ray Bradbury, and Leigh Brackett. Through these reimaginings of a mythical Mars, the collection explores humanity's enduring romance with the Red Planet and our persistent desire to find meaning, mystery, and the possibility of life beyond Earth. The stories serve as both entertainment and commentary on how science fiction reflects cultural hopes and dreams.

Readers note this anthology captures the spirit of classic pulp sci-fi stories about Mars, before modern space exploration revealed the red planet's true nature. The collection appeals most to fans of retro science fiction and those who appreciate the romantic vision of Mars from early 20th century literature. Liked: - Stories maintain scientific inaccuracies on purpose, embracing classic Mars tropes - Strong contributions from authors Allen Steele and Michael Moorcock - Nostalgic feel reminiscent of Bradbury and Burroughs Disliked: - Uneven quality across the 15 stories - Some readers found the deliberate scientific inaccuracies frustrating - Several stories described as slow-paced or meandering Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (891 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (116 ratings) One reader noted: "These stories capture the wonder of pre-1960s Mars fiction, when we could still dream of canals and ancient civilizations." Another said: "The anthology is hit-or-miss - brilliant entries mixed with forgettable ones."

Red Planet by Robert A. Heinlein This coming-of-age story set on Mars combines colonial frontier themes with Martian indigenous life in a classic planetary romance style.

A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs The first book in the Barsoom series presents Mars as a dying world with ancient civilizations, strange creatures, and sword-wielding heroes.

Moving Mars by Greg Bear This novel depicts the political and cultural tensions between Mars colonists and Earth against a backdrop of scientific discoveries and Martian independence.

Red Rising by Pierce Brown The story follows a society of color-coded castes on Mars as they navigate revolution and class warfare in a mining-based civilization.

The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury This collection of interconnected stories creates a mythological Mars where human colonization intersects with the remnants of an ancient Martian civilization.

🚀 "Old Mars" is an anthology celebrating the romanticized vision of Mars that existed in science fiction before space probes revealed the planet's true nature, hearkening back to works by authors like Edgar Rice Burroughs and Ray Bradbury. 🔍 Co-editor Gardner Dozois edited Asimov's Science Fiction magazine for 20 years and won 15 Hugo Awards for his editing work. 📚 The anthology features stories from renowned authors including Michael Moorcock, Joe R. Lansdale, and Allen M. Steele, offering their takes on a more fantastical "retro Mars." 🌟 The book deliberately ignores modern scientific knowledge about Mars, instead embracing the "planetary romance" genre where Mars has breathable air, ancient civilizations, and mysterious canals. 🎭 George R.R. Martin, before achieving fame with "A Song of Ice and Fire," began his career writing science fiction and edited several other anthologies with Gardner Dozois, making this collaboration a return to his roots.