Eighty Minute Hour
Brian Aldiss
A Space Opera. An ambitious, incredible - Space Opera!A science-fiction story which occasionally breaks off into song - a genuine space opera.Quite possibly Aldiss’s strangest novel, and that is saying something.
The Eighty Minute Hour
BRIAN ALDISS
Contents
Title Page (#u84a11f68-5068-5bbd-bea4-bd3985161e17)
Introduction
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
Chapter IX
Chapter X
Chapter XI
Chapter XII
Chapter XIII
Chapter XIV
Chapter XV
Chapter XVI
Chapter XVII
Chapter XVIII
Chapter XIX
Chapter XX
Chapter XXI
Chapter XXII
Chapter XXIII
Chapter XXIV
Chapter XXV
Chapter XXVI
Chapter XXVII
Chapter XXVIII
Chapter XXXIV
Chapter XXX
Chapter XXXI
Chapter XXXII
Chapter XXXIII
Chapter XXXIV
Also part of The Brian Aldiss Collection
Copyright (#litres_trial_promo)
About the Publisher
Introduction (#u3c328d58-fbdc-5028-a5e4-2912748e8ae5)
The opening paragraph of this space opera has frequently been quoted, if only by me:
Four things one particularly notices after wars of any respectable size: preparations for the next one, confidence that armed conflict is finished for ever, starvation, and feasting.
The text is operatic; I was attempting to write a space opera.
My original American publisher, Doubleday, explained everything clearly on their dust jacket, and I loved them for it: ‘Seldom has a novel been more crammed with crazy but plausible ideas, awful jokes, and nutty people. Oh, we forgot to mention the latest technological advance, the ecopicosystem. And total contraception. And all the singing and dancing. And the massive drinking scene. And the updated Adam and Eve bit … The Eighty Minute Hour is delightful entertainment – with a pinch of chilli and Attic salt added.’
I wrote the novel paragraph by paragraph while travelling with my friend Harry Harrison round the USA, pausing only to dine with Ray Bradbury, one evening by the coast.