Babel-17 (S.F. MASTERWORKS): Samuel R. Delany

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It’s one of the most defining aspects of our humanity—and as anyone from a marginalized identity group is aware, language and vocabulary can be important in asserting one’s agency too. I thought the plot was pretty thin, and often the details about what was going on were obfuscated, at least for me, by the way the author experimented with writing styles and particularly in the way he expressed the internal thoughts of his characters.

Once you think about it - how much of the stereotype of Italians being passionate and loving, or the Germans being regimented and strict, or the French being seductive comes from the mere way their language sounds to the ears of the observer? But it’s a hell of a premise for a work of speculative fiction, and Delany runs it all the way home in a book that’s barely 200 pages.When last I heard, they were already up to the B's, but I'm sure they don't have a thing on Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaavdqx. At the beginning of the book, Rydra has already determined that Babel-17 isn’t a code, it’s a language. What I already know is only this: your name, and that some time ago you worked for Military Cryptography. Today it might be hard to difficult to publish a work like this that is so specific and primarily plot and idea driven that just a small minority, even of the readers with interest in Sci-Fi, might find it satisfying.

It’s no secret that I’ve had occasion to dispute the ‘Masterworks’ label of Gollancz’ famous reprint series, but when it comes to Delany you’ll get no argument from me. i am collecting these books, but am very picky about it being this particular edition - i want all the covers to match. Perhaps it may be a little difficult in places, but if you devote a bit more time to read it through, it is a very rewarding experience.Humanity has encountered other races from other galaxies, some of whom are part of an Alliance with them and others who are enemies referred to as Invaders. It is briefly mentioned in "Babel-17" as a series of books the characters are familiar with, making it part of that interesting genre of fictional works within fictional works.