Ubik, and more

[ChairmanAgnostic]

just finished a great collection of Phil Dick stories. Each was written in the 1960s, the earliest, 20 yrs before his death.

What really got my attention was his personal timeline. Relationships, amphetamines, LSD, mental institutions, constant debt and money problems, more institutions, and some obvious mental distress throughout his life. Yet, he was clearly a creative genius, and was able to see (and write) about connections, causes and effects, and observe humans at their very worst, and best.

If you have not had a chance to read Ubik, grab a copy someplace. A decent library (if they are still open after 8 yrs of Bush) will help.

[Orrex]

1. Glad you enjoyed it!

I've read just about all of his novels and most of his short stories. Call me a fan!

For my money, sections of VALIS are as solid as any science fiction ever written.

(Incidentally, there were times when he literally lived on dog food.)

[ChairmanAgnostic]

2. Valis was rewritten, what twice?

A hell of a story.

[Orrex]

3. ?? Do you mean the trilogy, or the novel itself?

I wasn't aware that it had be rewritten, except in the way that novels are frequently reworked during the editing process.

But The Divine Invasion and Radio Free Albemuth are also very good, though I prefer the latter to the former.

[PufPuf23]

6. Radio Free Albemuth was the first draft of Valis and PKD

essentially re-wrote the novel

The "trilogy" is Valis, The Divine Invasion, and The Transmigration of Bishop Timothy Archer (published around the time of his death and based upon his friendship with Bishop Pike). PKD calls the three books a "trilogy" -- related in theme but not in characters nor story line -- in a letter to one of his daughters that has been published in a non-fiction and other writing collection -- do not recall which one now.

Radio Free Albemuth reminds me so much of the world today (Aramchek).

Transmigration has PKD's best femaile character and is a very accessible novel.

I am most fond of The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldrith and Martian Time-Slip.

PKD's post death straight novels are quite good IMO.

[JitterbugPerfume]

4. Ubik was the first PKD I read

It was recommended years ago by a long ago DUer , Kef.

[PufPuf23]

5. There is a great PKD bio by Lawrence Sutin, nt