Takeoff! is by a 1980 collection of science fiction and fantasy short stories, pastiches, and parodies, by Randall Garrett.[1]

First edition (publ. Starblaze)

Reception

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Thrust called Garrett "one of the more under-rated writers in the field" of science fiction, noting that the collection features "Most of the odd little bits of his humorous writing".[2]

Spider Robinson reviewed Takeoff! for Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, and commented that "If you are a newcomer to or a very casual reader of SF, you may miss a lot of the jokes [...] but the well-read fan will find a lot of laughs here," and further noted that the illustrations by Kelly Freas are "as always, a joy."[3]

Tom Easton likewise reviewed Takeoff! for Analog, praising it as "a collection of parodies, pastiches, reviews in verse, and groaners guaranteed to rouse at least a grin."[4]

In Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine, Baird Searles noted that although "there are moments when Garrett descends to that level between freshman and junior, a lot of it is amusing even if I didn't do a lot of thigh slapping and gut busting."[5]

Amazing Stories lauded it as "a delightful collection which people who know Randall Garrett have awaited for years,"[6] while Space Gamer/Fantasy Gamer stated that it "provide(s) an entertaining chance to enjoy some more works of a writer whose works are beginning to gain well deserved recognition as classics."[1]

Reviews

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References

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  1. ^ a b Bryant, Lynn (October–November 1988). "Book Reviews". Space Gamer/Fantasy Gamer (83). World Wide Wargames: 44–45.
  2. ^ Brown, Steve (Summer 1980). "Reviews books, etc". Thrust (15): 44–45.
  3. ^ Robinson, Spider (August 1980). "The Reference Library". Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact: 169–170.
  4. ^ Easton, Tom (October 1980). "The Reference Library". Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact: 168.
  5. ^ Searles, Baird (November 1980). "On Books". Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine: 17.
  6. ^ Staicar, Tom (May 1981). "The Interstellar Connection". Amazing Stories: 7.