John Norman: Tarnsman of Gor (Paperback, 1978, Del Rey)
mass market paperback
English language
Published Jan. 12, 1978 by Del Rey.
Duidelijk simpel avonturenverhaal uit de jaren 60. Vrij ongeloofwaardige plotwendingen. Leest wel lekker weg als pulplectuur voor tussendoor.
This is a good read in the science-fantasy vein of ERB’s Barsoom series. There are themes of slavery, exploitation, sexual and otherwise, and caste consciousness that may offend 21st century sensibilities however I find them presented in a way by the main character that, even nearly a half-century ago questioned those practices and the attitudes that sustained them.
So, I finally read the first book of the infamous Gor series. It was not as fetish-laden as I had come to expect based on discussions of this series. Norman is more blatant with his sexism, but I've seen similar from other authors from the 60s. Niven, Heinlein, I think Norman is in illustrious company. But from what I hear the series gets even worse as it goes on, so I have little desire to continue.
All in all the book was OK mainly because it wasn't just as bad as I had expected. "Sexist pulp" sums it up pretty much.
