''Polyphemus'' is a collection of

science fiction Science fiction (often shortened to sci-fi or abbreviated SF) is a genre of speculative fiction that deals with imaginative and futuristic concepts. These concepts may include information technology and robotics, biological manipulations, space ...

fantasy Fantasy is a genre of speculative fiction that involves supernatural or Magic (supernatural), magical elements, often including Fictional universe, imaginary places and Legendary creature, creatures. The genre's roots lie in oral traditions, ...

and horror stories by American writer Michael Shea. It was released in

1987 Events January * January 1 – Bolivia reintroduces the Boliviano currency. * January 2 – Chadian–Libyan conflict – Battle of Fada: The Military of Chad, Chadian army destroys a Libyan armoured brigade. * January 3 – Afghan leader ...

Arkham House Arkham House was an American publishing house specializing in weird fiction. It was founded in Sauk City, Wisconsin, in 1939 by August Derleth and Donald Wandrei to publish hardcover collections of H. P. Lovecraft's best works, which had ...

. It was published in an edition of 3,528 copies and was the author's first hardcover book. Most of the stories originally appeared in ''

The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction ''The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction'' (usually referred to as ''F&SF'') is a U.S. fantasy and science-fiction magazine, first published in 1949 by Mystery House, a subsidiary of Lawrence Spivak's Mercury Press. Editors Anthony Bouche ...

''.

''Polyphemus'' contains the following stories: *"Foreword", by

Algis Budrys Algirdas Jonas "Algis" Budrys (January 9, 1931 – June 9, 2008) was a Lithuanian-American science fiction author, copy editing, editor and critic. He was also known under the pen names Frank Mason, Alger Rome in collaboration with Jerome ...

* "Polyphemus" * "The Angel of Death" * "Uncle Tuggs" * "The Pearls of the Vampire Queen" * "The Horror on the #33" * "The Extra" * "The Autopsy"

Reception

Chris Gilmore suggested readers unfamiliar with Shea's work "will do best to approach him through the showcase collection ''Polyphemus''". David Pringle described ''Polyphemus'' as "colourful SF stories, mostly latter-day bug-eyed monster tales and all with a fantastic or horrific tinge" and compared Shea's work to that of

Clark Ashton Smith Clark Ashton Smith (January 13, 1893 – August 14, 1961) was an influential American writer of fantasy, horror, and science fiction stories and poetry, and an artist. He achieved early recognition in California (largely through the enthusiasm ...

and

Jack Vance John Holbrook Vance (August 28, 1916 – May 26, 2013) was an American mystery, fantasy, and science fiction writer. He also wrote several mystery novels under pen names, including Ellery Queen. Vance won the World Fantasy Award for Life Ach ...

. Pringle rated ''Polyphemus'' two stars out of four.David Pringle,''The Ultimate Guide To Science Fiction''.New York: Pharos Books: St.Martins Press, 1990. (p.269). "The Autopsy" was adapted by

David S. Goyer David Samuel Goyer (born December 22, 1965) is an American filmmaker, novelist, and comic book writer. He is best known for writing the screenplays and stories for several superhero films, including '' Nick Fury: Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.'' (1998), t ...

for the Netflix horror anthology show ''

Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities Guillermo () is the Spanish form of the male given name William. The name is also commonly shortened to 'Guille' or, in Latin America, to nickname 'Memo'. People * Guillermo Amador (born 1974), American musician * Guillermo Amor (born 1967), Spani ...

'' (2022). It was directed by David Prior, and starred F. Murray Abraham as Dr. Carl Winters,

Glynn Turman Glynn Turman (born January 31, 1947) is an American actor. First coming to attention as a child actor in the original 1959 Broadway production of ''A Raisin in the Sun'', Turman is known for his roles as Lew Miles on the prime-time soap opera '' ...

as sheriff Nate Craven, and Luke Roberts as Elliott Sykes.

References

Sources

* * * * 1987 short story collections Science fiction short story collections Fantasy short story collections Horror short story collections {{1980s-horror-story-collection-stub

Contents

Reception

References

Sources