I Read Books: The Rediscovery of Man
Cordwainer Smith
Smith* wrote a series of science fiction stories about a future ruled (mostly) by the Lords of Instrumentality. The stories are strange and hard and in many cases influenced by legends and traditions from China. If you are interested in science fiction, the development of it, the paths not chosen, a well-informed view of East Asia used to create unusual societies (for Western readers) or simply some very interesting thoughts on what it means to be human (and to love) then this collection is indispensable.
You might not like it.
Read This: For some classic SF that’s not what you expect
Don’t Read This: If strangeness in story, society and character all at once is not for you
In Addition: Amongst my father's books is the collection Space Lords which contains four stories, three of them in this collection, and one, Drunkboat that isn't. Drunkboat is about love and death and lies and agony and travelling through strange dimensions. It is a powerful and interesting work, but probably inessential compared to at least half of the tales in The Rediscovery of Man.
* A pseudonym
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