this is the 200th in my series of forgotten or seldom read books
The Complete Paratime by H. Beam Piper, Ace, 2001, trade paper, science fiction – Paratime Police series
“These stories, first published in Astounding Science Fiction during the late forties and early fifties, are the foundation of Piper’s reputation as one of the great sf adventure writers. Together they display Piper’s lifelong interest in history and alternate worlds, and the time theories of J.W. Dunne.”
– from the introduction by John F. Carr
This is one of those trade sized collections that I find so hard to resist, I bought it a few years back. I’d read other H. Beam Piper stories including the ones featuring Fuzzy, and liked them well enough, but the Paratime Police tales are superior.
This collection contains five longish Paratime Police stories and the short novel Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen. Of the stories, I think the best are “Police Operation” and “Time Crime” but the best reading, and to me the most entertaining, was the Lord Kalvan. It’s one of those fun stories in which a modern man goes into the past and is able to use his knowledge to advantage.
In this case the modern man is a Pennsylvania State Trooper circa 1964 who is “drafted into the Paratime Police and is sent to a parallel timeline with a civilization about equivalent to 16th century Europe. Isn’t it lucky he studied history in college and his favorite topic was the history of weapons? Comes in mighty handy.
This was an easy, fun read. I was sorry when I turned the last page, I would have liked more if it.
Tip the Wink 
I really enjoyed Piper’s work back in the old days.
Didn’t we all, and I think they’re just as much fun today.
Thanks Richard – all new to me 🙂
This is light stuff, Sergio, but you might enjoy it.
OK, you sold me. I don’t know these but it sounds good and my library has it.
I hope you enjoy reading this. Old fashioned, but fun.
Like Bill, I loved H. Beam Piper’s books back in the Sixties. This is a great collection. I considered reviewing it for TIME TRAVEL WEEK. Maybe next year….
I thought you might do this one for Time Travel Week, George. You’ll enjoy rereading this.
I’ve read some of these. Been a long time though
Sorry-sometimes the link you send me doesn’t work. So I take it down and wait for it to come up on my links. And then I forget!
I guess the link won’t work until I put up the post… or something. Anyway, thanks.
I missed Piper back in the old days, but the new days are a’comin’. Thanks!
My pleasure, Matt. Enjoy!
For a fan of science fiction, I have missed out on H. Beam Piper. Thanks for the review, Richard.
These stories do sound very good, and I have never heard of the author. I will be on the lookout for this.