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Seven Heavens of Summer Reading: The Platypus Reads Part XLIII

Reading "This Discarded Image" this summer has deepened my respect for the Medieval model of the cosmos. So, to honor the imaginative achievements of my ancestors, I have decided to end off this summer by posting my awards for "The Seven Heavens of Summer Reading."

Sun: The heaven of scholars could be monopolized any summer by C.S. Lewis, but as he seemed to prefer the sphere of Jove, how about an author that uses C.S. Lewis for a character? For giving us a thoroughly believable Lewis, the Sphere of the Sun goes to Peter Kreefte for "Between Heaven and Hell."

Moon: For all its twists and turns, one book this summer deserves the honor of being paired with the Sphere of Luna; and it even shares her name: "The Moon is a Harsh Mistress," by Robert Heinlein.

Mars: Last year's martial book "A Princess of Mars," is a hard act to follow. I think this year's winner is up to the task, however. In the category of glorifying courage, valour, and feats of arms "The Worm Ouroboros," by E.R. Eddison, reigns supreme.

Venus: The choice for the planet of love was easy this year: "The Allegory of Love," by C.S. Lewis. After all, what better way to celebrate Venus than by reading a book on the development of literature and ritual adultery? Buhler? Anybody...?

Mercury: In the matter of words, there were some close contenders, but the "Prince of Paradox" still holds his throne. For sheer delightfulness in language, this year's Mercury award goes to that most mercurial author, G.K.C., and "The Ball and the Cross."

Jupiter: The planet that heralds the coming of kings can go to none other than Robert E. Howard and his "Coming of Conan the Cimerian."

Saturn: What better way to honor the planet of endings than by writing a book about the end of the world? For sheer pessimism and despair, Arthur C. Clark's "Childhood's End" carries the day.

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