The Avram Davidson Universe
This is a podcast dedicated to the life work and impact of award-winning author, Avram Davidson. In each episode, we perform a reading and discussion of his works with a special guest. Join the fan club at www.avramdavidson.com. Avram Davidson (1923–1993) was a writer of fantasy, science fiction, and crime fiction. Davidson was born in Yonkers, NY and and served in the Navy during World War II. His life work includes 19 novels and over 200 short stories, all of which have been widely recognized for their wit and originality. Davidson’s works have won awards in three genres: an Edgar Award for mystery, a Hugo Award for science fiction, and three World Fantasy Awards.
The Avram Davidson Universe
No Second House, The Original NIMBYs
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In this episode, Virgil and Bob discuss The House the Blakeneys Built with their friends:
Jake from Pulp Mortem: https://www.youtube.com/ @PulpMortem
Tim from Secret Fire Books: https://www.youtube.com/ @secretfirebooks7894
Originally published in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction (January 1965).
If you'd like a refresher before listening, check out our story reading and discussion with Emma Speer. https://youtu.be/JuPb6NzR9TM
What begins as a tale of lost travelers arriving at a strange settlement soon becomes one of Avram Davidson's most unsettling explorations of tradition, conformity, isolation, and the fear of change. The conversation examines the remarkable language of the Blakeneys, the decaying grandeur of The House, the clash between progress and custom, and the story's haunting conclusion.
Is the story a warning about inbreeding and isolation? A critique of resistance to change? Or a meditation on how communities preserve themselves at all costs? Join us as we explore one of Davidson's most memorable and thought-provoking science fiction tales.
Keywords: Avram Davidson, The House The Blakeneys Built, Science Fiction, Classic Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Science Fiction, F&SF, Speculative Fiction, Vintage Sci-Fi, Weird Fiction, Literary Science Fiction, Golden Age Science Fiction, Science Fiction Podcast, Book Discussion, BookTube, Short Story Discussion, Gene Wolfe, Jack Vance, Roger Zelazny, Theodore Sturgeon, Cordwainer Smith, Philip K. Dick, Ray Bradbury, Secret Fire Books, Pulp Mortem