Ah, this book is why it remains so worthwhile to pick up an old, unfamiliar story collection. Sometimes the stories in such books are little gifts just waiting for you to claim them. Joan Vinge certainly began her publishing career with confidence and style. Narrative, character, and alien perspectives are dealt creative and credible hands throughout, and the stories have aged well.
Of the stories here, "Media Man" is the weakest to me and closest to dated; it's conventional in form, content, and conclusion and kinda forgettable. As for the others, "Eyes of Amber" is a fascinating and fun romp through xeno-anthropology and the observer effect, "To Bell The Cat" seems awkward at first but makes itself clear in its own time, "View From a Height" is a good, credible psychological progression, "The Crystal Ship" paints a rich, almost psychedelic portrait of two very different characters' shared, lonesome journeys and builds in unexpected ways, and "Tin Soldier" is just sublime.
Looks like I'll be adding plenty more of JV's work to my readings. ( )

A short story collection, most of which I found very readable. Eyes of Amber, the Crystal Ship, Media Man and Tin Soldier were particularly memorable and quite different in voice and style. Interesting stories with good characterisation and ideas. ( )

Wonderful and clever, Vinge writes with a zest for science fiction. These stories are intriguing and are generally laced with themes of relevance to our past, future, and present. Entertaining as hell. I especially recommend the story of "Eyes of Amber". It seems like a fantasy story, but it's far more complex than that!
I've had the pleasure of meeting Miss Vinge and, although she has grown very old in appearance, her passion for writing is still rampant.
Check this one out, it's a good one to read in bed. ( )