This pantheon would not be complete without mention of a place that I
think I might like to live, in spite of it's many hazards - there are many more
pleasures to be had, and a way of life that appeals to me. Anne McCaffrey created an entire world and peopled it with quite
believable characters, both human and dragon-kind. I love this world, and if I
can not live on the original Enterprise this world is where I would choose
next. And I
would like to work in a harper hall, if not the Harper Hall. Any task would suit, just
to be in the company of these musical teachers! Anne said she began with a short tale that would put dragons - a much
maligned creature - in a better light. What she didn't realize in the
beginning was that her short tale would bring about a demand for further ones,
and so P.E.R.N. was born. Today Anne's son Todd carries on the tradition, and
he's doing a good job of it. There are detractors of course, purists who can't
accept any vision but Anne's. Yet it is no small thing to take up such a pen,
to follow in such footsteps and to manage to keep such an essence, let alone as
well as Todd has done. It is P.E.R.N. still, if from a bit different
perspective perhaps. Kudos younger McCaffrey - may your
reign last as long for this world and Pern's as the Grande Dame's
did!