Victor Ian Steiner-Davion: A Life 7/05/3132
by Gus Michaels
Merchant Merriman Books
C32.99
Reviewed by Brandon Corey
There is no denying that Victor Ian Steiner-Davion is one of the preeminent figures of
the 31st century and more than deserving of a comprehensive biography. Alas, this
book hardly serves. Michaels, whose earlier works include a unit history of the Wolf
Dragoons, a biography of Natasha Kerensky, and an insider’s narrative of ComStar’s
doomed Operation Scorpion, is an unabashed Steiner-Davion apologist who claims to
have both perspective and detachment concerning the subject. The book’s very
acknowledgments put the lie to this claim, as he thanks the former First Prince for his
cooperation in compiling this turgid, overwritten paean.
While this book does manage to supply endless and often stultifyingly detailed stories
about Victor’s military career and political dealings, it dilutes this useful material by
quoting liberally from interviews with friends and allies. These interviews, as well as
excerpts from records made at the time, utterly whitewash Victor’s roles in a variety
of activities that remain mysterious to this day. While it has been roundly rumored that
his sister, Katherine, was complicity in the death of their mother, the very fact that he
did not have her tried and punished for her crimes suggests he was treating with her
as an un-indicted co conspirator to one who was less fortunate. They both escaped
retribution for Melissa Steiner’s death, but only Victor proclaims his innocence. He
doth protest too much, but Michaels accepts these protests. Moreover, he does all
manner of bodywork on them so they take on the appearance of validity.
Where Michaels does succeed, despite his overly florid style, is in providing insight
into the relationship between Victor and Omi Kurita. Theirs does seem to be a truly
tragic love story, and Victor’s pain at Omi’s death is brought into poignant relief in
this biography. While the churlish might point out that what goes around comes
around, even the most black-hearted Davionophobe could not help but shed a tear
over Victor’s losing his lover and later discovering she had secretly borne his child.
That father and son were united later in life is a truly wonderful event, and this
reviewer was so touched he had to set the book down.
But, as the demands of the job would have it, he also had to pick it back up again.
Victor’s role in the formation of The Republic of the Sphere is covered in exquisite
detail. The phrase “too much information” did roll around in my brain, though the
inside look at events did clarify tendencies that we see in evidence even today.
There will certainly be better books on Victor Davion in the future. There have to be;
the law of averages states this. Until then, however, this comprehensive lionization of
a failed politician will have to suffice. Victor may have outlived his contemporaries,
but this is good. Wading through this book would have surely slain them, one and all.
by Gus Michaels
Merchant Merriman Books
C32.99
Reviewed by Brandon Corey
There is no denying that Victor Ian Steiner-Davion is one of the preeminent figures of
the 31st century and more than deserving of a comprehensive biography. Alas, this
book hardly serves. Michaels, whose earlier works include a unit history of the Wolf
Dragoons, a biography of Natasha Kerensky, and an insider’s narrative of ComStar’s
doomed Operation Scorpion, is an unabashed Steiner-Davion apologist who claims to
have both perspective and detachment concerning the subject. The book’s very
acknowledgments put the lie to this claim, as he thanks the former First Prince for his
cooperation in compiling this turgid, overwritten paean.
While this book does manage to supply endless and often stultifyingly detailed stories
about Victor’s military career and political dealings, it dilutes this useful material by
quoting liberally from interviews with friends and allies. These interviews, as well as
excerpts from records made at the time, utterly whitewash Victor’s roles in a variety
of activities that remain mysterious to this day. While it has been roundly rumored that
his sister, Katherine, was complicity in the death of their mother, the very fact that he
did not have her tried and punished for her crimes suggests he was treating with her
as an un-indicted co conspirator to one who was less fortunate. They both escaped
retribution for Melissa Steiner’s death, but only Victor proclaims his innocence. He
doth protest too much, but Michaels accepts these protests. Moreover, he does all
manner of bodywork on them so they take on the appearance of validity.
Where Michaels does succeed, despite his overly florid style, is in providing insight
into the relationship between Victor and Omi Kurita. Theirs does seem to be a truly
tragic love story, and Victor’s pain at Omi’s death is brought into poignant relief in
this biography. While the churlish might point out that what goes around comes
around, even the most black-hearted Davionophobe could not help but shed a tear
over Victor’s losing his lover and later discovering she had secretly borne his child.
That father and son were united later in life is a truly wonderful event, and this
reviewer was so touched he had to set the book down.
But, as the demands of the job would have it, he also had to pick it back up again.
Victor’s role in the formation of The Republic of the Sphere is covered in exquisite
detail. The phrase “too much information” did roll around in my brain, though the
inside look at events did clarify tendencies that we see in evidence even today.
There will certainly be better books on Victor Davion in the future. There have to be;
the law of averages states this. Until then, however, this comprehensive lionization of
a failed politician will have to suffice. Victor may have outlived his contemporaries,
but this is good. Wading through this book would have surely slain them, one and all.
| July 5, 3132 |