NONE SO BLIND

Another story collection from Haldeman (Dealing in Futures, 1985, etc.), this one comprising 11 tales, 1986-94, and four ``story poems.'' Pride of place goes to the Hugo and Nebula-winning novella, ``The Hemingway Hoax,'' of which the 1990 Kirkus review of the novel version declared: ``Literary games and multidimensional meddling. . .so strong are Haldeman's warmth and charm, so deep his knowledge and love of Hemingway, that all this hanky-panky remains enjoyable even at its most improbable.'' Also impressive are the Hugo award-winning title piece, about genius, unlikely lovers, and rewiring the human brain; and ``Graves,'' a Vietnam horror yarn that won both a Nebula and a World Fantasy award. In a similar vein, ``The Monster'' is another excellent candidate for The X- Files. And there's plenty of variety in the remainder, including: murder and painting by proxy; a multidimensional alien masquerading as an actor in order to collect human DNA; alien contact; dream therapy; and an anti-war parable. Unfortunately, the afterword, examining the ``life experience'' vs. ``sheer invention'' elements in each story, actually undermines them; authors, like magicians, should keep their secrets. Haldeman, while always an agreeable host, is at his best when his attention is fully engaged—Hemingway, Vietnam, alienation—and when he allows his own hopes and fears to communicate to the reader.