[Overtaxed]

I have not read as much science fiction lately, much of it seems less imaginative, and often heavily derivative, compared to the earlier work.

You can say that again! The earlier work had more of a sense of wonder about the universe.

I started on SF reading my Dad's old paperbacks and I still prefer them to newer works (on the whole.)

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

The earlier work had more of a sense of wonder about the universe.

Oh for that sensawonda!

In some cases you could think you were getting a glimpse of a real, different world, a bit of the feeling you get when you become involved in the 'reality' of Middle Earth!