One of his well - known novels is 'Ragtime'. It vividly depicts the early 20th - century America, with a complex web of characters from different social strata. Another great one is 'Billy Bathgate', which tells the story of a young boy's adventures in the criminal underworld.
Doctorow novels often blend historical events with fictional characters. For example, in 'Ragtime', real - life figures like Harry Houdini interact with fictional ones. This creates a unique and engaging narrative.
Another excellent one is 'The Waterworks'. It's a mystery - filled novel that takes place in 19th - century New York. Doctorow's writing in this novel is very atmospheric, and it keeps the reader hooked with its suspense and complex characters.
Well, without specific details about this collection, it's hard to name exact works. But usually in a 'best of' science fiction collection, you can expect works with innovative ideas like exploring new frontiers in space travel, unique takes on artificial intelligence, or fascinating post - apocalyptic scenarios.
Doctorow's writing style is also a big factor. He has a way of writing that is both vivid and thought - provoking. His descriptions make the fictional worlds seem real, and his characters are well - developed. He can make you care about what happens to them, whether they are humans or some kind of alien or artificial intelligence in his science - fiction universes.
One of his well - known novels is 'Ragtime'. It weaves together multiple storylines set in the early 20th century in America, exploring themes of race, class, and social change. Another is 'Billy Bathgate', which follows a young boy's experiences in the criminal underworld.
His use of historical events is a unique feature. He often takes real - life events and weaves fictional characters and storylines into them. For example, in 'Ragtime', the inclusion of historical figures like Houdini makes the story feel both grounded in reality and also fantastically fictional. This gives his novels a sense of authenticity and a wider scope.
His novel 'World's Fair' is also notable. It is set around the 1939 New York World's Fair. It tells the story of a young boy growing up during that period. Through the boy's eyes, we see the excitement of the fair, as well as the family dynamics and the social and economic conditions of the era.
It might have its own unique flavor. If Doctorow has a particular style or theme he favors, that could set it apart. Maybe it focuses more on the social implications of technology compared to others that are more action - oriented.