Thanks, everyone. Noel – not corny at all. Not read ’em myself but a good idea in there.
Colin – I remember those book-place thingeys, yup, libraries. Did the same as you with all the greats, inc Heinlein; found his early stuff great but recently came across a bunch of later work which seemed to be all pan-galactic shagging and poorly done. Will try the Hope series – Hornblower in space?
Winston – will take a look at Complicity. Love Banks’ SF work. Tried a few of his “conventional” novels and was disappointed