Well, given 'Verdun', war and its consequences might be a theme. The Battle of Verdun was a very significant and brutal battle in history, so the stories could explore the destruction, heroism, and trauma that came with it. And in combination with 'old glory', it could also be about how a nation's past glories are related to its military history. Also, the 'other stories' part might introduce themes like human relationships and personal growth within the context of these historical events.
I'm sorry, I haven't read 'old glory and verdun and other stories' specifically, so I can't give a detailed introduction.
A common theme might be the exploration of taboos. Since having sex with an old man might be considered outside the norm in many cultures, stories could be using this as a way to break boundaries and shock the reader. Another theme could be the search for wisdom or experience. The old man is often seen as having more life experience, and in the context of a sexual relationship in the story, it could be about a younger person seeking something from the older one, like knowledge or a different kind of connection.
A third theme could be inspiration. The younger swingers can be inspired by the passion and experience of the older ones, and the older swingers can be inspired by the fresh ideas and energy of the younger ones. For instance, a young girl who is new to swinging might see an old man's dedication and be motivated to improve her skills, while the old man might be motivated by the girl's fearless experimentation to try new things in his own swinging.
One theme could be friendship. Despite the age gap, an old man and a younger woman (your wife) can form a deep and meaningful friendship based on mutual respect and shared interests.
One possible theme could be nostalgia. The old house might represent a bygone era, and the story could be about looking back at the past with fondness or regret.
One possible theme could be abundance. Since it has 'fat time' in the title, it might be about times of plenty, whether it's in terms of resources, relationships or experiences.
One possible theme is the struggle between modernity and tradition. The stories could show how characters are affected by the changing world around them, trying to hold on to traditional values while also adapting to new ways. Also, the theme of social class differences might be present. How people from different classes interact and the prejudices that exist between them could be explored in the stories. This makes the collection more than just a simple set of stories but a deep exploration of various aspects of society and human nature.
Another theme could be power. If the artificial man has certain abilities, there might be a power struggle between it and humans, or among different groups who want to control the artificial man. This can lead to all sorts of conflicts and moral questions about who should have power over such a creation. And it's also possible that the stories explore the theme of isolation. The artificial man, being different from others, may face isolation, and how it copes with that could be a central part of the story.
Another theme could be the passage of time and how it affects the relationship with the father. As time passes, the understanding of the father, the memories, and the impact of his actions can change. Also, themes of forgiveness and redemption might be present. If there are any wrongdoings within the family related to the father, the stories could explore how characters deal with forgiving or being redeemed in the name of the father.
One possible theme could be survival. Given the name 'First Blood', it might involve characters facing challenges right from the start, and survival could be a key aspect throughout the stories. Another theme could be exploration, as they might be exploring new places or situations. Also, the theme of self - discovery is likely, as characters deal with the events that unfold.