Forward, Ph.D. and physicist to the stars, gives us a tour of the "real" far-out physics theory being discussed by scientists today - and then shows us what it's all "for" in his science fiction stories showing people utilizing those theories, and the impact they will have on a future that is - "INDISTINGUISHABLE FROM MAGIC"

    ContentsAn Appreciation / essay by Frederik PohlThe Rocket of 1955 (1939)The Words of Guru (1941)The Only Thing We Learn (1949)The Adventurer (1953)The Little Black Bag (1950)The Luckiest Man in Denv (1952)The Silly Season (1950)The Remorseful (1953)Gomez (1954)The Advent on Channel Twelve (1958)The Marching Morons (1951)The Last Man Left in the Bar (1957)The Mindworm (1950)With These Hands (1951)Shark Ship (1958) = variant of Reap the Dark TideFriend to Man (1951)The Altar at Midnight (1952)Dominoes (1953)Two Dooms (1958)

    Many of the stories in this collection were published during the heyday of popular science fiction magazines from the 1930s to the 1950s.Included within this work are stories by Poul Anderson, Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, Phillip K. Dick, Randall Garrett, Paul Ernst, Kurt Vonnegut, Jack Williamson, Phillip Jose Farmer, Lester Del Rey, Leigh Brackett, Fredric Brown, Murray Leinster, Ben Bova, and many others.This collection includes an active table of contents for easy navigation.A Strange Manuscript found in a Copper Cylinder (James De Mille)A World by the Tale (Randall Garrett)A World is Born (Leigh Brackett)Accidental Death (Peter Baily)Arena (Fredric Brown)Atom Boy (Ray Cummings)Beyond Lies the Wub (Phillip K. Dick)Blind Spot (Bascom Jones)Cully (Jack Egan)Dead Giveaway (Randall Garrett)Dead Ringer (Lester Del Rey)Dead World (Jack Douglas)Divinity (Joseph Samachson)Four Miles Within (Anthony Gilmore)Heist Job on Thizar (Randall Garrett)Hex (Laurence Janifer)In the Year 2889 (Jules Verne)Indulgence of Negu Mah (Robert Arthur)Lease to Doomsday (Lee Archer)Lost in Translation (Laurence Janifer)McIlvane’s Star (August Derleth)Missing Link (Frank Herbert)Next Logical Step (Ben Bova)Pandemic (J.F. Bone)Remember the Alamo (T.R. Fehrenbach)Salvage in Space (Jack Williamson)Security (Poul Anderson)Subspace Survivors (E.E. “Doc” Smith)The Aliens (Murray Leinster)The Big Trip Up Yonder (Kurt Vonnegut)The Chronic Argonauts (H.G. Wells)The Cosmic Express (Jack Williamson)The Day Time Stopped Moving (Bradner Buckner)The Eternal Wall (Raymond Z. Gallun)The Gifts of Asti (Andre Norton)The Hated (Frederick Pohl)The Last Evolution (John W. Campbell)The Man Who Saw the Future (Edmond Hamilton)The Memory of Mars (Raymond F. Jones)The Moon is Green (Fritz Leiber)The Nothing Equation (Tom Godwin)The Power and the Glory (Charles W. Diffin)The Radiant Shell (Paul Ernst)The Stoker and the Stars (Algis Budrys)The Street That Wasn’t There (Carl Jacobi and Clifford D. Simak)The World Behind the Moon (Paul Ernst)There is a Reaper (Charles De Vet)They Twinkled Like Jewels (Phillip José Farmer)Waste Not, Want (Dave Dryfoos)Year of the Big Thaw (Marion Zimmer Bradley)

    What if life was neverending? What if you could change your body to adapt to an alien ecology? What if the pope were a robot? Spanning galaxies and millennia, this must-have anthology showcases classic contributions from H. G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, Octavia E. Butler, and Kurt Vonnegut, alongside a century of the eccentrics, rebels, and visionaries who have inspired generations of readers. Within its pages, you'll find beloved worlds of space opera, hard SF, cyberpunk, the New Wave, and more. Learn about the secret history of science fiction, from titans of literature who also wrote SF to less well-known authors from more than twenty-five countries, some never before translated into English. In The Big Book of Science Fiction, literary power couple Ann and Jeff VanderMeer transport readers from Mars to Mechanopolis, planet Earth to parts unknown. Immerse yourself in the genre that predicted electric cars, space tourism, and smartphones. Sit back, buckle up, and dial in the coordinates, as this stellar anthology has got worlds within worlds. Including: . Legendary tales from Isaac Asimov and Ursula K. Le Guin. An unearthed sci-fi story from W. E. B. Du Bois. The first publication in twenty years of the work of cybernetic visionary David R. Bunch. A rare and brilliant novella by Chinese international sensation Cixin Liu Plus: . Aliens!. Space battles!. Robots!. Technology gone wrong!. Technology gone right!"

    46 original stories edited with introductions by Harlan Ellison. Contents: Again, Dangerous Visions • (1972) • interior artwork by Ed Emshwillerix • An Assault of New Dreamers • (1972) • essay by Harlan Ellison1 • The Counterpoint of View • (1972) • shortstory by John Heidenry7 • Ching Witch! • (1972) • shortstory by Ross Rocklynne31 • The Word for World Is Forest • [Hainish] • (1972) • novella by Ursula K. Le Guin127 • For Value Received • (1972) • shortstory by Andrew J. Offutt145 • Mathoms from the Time Closet • (1972) • shortfiction by Gene Wolfe157 • Time Travel for Pedestrians • (1972) • shortstory by Ray Nelson188 • Christ, Old Student in a New School • (1972) • poem by Ray Bradbury197 • King of the Hill • (1972) • shortstory by Chad Oliver217 • The 10:00 Report is Brought to You By ... • (1972) • shortstory by Edward Bryant233 • The Funeral • (1972) • novelette by Kate Wilhelm261 • Harry the Hare • (1972) • shortstory by James B. Hemesath266 • When It Changed • (1972) • shortstory by Joanna Russ282 • The Big Space Fuck • (1972) • shortstory by Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.293 • Bounty • (1972) • shortstory by T. L. Sherred300 • Still-Life • (1972) • shortstory by Barry N. Malzberg [as by K. M. O'Donnell ]315 • Stoned Counsel • (1972) • shortstory by H. H. Hollis331 • Monitored Dreams and Strategic Cremations • (1972) • shortfiction by Bernard Wolfe398 • With a Finger in My I • (1972) • shortstory by David Gerrold413 • In the Barn • (1972) • novelette by Piers Anthony

    Collection of short fiction by the author of Résumé with Monsters• The Wedding Photographer in Crisis• Haunted by the Horror King• The Entomologists at Obala• The Return of Count Electric• Graven Images• Pep Talk• Looking Out for Eleanor• Snow• A Child's Christmas in Florida• Best Man• Daughter Doom

    Think of what you’ve just read.” Lovecraftian stories are the bread and butter of the true horror fan. During his lifetime, Lovecraft himself encouraged other writers to develop stories in the vein we now call Lovecraftian: horror, based around the idea that Earth had been colonized by malign aliens in the remote past, long before mankind arose and became civilized, who eventually became worshipped and feared as evil Gods by their human servitors. Eventually these aliens had been “banished” to another dimensional limbo by a benign Elder Race, but might one day return to reclaim the Earth “when the stars are right.” That deep seated unease threads through this collection of Richard. A Lupoff's short stories that seem to share a common universe. Praise for Richard A. Lupoff: "Lupoff writes with intelligence, humour, wisdom, and a zest for life." - Joe Gorges, author of Hammett. Richard A. Lupoff began his writing career as a print and broadcast journalist while attending university. After earning his degree he served twice in the United States Army, first as an enlisted man, then as an officer. Following military service he worked for twelve years in the computer industry, while also serving as a guest lecturer at universities including the University of California (Berkeley) and Stanford University. As author and editor he has written more than fifty volumes, ranging from science fiction, mystery, fantasy, horror, and mainstream fiction to the evolution of cartooning and comics. He is a past winner of the Hugo Award, and a finalist for the Nebula and Oscar Awards. He has achieved the rare distinction of being represented in “Best of the Year” anthologies in three fields: science fiction, mystery, and horror.

    This collection, showcasing Bear’s unique imagination and singular voice, includes her Hugo- and Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award-winning story “Tideline” and Hugo-winning novelette “Shoggoths in Bloom,” as well as an original, never-published story. Recipient of the Astounding Award for Best New Writer, the Locus Award, a World Fantasy, British Fantasy, and Philip K. Dick nominee, Bear is one of speculative fiction’s most acclaimed, respected, and prolific authors.ContentTidelineSonny Liston Takes the FallSoundingThe Something-Dreaming GameThe Cold BlacksmithIn the House of Aryaman, a Lonely Signal BurnsOrm the BeautifulThe Inevitable Heat Death of the UniverseLove Among the TalusCryptic ColorationThe LadiesShoggoths in BloomThe Girl Who Sang Rose MadderDollyGods of the ForgeAnnie WebberThe Horrid Glory of Its WingsConfessorThe Leavings of the WolfThe Death of Terrestrial Radio

    Contents:Night of the Cooters (1987)French Scenes (1988)The Passing of the Western (1989)The Adventure of the Grinder's Whistle (1977)Thirty Minutes over Broadway! (1987)Hoover's Men (1988)Do Ya, Do Ya, Wanna Dance? (1988)Wild, Wild Horses (1988)Fin de Cyclé (1990)

    Heinlein• Defending the Third Industrial Revolution • by G. Harry Stine• Interior artwork by David Egge• Old Woman by the Road • (1978) • by Gregory Benford• Encased in the Amber of Eternity • poem by Robert Frazier• Moon Rocks • (1973) • by Tom Purdom• Lasers, Grasers, and Marxists • (1976) • by Jerry Pournelle• Fixed Price War • (1978) • by Charles Sheffield• Marius • (1957) • by Poul Anderson• Weapons in Future Warfare • essay by Roger A. Beaumont and R. Snowden Ficks• Scenario for the Fall of Night • by Roger A. Beaumont• The Spell of War • [Lord Darcy] • (1978) • by Randall Garrett• Military Vehicles: Into the Third Millennium • essay by Dean Ing• Interior artwork by Stephen Fabian• The Man in the Gray Weapons Suit • by Paul J. Nahin• Just an Old-Fashioned War Story • (1977) • by Michael G. Coney• The Private War of Private Jacob • (1974) • by Joe Haldeman• One Foot in the Grave: Medicine in Future Warfare • essay by Alan E. Nourse• Shark • (1973) • by Edward Bryant• Training • by David Langford• Final Muster • (1961) • by Rick Rubin

    Now, after twenty-one annual collections, comes the ultimate in science fiction anthologies, The Best of the Best: 20 Years of the Year's Best Science Fiction, in which legendary editor Gardner Dozois selects the very best short stories for this landmark collection. Contributors include: * Stephen Baxter * Greg Bear * William Gibson * Terry Bisson * Pat Cadigan * Ted Chiang * John Crowley * Tony Daniel * Greg Egan * Molly Gloss * Eileen Gunn * Joe Haldeman * James Patrick Kelly * John Kessel * Nancy Kress * Ursula K. Le Guin * Ian R. MacLeod * David Marusek * Paul McAuley * Ian McDonald * Maureen F. McHugh * Robert Reed * Mike Resnick * Geoff Ryman * William Sander * Lucius Shepard * Robert Silverberg * Brian Stableford * Bruce Sterling * Charles Stross * Michael Swanwick * Steven Utley * Howard Waldrop * Walter Jon Williams * Connie Willis * Gene WolfeWith work spanning two decades, The Best of the Best stands as one of the ultimate science fiction anthologies ever published.Contents xi • Foreword (The Best of the Best: 20 Years of the Year's Best Science Fiction) • essay by Robert Silverbergxvii • Preface (The Best of the Best: 20 Years of the Year's Best Science Fiction) • essay by Gardner Dozois1 • Blood Music • (1983) • novelette by Greg Bear19 • A Cabin on the Coast • (1984) • shortstory by Gene Wolfe28 • Salvador • (1984) • shortstory by Lucius Shepard42 • Trinity • (1984) • novella by Nancy Kress78 • Flying Saucer Rock and Roll • (1985) • novelette by Howard Waldrop (aka Flying Saucer Rock & Roll)93 • Dinner in Audoghast • (1985) • shortstory by Bruce Sterling103 • Roadside Rescue • (1985) • shortstory by Pat Cadigan109 • Snow • (1985) • shortstory by John Crowley121 • The Winter Market • (1985) • novelette by William Gibson137 • The Pure Product • (1986) • novelette by John Kessel152 • Stable Strategies for Middle Management • (1988) • shortstory by Eileen Gunn162 • Kirinyaga • [Kirinyaga • 2] • (1988) • novelette by Mike Resnick177 • Tales from the Venia Woods • [Roma Eterna] • (1989) • shortstory by Robert Silverberg191 • Bears Discover Fire • (1990) • shortstory by Terry Bisson199 • Even the Queen • (1992) • shortstory by Connie Willis213 • Guest of Honor • (1993) • novelette by Robert Reed238 • None So Blind • (1994) • shortstory by Joe Haldeman246 • Mortimer Gray's History of Death • (1995) • novella by Brian Stableford (aka Mortimer Gray's "History of Death")293 • The Lincoln Train • (1995) • shortstory by Maureen F. McHugh303 • Wang's Carpets • (1995) • novelette by Greg Egan328 • Coming of Age in Karhide • [Hainish] • (1995) • novelette by Ursula K. Le Guin342 • The Dead • (1996) • shortstory by Michael Swanwick352 • Recording Angel • (1996) • shortstory by Ian McDonald363 • A Dry, Quiet War • (1996) • novelette by Tony Daniel380 • The Undiscovered • (1997) • novelette by William Sanders400 • Second Skin • (1997) • shortstory by Paul J. McAuley418 • Story of Your Life • (1998) • novella by Ted Chiang454 • People Came from Earth • (1999) • shortstory by Stephen Baxter464 • The Wedding Album • [Cathy] • (1999) • novella by David Marusek502 • 10 to 16 to 1 • (1999) • novelette by James Patrick Kelly (aka 1016 to 1)520 • Daddy's World • (1999) • novelette by Walter Jon Williams541 • The Real World • [Silurian Tales] • (2000) • shortstory by Steven Utley561 • Have Not Have • (2001) • novelette by Geoff Ryman577 • Lobsters • [Macx Family] • (2001) • novelette by Charles Stross597 • Breathmoss • (2002) • novella by Ian R. MacLeod647 • Lambing Season • (2002) • shortstory by Molly Gloss

    Technological intrigue-international and intersteller- a hard edged conflict with alien races.Contents:• Ernie • (1979) • Raison D'Etre • (1981) • The Price of Survival • (1981) • Between a Rock and a High Place • (1982) • Houseguest • (1982) • Time Bomb • (1988) • The President's Doll • (1987) • Banshee • (1987)

    Content:Always with You • [Polity Universe] • (1996) Blue Holes • [Polity Universe]Dragon in the Flower • [Polity Universe] • (1994)Neal AsherThe Gire & the Bibrat • [Polity Universe] • Walking John & Bird • [Polity Universe] •

    Includes:Jim Shepard’s "Tedford and the Megalodon"Glen David Gold’s "The Tears of Squonk, and What Happened Thereafter"Dan Chaon’s "The Bees"Kelly Link’s "Catskin"Elmore Leonard’s "How Carlos Webster Changed His Name to Carl and Became a Famous Oklahoma Lawman"Carol Emshwiller’s "The General"Neil Gaiman’s "Closing Time"Nick Hornby’s "Otherwise Pandemonium"Stephen King’s "The Tale of Gray Dick"Michael Crichton’s "Blood Doesn’t Come Out"Laurie King’s "Weaving the Dark"Chris Offutt’s "Chuck’s Bucket"Dave Eggers’s "Up the Mountain Coming Down Slowly"Michael Moorcock’s "The Case of the Nazi Canary"Aimee Bender’s "The Case of the Salt and Pepper Shakers"Harlan Ellison’s "Goodbye to All That"Karen Joy Fowler’s "Private Grave 9"Rick Moody’s "The Albertine Notes"Michael Chabon’s "The Martian Agent, a Planetary Romance"Sherman Alexie’s "Ghost Dance"

    But now, it seems to describe the real world of cell phones, Blackberries and iPods, and its prediction of terrible things to come isn't so easy to shrug off. Leiber sets the tale in a future when "missiles are on the prowl," and most people live underground. George Gusterson is a writer with crazy ideas -- one being, he still lives on the surface. For another, he imagines a gizmo that would remind him of things like when to turn on the TV. George's mere whim inspires an actual gadget called the Tickler, just a "wire recorder and clock" at first, but then . . . it whispers constantly through an earphone. It instills positive thinking. It injects drugs. It makes decisions. It weights 28 pounds. And it won't get off. Only Gusterson understands what "the little fellow perched on your shoulder" is really saying, one word: Obey! And only Gusterson knows what to say back, if it's not too late.