Once again, award-winning editors and anthologists David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer have gathered together a stunning array of science fiction that spans a veritable universe of astonishing visions and bold ideas. Hitherto unexplored galaxies of the mind are courageously traversed by some of the most exciting new talents in the field--while well-established masters rocket to remarkable new heights of artistry and originality. The stars are closer and more breathtaking than ever before--and a miraculous future now rests in your hands--within the pages of Year's Best SF 13.Contentsxi • Introduction (Year's Best SF 13) • (2008) • essay by Kathryn Cramer and David G. Hartwell1 • Baby Doll • (2007) • novelette by Johanna Sinisalo (trans. of Baby Doll (in Finnish) 2002)27 • Aristotle OS • (2007) • shortstory by Tony Ballantyne41 • The Last American • (2007) • shortstory by John Kessel60 • Memorare • (2007) • novella by Gene Wolfe143 • Plotters and Shooters • (2007) • novelette by Kage Baker164 • Repeating the Past • (2007) • shortstory by Peter Watts168 • No More Stories • (2007) • shortstory by Stephen Baxter185 • They Came from the Future • (2007) • poem by Robyn Hitchcock189 • The Tomb Wife • (2007) • shortstory by Gwyneth Jones207 • An Evening's Honest Peril • (2007) • novelette by Marc Laidlaw229 • End Game • (2007) • shortstory by Nancy Kress244 • Induction • (2007) • shortstory by Greg Egan261 • A Blue and Cloudless Sky • (2007) • novelette by Bernhard Ribbeck (trans. of En blå og skyfri himmel 1996)299 • Reasons not to Publish • (2007) • shortstory by Gregory Benford304 • Objective Impermeability in a Closed System • (2007) • shortstory by William Shunn319 • Always • (2007) • shortstory by Karen Joy Fowler334 • Who's Afraid of Wolf 359? • (2007) • shortstory by Ken MacLeod349 • Artifice and Intelligence • (2007) • shortstory by Tim Pratt359 • Pirates of the Somali Coast • (2007) • shortstory by Terry Bisson375 • Sanjeev and Robotwallah • [India 2047] • (2007) • shortstory by Ian McDonald395 • Third Person • (2007) • shortstory by Tony Ballantyne413 • The Bridge • (2007) • novelette by Kathleen Ann Goonan443 • As You Know, Bob • (2007) • shortstory by John G. Hemry [as by John Hemry ]453 • The Lustration • (2007) • novelette by Bruce Sterling474 • How Music Begins • (2007) • novelette by James Van Pelt

    Now some of the most fertile imaginations in speculative fiction offer bold and breathtaking visions of "what's out there" and "what's next" in the eleventh annual celebration of the very best short SF to appear over the past year.Once again, acclaimed editors and anthologists David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer have compiled an extraordinary collection featuring stunning works from modern masters as well as dazzling gems from brilliant new talents -- tales that carry the reader to the far corners of the galaxy and beyond, into hitherto unexplored regions. Get ready to take glorious flight on a journey to the miraculous.Contentsxi • Introduction (Year's Best SF 11) • (2006) • essay by David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer1 • New Hope for the Dead • (2005) • shortstory by David Langford5 • Deus Ex Homine • (2005) • shortstory by Hannu Rajaniemi22 • When the Great Days Came • (2005) • shortstory by Gardner Dozois [as by Gardner R. Dozois ]29 • Second Person, Present Tense • (2005) • novelette by Daryl Gregory54 • Dreadnought • (2005) • shortstory by Justina Robson58 • A Case of Consilience • (2005) • shortstory by Ken MacLeod73 • Toy Planes • (2005) • shortstory by Tobias S. Buckell77 • Mason's Rats • [Mason's Rats] • (1992) • shortstory by Neal Asher (variant of Mason's Rats I)85 • A Modest Proposal • (2005) • shortstory by Vonda N. McIntyre89 • Guadalupe and Hieronymus Bosch • (2005) • shortstory by Rudy Rucker106 • The Forever Kitten • (2005) • shortstory by Peter F. Hamilton111 • City of Reason • [Homesteader/Coordinator Group • 3] • (2005) • novelette by Matthew Jarpe136 • Ivory Tower • (2005) • shortstory by Bruce Sterling140 • Sheila • (2005) • shortstory by Lauren McLaughlin156 • Rats of the System • (2005) • shortstory by Paul J. McAuley [as by Paul McAuley ]176 • I Love Liver: A Romance • (2005) • shortstory by Larissa Lai180 • The Edge of Nowhere • (2005) • novelette by James Patrick Kelly207 • What's Expected of Us • (2005) • shortstory by Ted Chiang211 • Girls and Boys, Come Out to Play • [Darger and Surplus] • (2005) • novelette by Michael Swanwick241 • Lakes of Light • [Xeelee] • (2005) • novelette by Stephen Baxter262 • The Albian Message • (2005) • shortstory by Oliver Morton266 • Bright Red Star • (2005) • shortstory by Bud Sparhawk281 • Third Day Lights • (2005) • novelette by Alaya Dawn Johnson305 • Ram Shift Phase 2 • (2005) • shortstory by Greg Bear310 • On the Brane • (2004) • novelette by Gregory Benford330 • Oxygen Rising • (2005) • novelette by R. Garcia y Robertson377 • And Future King . . . • (2005) • shortstory by Adam Roberts387 • Beyond the Aquila Rift • (2005) • novelette by Alastair Reynolds425 • Angel of Light • (2005) • shortstory by Joe Haldeman435 • Ikiryoh • (2005) • shortstory by Liz Williams448 • I, Robot • (2005) • novelette by Cory Doctorow

    Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer, Year’s Best SF 16 features some of the brightest stars of the genre—including Gregory Benford, Cory Doctrow, Joe Haldeman, and Michael Swanwick. From space travel to time travel to journeys through the mind, brilliant and original speculative fiction is alive and well and magnificently celebrated in this splendid compendium of plausible wonders.

    In their twelfth remarkable collection of the very best of the last twelve months, award-winning editors and anthologists David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer present amazing stories of galaxy-shaking events, alien contact, utopian science, and technology run amok: tales that celebrate the continually evolving literary artistry of some of the form's finest, most respected practitioners . . . while showcasing the magnificent talents of the science fiction superstars of the near future.Contents viii • Acknowledgments (Year's Best SF 12) • essay by David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer ix • Introduction (Year's Best SF 12) • essay by David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer 1 • Nano Comes to Clifford Falls • (2006) • shortstory by Nancy Kress 21 • Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? • (2006) • shortstory by Terry Bisson 33 • When Sysadmins Ruled the Earth • (2006) • novelette by Cory Doctorow 74 • Just Do It! • (2006) • shortstory by Heather Lindsley 89 • Counterfactual • (2006) • novelette by Gardner Dozois [as by Gardner R. Dozois ] 111 • Moon Does Run • (2006) • shortstory by Edd Vick 124 • Home Movies • (2006) • novelette by Mary Rosenblum 157 • Chu and the Nants • (2006) • shortstory by Rudy Rucker 174 • Silence in Florence • (2006) • shortstory by Ian Creasey 188 • The Women of Our Occupation • (2006) • shortstory by Kameron Hurley 197 • This Is the Ice Age • (2006) • shortstory by Claude Lalumière 210 • Speak, Geek • (2006) • shortstory by Eileen Gunn 214 • Expedition, with Recipes • (2006) • shortstory by Joe Haldeman 221 • The Age of Ice • (2006) • shortstory by Liz Williams 233 • Dawn, and Sunset, and the Colours of the Earth • (2006) • novella by Michael F. Flynn [as by Michael Flynn ] 282 • Applied Mathematical Theology • (2006) • shortstory by Gregory Benford 286 • Quill • (2006) • novelette by Carol Emshwiller 313 • Tiger, Burning • (2006) • novelette by Alastair Reynolds 342 • Dead Men Walking • (2006) • novelette by Paul J. McAuley 364 • Damascus • (2006) • novelette by Daryl Gregory 399 • Tin Marsh • (2006) • novelette by Michael Swanwick 421 • Taking Good Care of Myself • (2006) • shortstory by Ian R. MacLeod 425 • The Lowland Expedition • [Old Earth] • (2006) • shortstory by Stephen Baxter 444 • Heisenberg Elementary • (2006) • shortstory by Wil McCarthy 449 • Rwanda • (2006) • shortstory by Robert Reed 459 • Preemption • (2006) • shortstory by Charlie Rosenkrantz

    Now the very best to appear over the past twelve months has been amassed into one extraordinary volume by acclaimed editors and anthologists David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer, offering bold visions of days to come that are bright, triumphant, breathtaking, and strikingly unique. Once more, celebrated masters of the field join with exciting new voices to sing of explorations and invasions, grand technological accomplishments, amazing flights into the unknown, horrors and miracles, and the human condition.Welcome to amazing worlds that could be -- and, perhaps, sooner than you have ever dared to imagine.New tales from: Gregory Benford Terry Bisson James Patrick Kelly Pamela Sargent Jack McDevitt Gene Wolfe and more.Contentsxi • Introduction (Year's Best SF 10) • (2005) • essay by Kathryn Cramer and David G. Hartwell1 • Sergeant Chip • (2004) • novella by Bradley Denton53 • The First Commandment • (2004) • shortstory by Gregory Benford69 • Burning Day • (2003) • novelette by Glenn Grant111 • Scout's Honor • (2004) • shortstory by Terry Bisson128 • Venus Flowers at Night • (2004) • novella by Pamela Sargent169 • Pulp Cover • (2004) • shortstory by Gene Wolfe182 • The Algorithms for Love • (2004) • shortstory by Ken Liu (variant of Algorithms for Love)199 • Glinky • (2004) • shortstory by Ray Vukcevich219 • The Red City • (2004) • novelette by Janeen Webb253 • Act of God • (2004) • shortstory by Jack McDevitt265 • Wealth • (2004) • shortstory by Robert Reed279 • Mastermindless • [Henghis Hapthorn] • (2004) • novelette by Matthew Hughes304 • Time, as It Evaporates. . . • (2004) • shortstory by Jean-Claude Dunyach (variant of Le Temps, en s'évaporant 1986)323 • The Battle of York • (2004) • novelette by James Stoddard347 • Loosestrife • (2004) • shortstory by Liz Williams360 • The Dark Side of Town • (2004) • shortstory by James Patrick Kelly377 • Invisible Kingdoms • [Silurian Tales] • (2004) • shortstory by Steven Utley390 • The Cascade • (2004) • shortstory by Sean McMullen409 • Pervert • (2004) • shortstory by Charles Coleman Finlay422 • The Risk-Taking Gene as Expressed in Some Asian Subjects • (2004) • novelette by Steve Tomasula453 • Strood • (2004) • shortstory by Neal Asher469 • The Eckener Alternative • (2004) • shortstory by James L. Cambias479 • Savant Songs • (2004) • shortstory by Brenda Cooper

    This year's magnificent harvest--gathered, as always, by acclaimed award-winning editors and anthologists David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer--offers glimpses of worlds and tomorrows that would have been inconceivable just a few years ago. Brilliant, bold, unusual, and soaring flights into the hitherto unforeseen yet increasingly possible future, Year's Best SF 15 offers truly breathtaking stories by some of speculative fiction's brightest lights, includingStephen BaxterNancy KressAlastair ReynoldsGeoff RymanBruce SterlingPeter WattsRobert Charles WilsonGene Wolfeand others.Contents xiii • Introduction (Year's Best SF 15) • essay by David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer 1 • Infinities • (2008) • novelette by Vandana Singh 35 • This Peaceable Land; or, The Unbearable Vision of Harriet Beecher Stowe • (2009) • novelette by Robert Charles Wilson 65 • The Unstrung Zither • (2009) • novelette by Yoon Ha Lee 91 • Black Swan • (2009) • novelette by Bruce Sterling 119 • Exegesis • (2009) • shortstory by Nancy Kress 125 • Erosion • (2009) • shortstory by Ian Creasey 141 • Collision • (2009) • shortstory by Gwyneth Jones 155 • Donovan Sent Us • (2009) • shortstory by Gene Wolfe 173 • The Calculus Plague • (2009) • shortstory by Marissa Lingen [as by Marissa K. Lingen ] 181 • The Island • (2009) • novelette by Peter Watts 222 • One of Our Bastards Is Missing • (2009) • novelette by Paul Cornell 251 • Lady of the White-Spired City • (2009) • shortstory by Sarah L. Edwards 271 • The Highway Code • (2009) • novelette by Brian Stableford 292 • On the Destruction of Copenhagen by the War-Machines of the Merfolk • (2009) • shortstory by Peter M. Ball 299 • The Fixation • (2009) • shortstory by Alastair Reynolds 318 • In Their Garden • (2009) • shortstory by Brenda Cooper 328 • Blocked • (2009) • shortstory by Geoff Ryman 349 • The Last Apostle • (2009) • shortstory by Michael Cassutt 373 • Another Life • (2009) • novelette by Charles Oberndorf 407 • The Consciousness Problem • (2009) • shortstory by Mary Robinette Kowal 427 • Tempest 43 • (2009) • novelette by Stephen Baxter 447 • Bespoke • (2009) • shortstory by Genevieve Valentine 457 • Attitude Adjustment • (2009) • shortstory by Eric James Stone 470 • Edison's Frankenstein • (2009) • novelette by Chris Roberson

    Hartwell is back with his fourth annual high-powered collection of the year's most inventive, entertaining, and awe-inspiring science fiction. In short, the best.Here are stories from today's top name authors, plus exciting newcomers, all eager to land you on exotic planets, introduce you to strange new life forms, and show you scenes more amazing than anything you've imagined.So sit back and blast off for an amazing trip withStephen Baxter Gregory Benford David Brin Nancy Kress Bruce Sterling Michael Swanwick and many more...Contentsix • Introduction (Year's Best SF 4) • (1999) • essay by David G. Hartwell1 • Market Report • (1998) • novelette by Alexander Jablokov31 • A Dance to Strange Musics • (1998) • novelette by Gregory Benford65 • The Year of the Mouse • (1998) • shortstory by Norman Spinrad75 • The Day Before They Came • (1998) • shortstory by Mary Soon Lee83 • This Side of Independence • (1998) • shortstory by Rob Chilson103 • The Twelfth Album • (1998) • shortstory by Stephen Baxter119 • Story of Your Life • (1998) • novella by Ted Chiang183 • Whiptail • (1998) • shortstory by Robert Reed209 • The Eye of God • (1998) • novelette by Mary Rosenblum243 • Rules of Engagement • (1998) • novelette by Michael F. Flynn269 • Radiant Doors • (1998) • shortstory by Michael Swanwick291 • Unravelling the Thread • (1998) • shortstory by Jean-Claude Dunyach (variant of Déchiffrer la trame 1997)303 • That Thing Over There • (1998) • shortstory by Dominic Green323 • The Allies • (1998) • novelette by Mark S. Geston377 • My Pal Clunky • (1998) • shortstory by Ron Goulart397 • Life in the Extreme • [Uplift Universe] • (1998) • shortstory by David Brin417 • Near Enough to Home • (1998) • shortstory by Michael Skeet437 • A Game of Consequences • (1998) • shortstory by David Langford451 • State of Nature • (1998) • shortstory by Nancy Kress461 • Maneki Neko • (1998) • shortstory by Bruce Sterling

    Hartwell started this annual anthology series because he felt that the "other" best science fiction anthology (The Year's Best Science Fiction) included stories that weren't quite science fiction. Now in its second year, this anthology is proving that there is plenty of great "traditional" work being published in the field, and enough good stories to go around for both anthologies (although there is some overlap between them). In this edition Hartwell showcases talents such as Terry Bisson, James Patrick Kelly, Gene Wolfe, and Allen Steele. No matter how you define science fiction, you'll find something of interest in this excellent collection.Contents:Introduction (Year's Best SF 2) • (1997) • essay by David G. HartwellAfter a Lean Winter • (1996) • novelette by Dave WolvertonIn the Upper Room • (1996) • novelette by Terry BissonThinkertoy • (1996) • shortstory by John BrunnerZoomers • (1996) • shortstory by Gregory BenfordOut of the Mouths • [Guild of Xenolinguists] • (1996) • novelette by Sheila FinchBreakaway, Backdown • (1996) • shortstory by James Patrick KellyTobacco Words • (1996) • novelette by Yves MeynardInvasion • (1996) • shortstory by Joanna RussThe House of Mourning • (1996) • shortstory by Brian StablefordLife Edit • (1996) • shortstory by Damon KnightFirst Tuesday • (1996) • shortstory by Robert ReedThe Spear of the Sun • (1996) • shortstory by David LangfordCounting Cats in Zanzibar • (1996) • shortstory by Gene WolfeBicycle Repairman • [Chattanooga] • (1996) • novelette by Bruce SterlingRed Sonja and Lessingham in Dreamland • (1996) • shortstory by Gwyneth JonesDoblin's Lecture • (1996) • shortstory by Allen SteeleThe Bride of Elvis • (1996) • shortstory by Kathleen Ann GoonanForget Luck • [Tony Manetti] • (1996) • shortstory by Kate WilhelmNonstop to Portales • (1996) • novelette by Connie WillisColumbiad • (1996) • shortstory by Stephen Baxter

    Hartwell. From some of the most renowned visionaries of contemporary SF -- as well as new writers who are already making an indelible mark -- comes an all-new compendium of unparalleled tales of the possible that will enthrall, astonish, terrify, and elate. Stories of strange worlds and mind-boggling futures, of awesome discoveries and apocalyptic disasters, of universes light years distant and deep within the human consciousness, are collected here as SF's brightest lights shine more radiantly than ever before.

    Hartwell returns with this fifth annual collection of the year's most imaginative, entertaining, and mind-expanding science fiction.Here are works from some of today's most acclaimed authors, as well as visionary new talents, that will introduce you to new ideas, offer unusual perspectives, and take you to places beyond your wildest imaginings. Contents ix • Introduction (Year's Best SF 3) • (1998) • essay by David G. Hartwell 1 • Petting Zoo • (1997) • short story by Gene Wolfe 9 • The Wisdom of Old Earth • (1997) • short story by Michael Swanwick 23 • The Firefly Tree • (1997) • short story by Jack Williamson 29 • Thirteen Views of a Cardboard City • (1997) • short story by William Gibson 41 • The Nostalginauts • (1997) • short story by Sharon N. Farber [as by S. N. Dyer ] 53 • Guest Law • (1997) • novelette by John C. Wright 77 • The Voice • (1997) • short story by Gregory Benford 95 • Yeyuka • (1997) • short story by Greg Egan 117 • An Office Romance • (1997) • short story by Terry Bisson 135 • Itsy Bitsy Spider • (1997) • short story by James Patrick Kelly 151 • Beauty in the Night • (1997) • novelette by Robert Silverberg 197 • Mr. Pale • (1997) • short story by Ray Bradbury 205 • The Pipes of Pan • (1997) • novelette by Brian Stableford 233 • Always True to Thee, in My Fashion • (1997) • short story by Nancy Kress 249 • Canary Land • (1997) • novelette by Tom Purdom 277 • Universal Emulators • (1997) • short story by Tom Cool 295 • Fair Verona • (1997) • novelette by R. Garcia y Robertson 331 • Great Western • (1997) • novelette by Kim Newman 363 • Turnover • (1997) • short story by Geoffrey A. Landis 369 • The Mendelian Lamp Case • [Dr Phil D'Amato] • (1997) • novelette by Paul Levinson 415 • Kiss Me • (1997) • short story by Katherine MacLean 421 • London Bone • (1997) • novelette by Michael Moorcock

    Hartwell demonstrates the amazing depth and power of contemporary speculative fiction, showcasing astonishing short stories from some of science fiction's most respected names as well as exciting new writers to watch. In this anthology, prepare to travel light years from the ordinary into a tomorrow at once breathtaking, frightening, and possible with some of the greatest tales of wonder published in 2012.At the publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management software (DRM) applied.

    With "Year's Best SF 17, " acclaimed, award-winning editors and anthologists David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer demonstrate the amazing depth and power of contemporary speculative fiction, showcasing astonishing stories from some of the genre's most respected names as well as exciting new writers to watch. Prepare to travel light years from the ordinary into a tomorrow at once breathtaking, frightening, and possible, with tales of wonder from: Elizabeth Bear Gregory Benford Neil Gaiman Nancy Kress Michael Swanwick and others.Contentsxi • Introduction (Year's Best SF 17) • essay by David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer1 • The Best Science Fiction of the Year Three • (2011) • shortfiction by Ken MacLeod16 • Dolly • (2011) • shortstory by Elizabeth Bear34 • Altogether Elsewhere, Vast Herds of Reindeer • (2011) • shortstory by Ken Liu48 • Tethered • (2011) • shortfiction by Mercurio D. Rivera73 • Wahala • (2011) • shortfiction by Nnedi Okorafor96 • Laika's Ghost • (2011) • novelette by Karl Schroeder128 • Ragnarok • (2011) • poem by Paul Park140 • Six Months, Three Days • (2011) • novelette by Charlie Anders [as by Charlie Jane Anders ]163 • "And Weep Like Alexander" • (2011) • shortfiction by Neil Gaiman169 • The Middle of Somewhere • (2011) • shortfiction by Judith Moffett195 • Mercies • (2011) • novelette by Gregory Benford220 • The Education of Junior Number 12 • [Machine Dynasties] • (2011) • shortfiction by Madeline Ashby246 • Our Candidate • (2011) • shortstory by Robert Reed261 • Thick Water • (2011) • shortfiction by Karen Heuler281 • The War Artist • (2011) • shortstory by Tony Ballantyne294 • The Master of the Aviary • (2011) • shortfiction by Bruce Sterling323 • Home Sweet Bi'ome • (2011) • novelette by Pat MacEwen346 • For I Have Lain Me Down on the Stone of Loneliness and I'll Not Be Back Again • (2011) • shortstory by Michael Swanwick364 • The Ki-anna • (2011) • novelette by Gwyneth Jones388 • Eliot Wrote • (2011) • shortstory by Nancy Kress403 • The Nearest Thing • (2011) • novelette by Genevieve Valentine430 • A Vector Alphabet of Interstellar Travel • (2011) • shortstory by Yoon Ha Lee438 • The Ice Owl • (2011) • novella by Carolyn Ives Gilman

    For this newest collection of the finest short form SF to appear in print over the preceding year, acclaimed editors and anthologists David G. Hartwell and Kathryn Cramer have gathered remarkable works that reflect a new sensibility. Courageous and diverse stories from some of the finest authors in the field grace this amazing volume -- adventures and discoveries, parables and warnings, carrying those eager to fly to far ends of a vast, ever-shifting universe of alien worlds, strange cultures, and mind-bending technologies. Tomorrow has never been as spellbinding, terrifying, or transforming as it is here, today, in these extraordinary pages. Hang on! * Amnesty • (2003) • shortstory by Octavia E. Butler * Birth Days • (2003) • shortstory by Geoff Ryman * The Waters of Meribah • (2003) • shortstory by Tony Ballantyne * EJ-ES • (2003) • novelette by Nancy Kress * Four Short Novels • (2003) • shortstory by Joe Haldeman * Rogue Farm • (2003) • shortstory by Charles Stross * The Violet’s Embryos • (2003) • shortstory by Angélica Gorodischer * Coyote at the End of History • (2003) • shortstory by Michael Swanwick * In Fading Suns and Dying Moons • (2003) • novelette by John Varley * Castaway • (2003) • shortstory by Gene Wolfe * The Hydrogen Wall • (2003) • novelette by Gregory Benford * The Day We Went Through the Transition • (2003) • shortstory by Pedro Jorge Romero and Ricard de la Casa * Nimby and the Dimension Hoppers • (2003) • shortstory by Cory Doctorow * Night of Time • (2003) • shortstory by Robert Reed * A Night on the Barbary Coast • (2003) • shortstory by Kage Baker * Annuity Clinic • (2003) • shortstory by Nigel Brown * The Madwoman of Shuttlefield • (2003) • novelette by Allen M. Steele * Bread and Bombs • (2003) • shortstory by M. Rickert * The Great Game • (2003) • shortstory by Stephen Baxter * The Albertine Notes • (2003) • shortstory by Rick Moody

    Here are stories that go beyond space and time.Contentsix • Introduction: Science Fiction is Alive and Well • (1996) • essay by David G. Hartwell1 • Think Like a Dinosaur • (1995) • novelette by James Patrick Kelly29 • Wonders of the Invisible World • (1995) • shortstory by Patricia A. McKillip45 • Hot Times in Magma City • (1995) • novella by Robert Silverberg111 • Gossamer • [Xeelee] • (1995) • shortstory by Stephen Baxter135 • A Worm in the Well • (1995) • novelette by Gregory Benford169 • Downloading Midnight • (1995) • novelette by William Browning Spencer203 • For White Hill • (1995) • novella by Joe Haldeman261 • In Saturn Time • (1995) • shortstory by William Barton283 • Coming of Age in Karhide • [Hainish] • (1995) • novelette by Ursula K. Le Guin309 • The Three Descents of Jeremy Baker • (1995) • shortstory by Roger Zelazny321 • Evolution • (1995) • novelette by Nancy Kress353 • The Day the Aliens Came • (1995) • shortstory by Robert Sheckley369 • Microbe • [Elysium Cycle] • (1995) • shortstory by Joan Slonczewski387 • The Ziggurat • (1995) • novella by Gene Wolfe

    Contributed by some of the most revered and exciting voices in the genre -- and compiled by acclaimed editor and anthologist David G. Hartwell -- these stories of wonder and terror, astounding technologies and miraculous discovery, stretch the imagination into realms and universes never dreamed of before. Each tale is a dazzling gem, rocketing readers across light years and into unknown dimensions -- exploring the intricate cultures of alien races and the strange, secret workings of the human mind. And together they form an unparalleled whole -- a collection of luminous visions that shines more brightly than a newborn sun.New tales from:Nancy KressUrsula K. Le GuinGreg EganBruce SterlingMichael SwanwickGene Wolfeand many more