
The Science Fiction Collection
Various Authors, Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, Robert Silverberg, Harry Harrison, Murray Leinster, Poul Anderson, Lester Del Rey, Andre Norton, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Ben Bova, Fritz Leiber, Ray Bradbury, Robert Abernathy
Publisher: Starfield Classics
Summary
The Science Fiction Collection is a monumental anthology that assembles over 100 unforgettable stories from the most celebrated minds in speculative fiction. Published by Steppenwolf Press, this expansive volume spans decades of visionary storytelling, blending timeless classics with hidden gems. From interstellar escapades to profound reflections on humanity’s future, this collection captures the imagination and limitless creativity that define the genre. The anthology features some of science fiction’s most iconic tales. Harry Harrison’s The Stainless Steel Rat introduces readers to a daring anti-hero navigating a galaxy of crime and intrigue, while Ray Bradbury’s A Little Journey explores the emotional weight of traveling to the stars. Philip K. Dick’s The Skull provides a haunting take on time travel and its chilling consequences, and Fritz Leiber’s The Moon is Green paints a vivid, post-apocalyptic vision of survival and hope. Hidden treasures abound in the collection. Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Jackie Sees a Star tells the tender story of a child marveling at the universe, and C.L. Moore’s Song in a Minor Key offers a poignant snapshot of the lonely life of a spacefarer. Frank Herbert’s Try to Remember dives deep into the fragility of memory and identity, showcasing the same thought-provoking themes that define his most famous works. The anthology also tackles complex ethical and philosophical questions. Frederik Pohl’s The Knights of Arthur envisions a future where automation challenges humanity’s role, while Poul Anderson’s The Valor of Cappen Varra tells a gripping story of wit and courage in an interstellar setting. Isaac Asimov’s Let’s Get Together explores robotics and espionage, and Robert Sheckley’s Cost of Living provides a biting critique of consumerism in a futuristic world. Balancing these deeper themes are stories filled with humor and wit. R.A. Lafferty’s Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas offers a comedic twist on alien misunderstandings, while Alan Arkin’s People Soup transforms a mundane experiment into a darkly hilarious tale. These lighter stories showcase the genre’s versatility, adding levity to the anthology’s diverse offerings. Action and adventure pulse through the collection, with thrilling tales like Donald E. Westlake’s Meteor Strike! and Sewell Wright’s The Death Traps of FX-31. At the same time, introspective works such as H.G. Wells’s The Star deliver moments of poetic awe, capturing the grandeur and fragility of the cosmos. The anthology also highlights imaginative explorations of alien worlds and cultures. Robert Silverberg’s The Mystery of Deneb IV, Kris Neville’s Hunt the Hunter, and James Schmitz’s The Other Likeness transport readers to distant frontiers, while Ben Bova’s A Long Way Back offers a heartfelt vision of humanity’s resilience after catastrophe. The Science Fiction Collection is more than an anthology; it is a celebration of the boundless creativity and imagination that define speculative fiction. With contributions from legendary authors like Ray Bradbury, Philip K. Dick, Isaac Asimov, and H.G. Wells, alongside lesser-known voices whose stories shine just as brightly, this collection is a rich and varied journey through the possibilities of the past, present, and future. Ideal for lifelong fans of science fiction or newcomers eager to explore the genre, The Science Fiction Collection invites readers to dream, reflect, and venture beyond the limits of the known. Its unparalleled scope and variety make it a treasure trove of storytelling, inspiring curiosity and wonder with every turn of the page. It is a must-have for anyone ready to embrace the limitless possibilities of the universe.