Wealth . . . or death. Those were the choices Gateway offered. Humans had discovered this artificial spaceport, full of working interstellar ships left behind by the mysterious, vanished Heechee. Their destinations are preprogrammed. They are easy to operate, but impossible to control. Some came back with discoveries which made their intrepid pilots rich; others returned with their remains barely identifiable. It was the ultimate game of Russian roulette, but in this resource-starved future there was no shortage of desperate volunteers.

At its core, 'Search the Sky' stands as a multi-faceted exploration of science fiction, weaving together a tapestry of narratives that challenge and contemplate the future of humanity through a rich array of literary styles. The anthology, curated by the eminent Frederik Pohl and C. M. Kornbluth, showcases a selection of stories that push the boundaries of imagination and scientific speculation. With each tale, the reader is invited into vast, uncharted territories that question societal norms, technological advancements, and the very essence of human evolution. This collection serves not only as entertainment but as a signpost of the times, capturing the zeitgeist of mid-20th century speculative fiction with its themes of dystopia, space exploration, and the potentialities of future societies. The diverse narratives within this anthology are representative of the periods overarching anxieties and aspirations, making it a standout piece in the literary landscape of science fiction. The collaboration between Frederik Pohl and C. M. Kornbluth brings together two of the most influential voices in science fiction. Their backgrounds, having lived through a significant portion of the 20th century, inject a fascinating depth and authenticity into the collection. This era was marked by rapid technological advancements and the looming threat of nuclear war, both of which are reflected in the themes of 'Search the Sky'. The confluence of Pohls and Kornbluths visions offers readers a nuanced understanding of the societal and existential questions that preoccupied minds during this time. The anthology aligns with significant cultural and literary movements, including the Golden Age of Science Fiction, and contributes to the genres ongoing dialogue about humanitys place in the universe. 'Search the Sky' is an indispensable collection for readers yearning to dive into the depths of science fiction. It presents an unparalleled opportunity to witness the convergence of two masterful writers imaginations, offering insights into humanitys potential paths and pitfalls. This anthology is not just a journey through space and time but an invitation to contemplate our future and the infinite possibilities that lie beyond our Earthly confines. For scholars, enthusiasts, and casual readers alike, this collection provides a gateway to understanding the enduring questions that science fiction seeks to address, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the evolution of the genre and its reflections on the human condition.

Frederik Pohl was on a streak when this Hugo Award–finalist novel was published in 1980. Now back in print after an absence of nearly a decade, this unique science fiction novel is as fresh and entertaining as ever. The story begins when the hero of Gateway finances an expedition to a distant alien spaceship that may end famine forever. On the ship, the explorers find a human boy, and evidence that reveals a powerful alien civilization is thriving on a transport ship headed right for Earth.... At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

A vision of the future which confronts the issues of morality, innocence and corruption.

It is the 20th Century, an advertisement-drenched world in which the big ad agencies dominate governments and everything else. Now Schoken Associates, one of the big players, has a new challenge for star copywriter Mitch Courtenay. Volunteers are needed to colonise Venus. It's a hellhole, and nobody who knew anything about it would dream of signing up. But by the time Mitch has finished, they will be queuing to get on board the spaceships.

“WE’RE GOING TO FIND OUT MORE, AND THEN WE’RE GOING TO FIGHT! It was enough to curdle the blood. Haendl was proposing to fight—against the invulnerable, the almost godlike Pyramids! Haendl stood up. “Tropile, that’s what this is all about!” He gestured around him. “Guns, tanks, airplanes—it’s going to be us against them. Never mind the Sheep; they don’t count. It’s going to be Pyramids and Wolves, and the Pyramids won’t win. And then—” He was glowing, and the fever was contagious. Tropile felt his own blood begin to pound. Haendl hadn’t finished his “and then—”, but he didn’t have to. It was obvious. And then the Earth would go back to its own solar system, and an end to the five-year cycle of frost and hunger. And then the Wolves would rule a world worth ruling. This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.