At first, the dueling machine seemed like a benign or even a helpful invention, allowing people to blow off steam and solve conflicts in a virtual reality-like environment. But before long, an evil tyrant discovers a way to use the device to inflict real and lasting harm on participants. Will the intrepid scientist who invented the technology be able to stop him before it's too late?

At the core of 'The Dueling Machine' lies a vibrant collection that traverses the realms of science fiction with an astute analysis of human nature and the potential pitfalls of technological advancements. This anthology, edited by Ben Bova and Myron R. Lewis, brings together a compelling range of literary styles, from speculative fiction to cerebral science fiction, highlighting the diversity and significance of the works included. It serves not only as a mirror reflecting societal worries about technologys impact on human identity but also as a beacon showcasing the imaginative breadth of its contributors. The contributing authors, under the guidance of Bova and Lewis, are veterans and visionaries in the field of science fiction. Their collective expertise spans decades, contributing significantly to the golden age of science fiction and its evolution. The anthology resonates with the historical and cultural movements of speculative exploration, embodying a period of time when science fiction began to be taken seriously as a literary genre. The varied backgrounds of these authors enrich the anthology, offering a spectrum of perspectives that challenge and engage readers on multiple levels. 'The Dueling Machine' is recommended for readers seeking to immerse themselves in a multifaceted exploration of science fiction. Its educational value is unparalleled, providing insights into the genres capacity to question and critique contemporary society through speculative storytelling. This collection is not only a testament to the literary merit of science fiction but also an invitation to engage in the dialogue between the diverse voices that have shaped the genre.

An Australia destroyed by a nuclear holocaust is ruled by a computer made of human components imprisoned inside. When a component becomes defective it is shot.

Fierce, searing, and darkly comical, Garriga's debut collection of short-short fiction depicts historical and imagined duels, re-envisioning in a flash the competing points of motivation—courage and cowardice, honor and vengeance—that lead individuals to risk it all. In this compact collection, “settling the score” provides a fascinating apparatus for exploring foundational civilizing ideas. Notions of courage, cowardice, and revenge course through Michael Garriga’s flash fiction pieces, each one of which captures a duel’s decisive moment from three distinct perspectives: opposing accounts from the individual duelists, followed by the third account of a witness. In razor-honed language, the voices of the duelists take center stage, training a spotlight on the litany of misguided beliefs and perceptions that lead individuals into such conflicts. From Cain and Abel to Andrew Jackson and Charles Dickenson; from John Henry and the steam drill to an alcoholic fighting the bottle: the cumulative effect of these powerful pieces is a probing and disconcerting look at humankind’s long-held notions of pride, honor, vengeance, and satisfaction. Meticulously crafted by Garriga, and with stunning illustrations by Tynan Kerr, The Book of Duels is a unique and remarkable debut.

Steve buys a time machine at a garage sale and takes his friend Max to the year 1250, where they land in the middle of a jousting match, with the fierce Sir Bevis as an enemy.

Remember that murderous semi chasing Dennis Weaver down a lonely stretch of desert highway? Duel, Steven Spielberg's acclaimed first film, was adapted by Richard Matheson from his unforgettable story of the same name. But "Duel" is only one of the classic suspense tales in this outstanding collection of stories by the Grand Master of Horror, which also contains Matheson's legendary first story, "Born of Man and Woman," as well as several stunning shockers that inspired memorable episodes of The Twilight Zone, including "Little Girl Lost," "Steel," and "Third from the Sun." Like Matheson's previous collection, Nightmare at 20,000 Feet, this collection is an indispensable treasure trove of terror from the New York Times bestselling author of I Am Legend and What Dreams May Come.

Civilized, harmless virtual reality dueling has replaced all physical conflict - everything from punching someone over a personal insult to interstellar warfare... until a madman dictator of a small empire finds a way to cheat, and use the dueling machine to take over the galaxy! From a six-time Hugo Award winning master of science, and set in the same universe as The Star Conquerors, THE DUELING MACHINE is filled with real people facing the end of their world as they know it. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Ben Bova is a six-time Hugo Award winner, and author of over 125 futuristic novels and nonfiction books about science and technology.