As any reader of Jo Walton's Among Others might guess, Walton is both an inveterate reader of SF and fantasy, and a chronic re-reader of books. In 2008, then-new science-fiction mega-site Tor.com asked Walton to blog regularly about her re-reading—about all kinds of older fantasy and SF, ranging from acknowledged classics, to guilty pleasures, to forgotten oddities and gems. These posts have consistently been among the most popular features of Tor.com. Now this volumes presents a selection of the best of them, ranging from short essays to long reassessments of some of the field's most ambitious series. Among Walton's many subjects here are the Zones of Thought novels of Vernor Vinge; the question of what genre readers mean by "mainstream"; the underappreciated SF adventures of C. J. Cherryh; the field's many approaches to time travel; the masterful science fiction of Samuel R. Delany; Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children; the early Hainish novels of Ursula K. Le Guin; and a Robert A. Heinlein novel you have most certainly never read. Over 130 essays in all, What Makes This Book So Great is an immensely readable, engaging collection of provocative, opinionated thoughts about past and present-day fantasy and science fiction, from one of our best writers. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

Collects nine classic science fiction novels from 1953 to 1958.

Now with a new introduction for the Tor Essentials line, A Fire Upon the Deep is sure to bring a new generation of SF fans to Vinge's award-winning works. A Hugo Award-winning Novel! “Vinge is one of the best visionary writers of SF today.”-David Brin Thousands of years in the future, humanity is no longer alone in a universe where a mind's potential is determined by its location in space, from superintelligent entities in the Transcend, to the limited minds of the Unthinking Depths, where only simple creatures, and technology, can function. Nobody knows what strange force partitioned space into these "regions of thought," but when the warring Straumli realm use an ancient Transcendent artifact as a weapon, they unwittingly unleash an awesome power that destroys thousands of worlds and enslaves all natural and artificial intelligence. Fleeing this galactic threat, Ravna crash lands on a strange world with a ship-hold full of cryogenically frozen children, the only survivors from a destroyed space-lab. They are taken captive by the Tines, an alien race with a harsh medieval culture, and used as pawns in a ruthless power struggle. Tor books by Vernor Vinge Zones of Thought Series A Fire Upon The Deep A Deepness In The Sky The Children of The Sky Realtime/Bobble Series The Peace War Marooned in Realtime Other Novels The Witling Tatja Grimm's World Rainbows End Collections Collected Stories of Vernor Vinge True Names At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

The Greatest Sci-Fi Classics anthology brings together an unprecedented assemblage of narrative ingenuity, showcasing the evolution and diversity of the science fiction genre. Within its pages, readers will traverse a landscape of literary experimentation, from the gothic futurism of Mary Shelley to the riveting adventures of Jules Verne, and the dystopian visions of H.G. Wells. This collection highlights the genres capacity to critique societal norms, explore philosophical quandaries, and imagine the uncharted territories of the future, making it a significant compendium for both its historical breadth and its thematic depth. The anthology not only celebrates the well-known pioneers but also illuminates the contributions of lesser-known authors whose works have been foundational to the genres development, creating a rich tapestry of speculative fiction. This selection of authors represents a wide array of backgrounds, from the groundbreaking scientific romances of H.G. Wells to the psychological depth of Edgar Allan Poe, and the feminist utopias of Charlotte Perkins Gilman. These authors, drawn from the 19th and early 20th centuries, collectively contributed to the shaping and challenging of the boundaries of the genre. Their works, reflecting the technological optimism and anxieties of their times, engage with themes of imperialism, science, morality, and identity, offering insights into the complex relationship between humanity and its creations. The anthology thus serves as a dialogue among some of the most influential voices in science fiction, mapping the genres evolution in response to shifting cultural landscapes. The Greatest Sci-Fi Classics is essential reading for anyone interested in the origins and development of science fiction. It invites readers to explore a multitude of perspectives, narrative techniques, and thematic explorations, making it an invaluable resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike. This anthology provides a unique opportunity to engage with the works that have not only entertained but also profoundly influenced our understanding of the world and the myriad possibilities of the future. Through its comprehensive scope and the variety of its contributions, this collection encourages a deeper appreciation and critical engagement with the science fiction genre.

The Greatest Sci-Fi Classics collection presents an unparalleled assembly of pioneering works that have shaped and defined the science fiction genre. Spanning a broad spectrum of themesfrom the social commentary of dystopian futures to the thrilling adventures in unexplored worldsthis anthology boasts an impressive diversity in literary styles. Among these pages lie the foundational texts of science fiction, with narratives that explore the human condition through speculative technological advancements and the exploration of the unknown. Notable for both its historic significance and the depth of its imaginative visions, this collection offers readers a journey through the evolution of the genre. The authors featured in this anthology represent a veritable whos who of science fictions progenitors. Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, and Mary Shelley are just a few of the visionary writers whose work is included, each contributing to the tapestry of themes and ideas that define science fiction. Their collective body of work encompasses a range of cultural, philosophical, and scientific thought from the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting the periods burgeoning interest in technological progress and its potential impacts on society. Through their stories, these authors not only entertained but also provoked thoughtful consideration of future possibilities. The Greatest Sci-Fi Classics offers readers a unique opportunity to explore a rich landscape of science fiction literature within a single volume. It serves as both an educational resource and a treasure trove of entertainment, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the worlds conceived by some of the genres most influential minds. This anthology is recommended for anyone interested in witnessing the genesis of science fiction as a literary form, engaging with the diverse perspectives it encompasses, and appreciating the dialogues it prompts about our future. The collection stands as a testament to the enduring power of science fiction to captivate the imagination and inspire reflection on humanitys path forward.

The Golden Age of Science Fiction, from the early 1940s through the 1950s, saw an explosion of talent in SF writing, including authors such as Isaac Asimov, Robert A. Heinlein, and Arthur C. Clarke. Their writing helped science fiction gain wide public attention, and left a lasting impression upon society. The same writers formed the mold for the next three decades of science fiction, and much of their writing remains as fresh today as it was then.

With a new introduction by Kelly Link, the Locus Award-winning science fiction novel by legendary author Ursula K. Le Guin, set in a world where one man’s dreams rewrite the future. During a time racked by war and environmental catastrophe, George Orr discovers his dreams alter reality. George is compelled to receive treatment from Dr. William Haber, an ambitious sleep psychiatrist who quickly grasps the immense power George holds. After becoming adept at manipulating George’s dreams to reshape the world, Haber seeks the same power for himself. George—with some surprising help—must resist Haber’s attempts, which threaten to destroy reality itself. A classic of the science fiction genre, The Lathe of Heaven is prescient in its exploration of the moral risks when overwhelming power is coupled with techno-utopianism.