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Annual World's Best SF #12
The 1983 Annual World's Best SF
DAW Books paperback. Introduction by editor Wollheim, and these The Scourge (1981) by James White; A Letter from the Clearys (1982) by Connie Willis; Farmer on the Dole (1982) by Frederik Pohl; Playing the Game (1982) by Gardner Dozois and Jack Dann; Pawn's Gambit (1982) by Timothy Zahn; The Comedian (1982) by Tim Sullivan; Written in Water (1982) by Tanith Lee; Souls (1982) by Joanna Russ; Swarm (1982) by Bruce Sterling; Peg-Man (1982) by Rudy Rucker.
255 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
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104 people want to read
About the author
Donald A. Wollheim
297 books34 followersDonald Allen Wollheim was a science fiction writer, editor, publisher and fan. He published his own works under pseudonyms, including David Grinnell.
A member of the Futurians, he was one of the leading influences on the development of science fiction and science fiction fandom in the 20th century United States.
In 1937, Wollheim founded the Fantasy Amateur Press Association. The first mailing was distributed in July of that year and included this statement from Wollheim: "There are many fans desiring to put out a voice who dare not, for fear of being obliged to keep it up, and for the worry and time taken by subscriptions and advertising. It is for them and for the fan who admits it is his hobby and not his business that we formed the FAPA."
Wollheim was also a member of the New York Science Fiction League, one of the clubs established by Hugo Gernsback to promote science fiction. When Wollheim published a complaint of non-payment for stories against Gernsback, Gernsback dissolved the New York chapter of the club.
Wollheim's first story, "The Man from Ariel," was published in the January 1934 issue of Wonder Stories when Wollheim was nineteen. Wollheim was not paid for the story and when he began to look into the situation, he learned that many other authors had not been paid for their work, publishing his findings in the Bulletin of the Terrestrial Fantascience Guild. Gernsback eventually settled the case with Wollheim and other authors out of court for $75, but when Wollheim submitted another story to Gernsback, under the pseudonym "Millard Verne Gordon," he was again not paid. One of Wollheim's short stories, "Mimic" was made into the feature film of the same name, which was released in 1997.
He left Avon Books in 1952 to work for A. A. Wyn at Ace Books. In 1953 he introduced science fiction to the Ace lineup, and for 20 years edited their renowned sf list. Ace was well known for the Ace Doubles series which consisted of pairs of books, usually by different authors, bound back-to-back with two "front" covers. Because these paired books had to fit a fixed total page-length, one or both were usually heavily abridged to fit, and Wollheim often made many other editorial alterations and title changes — as witness the many differences between Poul Anderson's Ace novel War of the Wing-Men and its definitive revised edition, The Man Who Counts. It was also during the 1950s he bought the book Junk by William S. Burroughs, which, in his inimitable fashion, he retitled Junkie.
In 1965 Wollheim published an unauthorized Ace edition of The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien in three volumes — the first mass-market paperback edition of Tolkien's epic. This was done because Wollheim believed the Houghton Mifflin hardcover editions failed to properly assert copyright. In a 2006 interview, Wollheim's daughter claimed that Tolkien had angered her father by saying that his magnum opus would never be published in so ‘degenerate a form’ as the paperback book. However, Tolkien had previously authorized a paperback edition of The Hobbit in 1961, and eventually supported paperback editions of The Lord of the Rings and several of his other texts. In any case, Ace was forced to cease publishing the unauthorized edition and to pay Tolkien for their sales following a grass-roots campaign and boycott by Tolkien's U.S. fans. In 1993 a court found that the copyright loophole suggested by Ace Books was incorrect and their paperback edition found to have been a violation of Tolkien's copyright under US law.
After leaving Ace he founded DAW Books in 1971, named by his initials, which can claim to be the first mass market specialist science fiction and fantasy fiction publishing house. In later years, when his distributors, New American Library, threatened to withhold distribution of Thomas Burnett Swann's Biblical fantasy How are the Mighty Fallen (1974) because of its homosexual con
A member of the Futurians, he was one of the leading influences on the development of science fiction and science fiction fandom in the 20th century United States.
In 1937, Wollheim founded the Fantasy Amateur Press Association. The first mailing was distributed in July of that year and included this statement from Wollheim: "There are many fans desiring to put out a voice who dare not, for fear of being obliged to keep it up, and for the worry and time taken by subscriptions and advertising. It is for them and for the fan who admits it is his hobby and not his business that we formed the FAPA."
Wollheim was also a member of the New York Science Fiction League, one of the clubs established by Hugo Gernsback to promote science fiction. When Wollheim published a complaint of non-payment for stories against Gernsback, Gernsback dissolved the New York chapter of the club.
Wollheim's first story, "The Man from Ariel," was published in the January 1934 issue of Wonder Stories when Wollheim was nineteen. Wollheim was not paid for the story and when he began to look into the situation, he learned that many other authors had not been paid for their work, publishing his findings in the Bulletin of the Terrestrial Fantascience Guild. Gernsback eventually settled the case with Wollheim and other authors out of court for $75, but when Wollheim submitted another story to Gernsback, under the pseudonym "Millard Verne Gordon," he was again not paid. One of Wollheim's short stories, "Mimic" was made into the feature film of the same name, which was released in 1997.
He left Avon Books in 1952 to work for A. A. Wyn at Ace Books. In 1953 he introduced science fiction to the Ace lineup, and for 20 years edited their renowned sf list. Ace was well known for the Ace Doubles series which consisted of pairs of books, usually by different authors, bound back-to-back with two "front" covers. Because these paired books had to fit a fixed total page-length, one or both were usually heavily abridged to fit, and Wollheim often made many other editorial alterations and title changes — as witness the many differences between Poul Anderson's Ace novel War of the Wing-Men and its definitive revised edition, The Man Who Counts. It was also during the 1950s he bought the book Junk by William S. Burroughs, which, in his inimitable fashion, he retitled Junkie.
In 1965 Wollheim published an unauthorized Ace edition of The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien in three volumes — the first mass-market paperback edition of Tolkien's epic. This was done because Wollheim believed the Houghton Mifflin hardcover editions failed to properly assert copyright. In a 2006 interview, Wollheim's daughter claimed that Tolkien had angered her father by saying that his magnum opus would never be published in so ‘degenerate a form’ as the paperback book. However, Tolkien had previously authorized a paperback edition of The Hobbit in 1961, and eventually supported paperback editions of The Lord of the Rings and several of his other texts. In any case, Ace was forced to cease publishing the unauthorized edition and to pay Tolkien for their sales following a grass-roots campaign and boycott by Tolkien's U.S. fans. In 1993 a court found that the copyright loophole suggested by Ace Books was incorrect and their paperback edition found to have been a violation of Tolkien's copyright under US law.
After leaving Ace he founded DAW Books in 1971, named by his initials, which can claim to be the first mass market specialist science fiction and fantasy fiction publishing house. In later years, when his distributors, New American Library, threatened to withhold distribution of Thomas Burnett Swann's Biblical fantasy How are the Mighty Fallen (1974) because of its homosexual con
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 17, 2023
Average rating: 3.5/5. Rounded down because, though I enjoyed this anthology quite a lot, it was quite middle of the road except for the stories by Timothy Zahn, Bruce Sterling, Tanith Lee, and Joanna Russ.
The Scourge by James White — 2/5
A slow, Star Trek ripoff novelette with Kangaroo-frog aliens. It explores the idea of a planet where the everyday man (or kangaroo-frog) doesn’t ask any questions from their leadership. Literally a master-slave or feudal government. The characters and ideas were pretty rudimentary.
A Letter From the Clearys by Connie Willis —4/5
Very clever short story. Great characters, great environment, and great emotion—all with a perfect twist! I don’t even wanna go to far into it because it works solidly on its own.
Farmer on the Dole by Frederik Pohl — 3/5
Amusing commentary on jobs and humanity. The story is about robots that lose their jobs and get reassigned to be basically NPCs for humans. It’s very tongue-in-cheek. Not the first Pohl I’ve read, but definitely not his best—nor worst!
Playing the Game by Gardner Dozois and Jack Dann — 3/5
A semi-clever and interesting idea, probably more so in 1983. A boy searches for his father and mother. Not much more to say except . . . two people wrote this? It was so short!
Pawn’s Gambit by Timothy Zahn — 5/5
Like a more succinct Player of Games, Zahn writes a fun, quick exploration of games, strategy, and honor. Loved the interplay between the main character and his fellow captive. This was probably my second favorite of the anthology.
The Comedian by Timothy Robert Sullivan — 3/5
A psychological thriller about a child kidnapper and a comedian. Interesting concept but it just didn’t grab me. I feel like this felt a lot like Terminator somehow. Not bad, not great.
Written in Water by Tanith Lee — 4/5
Last woman on Earth discovers a crashed starship survivor. But he is not all that he seems. Ever since I first read Tanith Lee, I fell in love with her prose and depth of writing. This story felt oddly perfect after reading it post-2019. Lee’s prescience and aptitude with the pen never ceases to inspire! I think with a little more love, this could have been a 5/5.
Souls by Joanna Russ — 4/5
This award-winning novelette won the Hugo award. The story reads more like a historical story, which is the point. With a bright lead character, Russ tackles the questions of faith, femininity, brutality, and good vs. evil. The twist had me scratching my head, but I think I got the point. It’s a great story that I suspect will have me thinking for quite some time.
Swarm by Bruce Sterling — 5/5
The best story in the collection, by far! This was my first introduction into the writing of Bruce Sterling, and—let me tell you—I am floored. Wonderful quick worldbuilding, exploration of genetic engineering, body horror, and more! Spectacular story! The best of the anthology.
Peg-Man by Rudy Rucker — 3/5
Wacky “comedy”. I usually don’t vibe with comedy writing, so this one fell flat for me. Wasn’t cringy or bad, mind you. Just mid.
The Scourge by James White — 2/5
A slow, Star Trek ripoff novelette with Kangaroo-frog aliens. It explores the idea of a planet where the everyday man (or kangaroo-frog) doesn’t ask any questions from their leadership. Literally a master-slave or feudal government. The characters and ideas were pretty rudimentary.
A Letter From the Clearys by Connie Willis —4/5
Very clever short story. Great characters, great environment, and great emotion—all with a perfect twist! I don’t even wanna go to far into it because it works solidly on its own.
Farmer on the Dole by Frederik Pohl — 3/5
Amusing commentary on jobs and humanity. The story is about robots that lose their jobs and get reassigned to be basically NPCs for humans. It’s very tongue-in-cheek. Not the first Pohl I’ve read, but definitely not his best—nor worst!
Playing the Game by Gardner Dozois and Jack Dann — 3/5
A semi-clever and interesting idea, probably more so in 1983. A boy searches for his father and mother. Not much more to say except . . . two people wrote this? It was so short!
Pawn’s Gambit by Timothy Zahn — 5/5
Like a more succinct Player of Games, Zahn writes a fun, quick exploration of games, strategy, and honor. Loved the interplay between the main character and his fellow captive. This was probably my second favorite of the anthology.
The Comedian by Timothy Robert Sullivan — 3/5
A psychological thriller about a child kidnapper and a comedian. Interesting concept but it just didn’t grab me. I feel like this felt a lot like Terminator somehow. Not bad, not great.
Written in Water by Tanith Lee — 4/5
Last woman on Earth discovers a crashed starship survivor. But he is not all that he seems. Ever since I first read Tanith Lee, I fell in love with her prose and depth of writing. This story felt oddly perfect after reading it post-2019. Lee’s prescience and aptitude with the pen never ceases to inspire! I think with a little more love, this could have been a 5/5.
Souls by Joanna Russ — 4/5
This award-winning novelette won the Hugo award. The story reads more like a historical story, which is the point. With a bright lead character, Russ tackles the questions of faith, femininity, brutality, and good vs. evil. The twist had me scratching my head, but I think I got the point. It’s a great story that I suspect will have me thinking for quite some time.
Swarm by Bruce Sterling — 5/5
The best story in the collection, by far! This was my first introduction into the writing of Bruce Sterling, and—let me tell you—I am floored. Wonderful quick worldbuilding, exploration of genetic engineering, body horror, and more! Spectacular story! The best of the anthology.
Peg-Man by Rudy Rucker — 3/5
Wacky “comedy”. I usually don’t vibe with comedy writing, so this one fell flat for me. Wasn’t cringy or bad, mind you. Just mid.
June 8, 2017
1982 was a pretty good year for science fiction short stories (not as good as 1980 but hey -- sometimes any port in a storm). Wallheim collects a chunk in an anthology I thought was far too short. The main story (or novella) is "Souls" by Joanna Russ. This historical piece may seem a strange entry for a SF collection, but keep with it -- it does get science-fictiony at the end. This may also be familiar since "Souls" has appeared in other anthologies.
Even if you have read "Souls" before, don't let that put you off from reading this anthology. Many of the stories are about people clashing with aliens -- which throws a fun-house mirror on how Americans (or the English or Canadians or take your pick) cannot seem to get along with "aliens" (people from other countries.) Particularly of note is the first selection, "The Scourge" by James White where a well-intentioned human on an alien planet can't seem to do anything but screw up. It reads at times like a particularly deep Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, but is thought-provoking.
My favorite story was the last one, R. Rucker's "Peg-Man" about a guy obsessed with playing a game almost exactly like Pac Man (the original arcade version.) I used to date a guy who worked in a video arcade place at the mall so this really took me back. It's a funny and open-ended piece but still a better representation of the early 1980s than most history books or "remember the 80s" psuedo-documentaries on VH1.
And is the guy in Tanith Lee's "Written in Water" is David Bowie from The Man Who Fell to Earth or WHAT? She wrote another David Bowie-ish character in a novel The Silver Metal Lover.
Even if you have read "Souls" before, don't let that put you off from reading this anthology. Many of the stories are about people clashing with aliens -- which throws a fun-house mirror on how Americans (or the English or Canadians or take your pick) cannot seem to get along with "aliens" (people from other countries.) Particularly of note is the first selection, "The Scourge" by James White where a well-intentioned human on an alien planet can't seem to do anything but screw up. It reads at times like a particularly deep Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, but is thought-provoking.
My favorite story was the last one, R. Rucker's "Peg-Man" about a guy obsessed with playing a game almost exactly like Pac Man (the original arcade version.) I used to date a guy who worked in a video arcade place at the mall so this really took me back. It's a funny and open-ended piece but still a better representation of the early 1980s than most history books or "remember the 80s" psuedo-documentaries on VH1.
And is the guy in Tanith Lee's "Written in Water" is David Bowie from The Man Who Fell to Earth or WHAT? She wrote another David Bowie-ish character in a novel The Silver Metal Lover.
June 15, 2012
I really enjoyed this book, a nice contrast to some of the other anthologies I've read lately. It started out really good. There's a Connie Willis story that I don't particularly care for, it's a fine story, just not my cup of tea. Then, just before the end are two stories that I thought would never end. Not a good sign in a 'short story.' They were adequately written for sure, and perhaps someone else would find them fun or riveting or at least interesting, but I was so glad when I finished them - Souls, and Swarm. Easy to find and avoid in the future. It ends with a classic bit of 'fun' SF - Peg-man - which left me smiling and delighted, not least because there doesn't seem to be much classic style SF anymore, that I haven't already read. All in all I would recommend it. What a nice change. ;-)
August 9, 2011
Some great moments in this edition: the societal shuffling caused by catastrophic orbital debris, the quantum-traversing boy who's searching for the *right* family dimension previously lost, the seeming-abductor who in fact rescues children seconds from nuclear annihilation, the hive race that mutates deliberate sentience, and the pac man game that spikes both federal and galaxy-wide investigations.
I think I'm 6 down, 5 to go on this series; looking forward to the next edition...
I think I'm 6 down, 5 to go on this series; looking forward to the next edition...
January 7, 2026
Another solid collection. As I continue down this path is interesting to see how the introduction from DW has changed based on the changing times. This was one that seemed more positive and celebrated the progress of sci fi in the early 80s and all of these stories hit that mark (save 1 , but I’ll come back to that). For me the standout here is Pawns Gambit. It’s a smart, quick and very well written piece that captures the magic, mystery, science, and wit of great sci fi short stories. The runner up is definitely The Scourge, which was a lovely novella about space races and galactic federations with a great story and expert writing.
The only thing that feel short for me was Souls, by J Russ, which I know later ended up being a book, so maybe the book is better than the short? It just wasn’t for me. Other than that very easy to again recommend this collection.
The only thing that feel short for me was Souls, by J Russ, which I know later ended up being a book, so maybe the book is better than the short? It just wasn’t for me. Other than that very easy to again recommend this collection.
Want to read
January 31, 202610 stories:
(4/10 read)
The Scourge (1972) • James White
* A Letter from the Clearys (1972) • Connie Willis
(0 stars) Farmer on the Dole (1972) • Frederik Pohl
Playing the Game (1972) • Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois
Pawn's Gambit (1972) • Timothy Zahn
The Comedian (1972) • Tim Sullivan
Written in Water (1972) • Tanith Lee
***** Souls (1972) • Joanna Russ
**** Swarm (1972) • Bruce Sterling
Peg-Man (1972) • Rudy Rucker
(4/10 read)
The Scourge (1972) • James White
* A Letter from the Clearys (1972) • Connie Willis
(0 stars) Farmer on the Dole (1972) • Frederik Pohl
Playing the Game (1972) • Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois
Pawn's Gambit (1972) • Timothy Zahn
The Comedian (1972) • Tim Sullivan
Written in Water (1972) • Tanith Lee
***** Souls (1972) • Joanna Russ
**** Swarm (1972) • Bruce Sterling
Peg-Man (1972) • Rudy Rucker
August 12, 2020
I had a great time reading these stories! I was 19 years old when this came out and had no idea anthologies such as this existed. Better late than never!!
October 7, 2020
I've read almost all of this series. So far this is the best one. I liked almost every story.
November 16, 2025
The Frederick Pohl "What is robots were Black?" story is amusing in it's ham-handedness and how it predicts the robot humor of Futurama.
2:10 to read
2:10 to read
March 1, 2016
There are some really good short stories in this collection. Definitely worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews