The Best Science Fiction Stories

by Michael Stapleton (Editor, Introduction), H.G. Wells (Contributor), E.M. Forster (Contributor)

Contents:
- Introduction (Dec 1976) by Michael Stapleton
- In the Abyss (1896) by H.G. Wells
- The Machine Stops (1909) by E.M. Forster
- The Lost Machine (1932) by John Wyndham
- The Man from Beyond (1934) by John Wyndham
- Old Faithful (1934) by Raymond Z. Gallun
- Madness from Mars (1939) by Clifford D. Simak
- The First Martian (1939) by A.E. van Vogt
- Dormant (1948) by A.E. van Vogt
- The Star Ducks (1950) by Bill Brown
- Coming Attraction (1950) by Fritz Leiber
- And the Moon Be Still as Bright (1948) by Ray Bradbury
- The Fly (1952) by Arthur Porges
- Youth (1952) by Isaac Asimov
- The Deep (1952) by Isaac Asimov
- Zero Hour (1947) by Ray Bradbury
- Kaleidoscope (1949) by Ray Bradbury
- Second Variety (1953) by Philip K. Dick
- The Ruum (1953) by Arthur Porges
- Worrywart (1953) by Clifford D. Simak
- The New Wine (1954) by John Christopher
- Survival (1952) by John Wyndham
- Hobson's Choice (1952) by Alfred Bester
- Between the Dark and the Daylight (1958) by Algis Budrys
- The Short Life (1955) by Francis Donovan
- Repeat Performance (1971) by Bob Shaw
- The Voices of Time (1960) by J.G. Ballard
- Green Thumb (1954) by Clifford D. Simak
- Before Eden (1961) by Arthur C. Clarke
- Call Me Dumbo (1966) by Bob Shaw
- Far From This Earth (1970) by Chad Oliver
- Wife to the Lord (1970) by Harry Harrison
- The Life Preservers (1970) by Harry Harrison
- The Hunter at His Ease (1970) by Brian W. Aldiss
- We All Die Naked (1969) by James Blish
- The Wicked Flee (1971) by Harry Harrison
- Transit of Earth (1971) by Arthur C. Clarke
- Rammer (1971) by Larry Niven
- A Little Knowledge (1971) by Poul Anderson
- Process (1950) by A.E. van Vogt
- We Purchased People (1974) by Frederik Pohl
- Esmeralda (1975) by Daphne Castell
- The Hibbie (1975) by James Alexander
- Let's Go to Golgotha! (1974) by Garry Kilworth

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories, Anthologies

748 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1977

Reviews

[Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book more than 40 years ago. Whilst I didn't remember all the stories, we've seen many of the tropes appear in books, TV, and film through the years. The luminaries of scifi are well known for their ideas (and some for their writing style)... a few of the stories wouldn't be considered PC these days, but the overall presience made this a worthwhile trip down memory lane.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

An introduction to s/f writers I would not have otherwise considered at the time. Notable stories for me were from the authors Alfred Bester, Bob Shaw, James Alexander, and Garry Kilworth. Published in 1977 the stories run from 1896 to 1975. The writers included here are from various countries and the book might be seen as gender specific to a lesser degree with one exception, Daphne Castells' Esmeralda. Some entertaining reads within.

[Rob Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

(1977). Lots of different writers, interesting. Some old ones also very good.

The stories I liked the most:
John Wyndham - The Man from Beyond (1934)
Ray Bradbury - Zero Hour (1947)
Ray Bradbury - Kaleidoscope (1949)
Algis Budrys - Between the Dark and the Daylight (1958)
Clifford D. Simak - Green Thumb (1954)
Larry Niven - Rammer (1971)
Poul Anderson - A Little Knowledge (1971)
Frederik Pohl - We Purchased People (1974)

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

'The Best Science Fiction Stories' collects some well known entries by genre giants as well as some lesser known. A fine volume that takes on a multitude of themes and characters and plotlines. A couple of personal favourites include, The Machine Stops (E.M. Forster), Before Eden (Clarke), The Short Life (Francis Donovan) and Call me Dumbo (Bob Shaw) among many others.

[Sven McNiven · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was like chewing through chuck steak. Tough going, but still a slight pleasant taste. Most of these short stories are fairly dated and it was interesting to note the fascination with Mars 30 years ago. There are some pearls amongst these but it's probably suited towards a newcomer to the genre.

[Paul Chandler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kaleidoscope, Hobson's Choice and Let's go to Gogoltha! come to mind when reading this compilation of stories. It felt like a great introduction to many different Authors interpretations of Science Fiction.

[Sonrisa]

love old school short stories. interesting the view on humanity and space in the 1930's and earlier. working my way through it slowly.

[Lise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great sci-fi anthology with stories by H. G. Wells, Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury and others.