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What is the magic of science fiction?

It is a mode in which new and exciting ideas can be dramatized. It is a vehicle that throws the tendencies of our own society into startling relief; a medium in which human beings can be sharply satirized, and also warned of what they may become; a stage as large as space and time on which mankind may be seen acting under the stresses of undreamed-of social, psychological, and physical pressures; above all, a refreshing and necessary outlet for our sense of wonder.

So say novelist Kingsley Amis and poet Robert Conquest, science fiction addicts from boyhood, who triumphantly prove their contention in this dazzling collection of ten brilliant stories by such masters as Frederik Pohl, Robert Sheckley, and Robert Heinlein.

The stories in Spectrum exhibit excellent writing, humor, and satire as well as high adventure, terror, and stunning ingenuity. An illuminating introduction by the editors adds to the pleasure of a wonderfully varied and richly entertaining volume.

Contents:

• Introduction by Kingsley Amis and Robert Conquest
• The Midas Plague by Frederick Pohl
• Limiting Factor by Clifford D. Simak
• The Executioner by Algis Budrys
• Null-P by William Tenn
• The Homing Instinct of Joe Vargo by Stephen Barr
• Special Flight by John Berryman
• Inanimate Objection by H. Chandler Elliot
• Pilgrimage to Earth by Robert Sheckley
• Unhuman Sacrifice by Kathleen MacLean
• By His Bootstraps by Robert Heinlein (as Anson MacDonald)

What is the magic of science fiction?

It is a mode in which new and exciting ideas can be dramatized. It is a vehicle that throws the tendencies of our own society into startling relief; a medium in which human beings can be sharply satirized, and also warned of what they may become; a stage as large as space and time on which mankind may be seen acting under the stresses of undreamed-of social, psychological, and physical pressures; above all, a refreshing and necessary outlet for our sense of wonder.

So say novelist Kingsley Amis and poet Robert Conquest, science fiction addicts from boyhood, who triumphantly prove their contention in this dazzling collection of brilliant stories. The stories in Spectrum exhibit excellent writing, humor, and satire as well as high adventure, terror, and stunning ingenuity. An illuminating introduction by the editors adds to the pleasure of a wonderfully varied and richly entertaining volume.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction by Kingsley Amis and Robert Conquest
• Beyond Bedlam by Wyman Guin
• Bridge by James Blish
• Resurrection by A. E. van Vogt
• Second Variety by Philip K. Dick
• Sense from Thought Divide by Mark Clifton
• The Feeling of Power by Isaac Asimov
• There is a Tide by Brian W. Aldiss
• Vintage Season by Henry Kuttner and C. L. Moore (as Lawrence O'Donnell)

What is the magic of science fiction?

It is a mode in which new and exciting ideas can be dramatized. It is a vehicle that throws the tendencies of our own society into startling relief; a medium in which human beings can be sharply satirized, and also warned of what they may become; a stage as large as space and time on which mankind may be seen acting under the stresses of undreamed-of social, psychological, and physical pressures; above all, a refreshing and necessary outlet for our sense of wonder.

So say novelist Kingsley Amis and poet Robert Conquest, science fiction addicts from boyhood, who triumphantly prove their contention in this dazzling collection of brilliant stories. The stories in Spectrum exhibit excellent writing, humor, and satire as well as high adventure, terror, and stunning ingenuity. An illuminating introduction by the editors adds to the pleasure of a wonderfully varied and richly entertaining volume.

Table of Contents:

• Introduction by Kingsley Amis and Robert Conquest
• The Voices of Time by J. G. Ballard
• The Sentinel by Arthur C. Clarke
• Dreams are Sacred by Peter Philips
• Killdozer! by Theodore Sturgeon
• Fondly Fahrenheit by Alfred Bester
• Call Me Joe by Poul Anderson
• We Would See a Sign by Mark Rose
• Exploration Team by Murray Leinster

What is the magic of science fiction?

It is a mode in which new and exciting ideas can be dramatized. It is a vehicle that throws the tendencies of our own society into startling relief; a medium in which human beings can be sharply satirized, and also warned of what they may become; a stage as large as space and time on which mankind may be seen acting under the stresses of undreamed-of social, psychological, and physical pressures; above all, a refreshing and necessary outlet for our sense of wonder.

So say novelist Kingsley Amis and poet Robert Conquest, science fiction addicts from boyhood, who triumphantly prove their contention in this dazzling collection of brilliant stories. The stories in Spectrum exhibit excellent writing, humor, and satire as well as high adventure, terror, and stunning ingenuity. An illuminating introduction by the editors adds to the pleasure of a wonderfully varied and richly entertaining volume.

Table of Contents

• Introduction by Kingsley Amis and Robert Conquest
• Unreal Estates (essay) by Brian Aldiss, Kingsley Amis and C. S. Lewis
• The Marching Morons by C. M. Kornbluth
• Gadget vs. Trend by Christopher Anvil
• Such Stuff by Christopher Anvil
• The Sellers of the Dream by John Jakes
• The Large Ant by Howard Fast
• Barrier by Anthony Boucher
• The Great Nebraska Sea by Allan Danzig
• Compassion Circuit by John Wyndham
• A Planet Named Shayol by Cordwainer Smith
• Into the Shop by Ron Goulart
• The Secret Songs by Fritz Leiber
• Stranger Station by Damon Knight
• Hot Planet by Hal Clement
• The Choice by Wayland Hilton-Young

What is the magic of science fiction?

It is a mode in which new and exciting ideas can be dramatized. It is a vehicle that throws the tendencies of our own society into startling relief; a medium in which human beings can be sharply satirized, and also warned of what they may become; a stage as large as space and time on which mankind may be seen acting under the stresses of undreamed-of social, psychological, and physical pressures; above all, a refreshing and necessary outlet for our sense of wonder.

So say novelist Kingsley Amis and poet Robert Conquest, science fiction addicts from boyhood, who triumphantly prove their contention in this dazzling collection of brilliant stories. The stories in Spectrum exhibit excellent writing, humor, and satire as well as high adventure, terror, and stunning ingenuity. An illuminating introduction by the editors adds to the pleasure of a wonderfully varied and richly entertaining volume.

Table of Contents

• Introduction by Kingsley Amis and Robert Conquest
• Student Body by F. L. Wallace
• Big Sword by Pauline Ashwell (as Paul Ash)
• The Far Look by Theodore L. Thomas
• Grandpa by James H. Schmitz
• Commencement Night by Richard Ashby
• Mother of Invention by Tom Godwin
• Crucifixus Etiam by Walter M. Miller Jr.
• Noise Level by Raymond F. Jones

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