First published 1970
This collection gathers seven stories that pushed science fiction into uncharted territory during the genre's experimental phase. Each tale represents a departure from traditional SF formulas, exploring fresh narrative approaches and unconventional themes. The writers featured here craft stories that challenge readers' expectations, employing modern techniques to examine familiar SF concepts from unexpected angles. These are not comfortable space adventures or predictable robot tales, but rather explorations that disturb and surprise. The stories originated in New Worlds SF magazine, known for publishing work that broke from established patterns. Together, they demonstrate how a new generation of authors was reshaping science fiction by bringing different perspectives and innovative storytelling methods to the genre. The collection captures a moment when SF was expanding its boundaries and discovering new ways to imagine the future.
Genres: short-stories, science-fiction, anthologies, 20th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, disturbing, thought-provoking
Tropes: challenging-expectations, innovative-storytelling
Period: 20th-Century
160 pages · Paperback · Panther