First published 2016
This collection gathers thirty-six stories from Worlds of If, the science fiction magazine that claimed three Hugo Awards and launched countless careers in genre fiction. The anthology opens with Kurt Vonnegut's "2BR02B," a dystopian tale where population control reaches its logical extreme. Lynn Venable's "Time Enough At Last" follows a man who finally gets his wish for unlimited reading time, only to discover the cruel irony of answered prayers. R.A. Lafferty contributes two pieces that showcase his trademark blend of whimsy and philosophical depth. Keith Laumer offers multiple stories exploring diplomatic tensions and alien encounters. The collection spans decades of the magazine's influential run, featuring established masters like E.E. "Doc" Smith alongside writers who were just beginning to shape science fiction's future. These stories capture the optimism and anxiety of their era, when space travel seemed imminent and technology promised both salvation and destruction. Each tale reflects the magazine's commitment to discovering fresh voices and bold ideas that would define modern science fiction.
Genres: short-stories, science-fiction, dystopia
Vibes: suspenseful, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: aliens, found-family
Period: 20th-century
484 pages · Paperback · Positronic Publishing