Fifty Short Science Fiction Tales,

Great collection of the art of short short story writing. A skill that more authors should cultivate -- packs so much into so little space.

When you have a couple of minutes, you can read one of these extra short stories. Each one gets you to thinking and some send a chill down your spine, be prepared to be entertained.

This short story collection is more than I bargained for. I was looking for something that I could read every now and then, finish over time--something with girth that I can come back to. Only part of that's true--I come back to it regularly, but I finish it every time. These engrossing stories are delectably various, but an absolute joy to follow. No two are the same or even really cover the same area, but they all feel like they're on the same level of understanding. An absolute must-read for anyone that has ever liked a science fiction story. Get it.

If you enjoy SciFi then this one's for you. These are obviously very short stories since 50 of 'em are crammed into such a small book - but many of them have a hidden depth that transcends their brevity. Some are deeply philosophical, and many contain clever Rod-Serling-esque twists at the end. Very highly recommended. Turn off the TV and read this instead.

This book was my first scifi short story collection. I was given it when I twelve by my great aunt. It is so incredibly classic and so powerful, it probably slanted me toward sciences even more than I had been. If you enjoy Gardner Dozois (editor) anthologies, you'll love this. If you think Dozois' anthologies are sometimes weak, well... you've got Asimov, Clarke, Heinlein, and Leiber to name a few in this 1963 packed paperback. The only regret you will have is that there are only 287 pages.

I normally stay away from edited (multi-authored) short story collections, but after reading several of the stories while standing in the bookstore (yes, some are just ONE page), I had to purchase it. The stories are from the "old school" of sci-fi (rockets and pulp-style settings), but these stories rely more on message than science, so it's not really noticed. Do yourself a favor and grab it. I do have to disagree with Asimov's introduction, however...

Since I am a "bathroom reader", short stories always interested me. The short stories in this book are *very* short (about 5 or 6 pages each). It must take some talent to complete a whole story in such a space, and to do so so well. The editors did a great job of selecting stories that I consider classic science fiction. Pity they don't publish it anymore.