Back in 1983, Signet Books published the first volume in “Isaac Asimov’s Wonderful Worlds of Science Fiction” series that produced 10 volumes and ended in 1990. These theme-based anthologies featured a variety of authors and story lengths. And each volume included a breezy “Introduction” by Isaac Asimov which explained the importance of each individual topic in the grander scheme of the Science Fiction genre. I had a handful of the volumes in this series, but not all of them. Now I have the remaining volumes on order (and you may be seeing some of them in future FFBs). If you’re looking for a well edited anthology with quality stories, Intergalactic Empires would be an excellent choice. GRADE: A
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
“Introduction: Empires” (Isaac Asimov)
“Cycles”
“Chalice of Death” (Robert Silverberg)
“Orphan of the Void” (Lloyd Biggle, Jr.)
“Down to the Worlds of Men” (Alexei Panshin)
“Governance”
“Ministry of Disturbance” (H. Beam Piper)
“Blind Alley” (Isaac Asimov)
“A Planet Named Shayol” (Cordwainer Smith)
“Concerns”
“Diabologic” (Eric Frank Russell)
“Fighting Philosopher” (E. B. Cole )
“Honorable Enemies” (Poul Anderson)
ISAAC ASIMOV’S WONDERFUL WORLD OF SCIENCE FICTION SERIES
Intergalactic Empires (1983)
The Science Fictional Olympics (1984)
Supermen (1984)
Comets (1986)
Tin Stars (1986)
Neanderthals (1987)
Space Shuttles (1987)
Monsters (1988)
Robots (1989)
Invasions (1990)
I think i used to have this a very long time ago … time to go hunting! Thanks George.
Sergio, I picked up a few volumes of these ISACC ASIMOV’S WONDERFUL WORLDS OF SF over the years. But I finally got serious and ordered the volumes I’m missing so I’ll have the complete set. How can you resist books for a penny?
Fascinating lineup of stories, George. And I particular like the contents under this series.
Prashant, anthologies like ISACC ASIMOV’S WONDERFUL WORLDS OF SF used to be published every month. Now, not so much. However, these older anthologies are still available online for a pittance.
Nice lineup of authors. I’ll have to look for these when I get home.
Jeff, the books in this series are inexpensive online. I’ve been buying them for a penny-a-piece.
Great book. Great series.
Jerry, I’m also busy buying those MAMMOTH SF NOVELS series that you recommended, too!
So you’re reading it, or just bought it? If you’re reading it, then it counts for Short Story February!
Rick, I’m only buying books I intend to read. I might read some of the stories in INTERGALACTIC EMPIRES for SHORT STORY FEBRUARY, too!