The Oxford Book of Science Fiction Stories

Science fiction is one of the 20th century's most characteristic - and dominant - literary forms. Despite critical disparagement and misunderstanding, it has millions of readers worldwide and has established itself at the heart of popular literary culture. This selection starts with H.G. Wells' "The Land Ironclads", and charts the development of science fiction this century through a wide range of practitioners - Rudyard Kipling, Arthur C. Clarke, Frederik Pohl, Brian Aldiss, Ursula Le Guin, J.G. Ballard, Paul McAuley, David Brin and many others. The 30 stories offer a potent blend of favourites and surprises, tracing the thematic and technical development of SF over the last 90 years.