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Synopsis
"Ellen Datlow is the queen of anthology editors in America."—Peter Straub From multi-award–winning anthologist Ellen Datlow, The Big Book of Science Fiction and Fantasy features groundbreaking works from some of the most distinctive voices in speculative fiction. Set in far futures, the near past, or alternate realities; infused with elements of horror, mystery, and mysticism; and featuring aliens, ghosts, and people from history, these imaginative and innovative tales explore the human condition in a variety of situations that reflect the society of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Stories include: "The Elephant Ironclads" by Jason Stoddard "Ardent Clouds" by Lucy Sussex "Gather" by Christopher Rowe "Sonny Liston Takes the Fall" by Elizabeth Bear "North American Lake Monsters" by Nathan Ballingrud "All Washed Up While Looking for a Better World" by Carol Emshwiller "Special Economics" by Maureen F. McHugh "Aka St. Mark's Place" by Richard Bowes "The Goosle" by Margo Lanagan "Shira" by Lavie Tidhar "The Passion of Azazel" by Barry N. Malzberg "The Lagerstätte" by Laird Barron "Gladiolus Exposed" by Anna Tambour "Daltharee" by Jeffrey Ford "Jimmy" by Pat Cadigan "Prisoners of the Action" by Paul McAuley and Kim Newman "Declaring that short stories are the heart and soul of fantastical fiction, prolific and venerable editor Datlow collects 16 impressive original stories in this unthemed anthology." — Publishers Weekly "The book emphasizes [Datlow's] embrace of the widest possible assortments of voices and ideas." — Booklist "Datlow's keen eye for talent results in a sumptuous and engaging collection of narrative gems from speculative fiction's cutting edge" — Booklist * *Previously published as The Del Rey Book of Science Fiction and Fantasy .
Is The Big Book of Science Fiction and Fantasy appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 16 and up.
An anthology of 16 original speculative fiction stories spanning science fiction, fantasy, and horror, with themes exploring the human condition across time and realities. Contains moderate violence, horror elements, and mature themes appropriate for older teens and adults.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, mild sexual content, and moderate language. Content notes include death, violence, and horror elements (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Teens who enjoy thought-provoking speculative fiction will appreciate these innovative stories that blend genres and explore alternate realities, aliens, and historical what-ifs.