The Playboy book of science fiction Book

"Playboy" has always been about breaking the rules. So has science fiction. Is it any wonder that the two have enjoyed such a long, exciting, satisfying relationship? Since its beginning almost a half century ago, "Playboy" has been one of the most popular, most prestigious, most profitable short fiction markets in America. Under the direction of Hugh Hefner and a series of distinguished literary editors--most recently and durably, Alice K. Turner-the magazine has successfully sought out and published the world's literary superstars. In addition to the triple attractions of fame, luster and lucre, "Playnboy" offers a venue where authors are uncensored and allowed to address adult themes and controversial issues. This has proven irresistible to writers who have something new or different to say--which includes most, if not at all, of the top names in the peculiarly American and distinctively modern field of science fiction. In this extraordinary diverse and distinguished collection, covering SF's most provocative half century, you will find the classic short works of such familiar names as Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, and Ursula K. LeGuin, along with daring forays by innovators such as Harlan Ellison, Lucias Shepard, and Howard Waldrop, leavened with surprise appearances by Donald Westlake, Doris Lessing, and even Billy Crystal. These stories assembled here provide a glittering array of science fiction at its best, form the Golden Age to the New Wave, from Cyberpunk to Virtual Sex. All they have in common is that they are first-rate SF, unforgettable short fiction, and they were published in the always selective, never censorious, proudly controversial "Playboy"magazine.