The year 1939 was a turning point for science fiction and fantasy. It saw the first publication of stories by Robert Heinlein, Isaac Asimov, A. E. van Vogt and Theodore Sturgeon, who, with a few others, virtually created modern science fiction, and by Fritz Leiber, one of the fathers of modern fantasy. In celebration of his 50-year career, this hefty volume features 44 of his best shorter works. Included are his first story, "Two Sought Adventure," which introduced the swashbucklers Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, of ancient, imaginary Lankhmar, as well as three other stories about this colorful duo; four horror stories, including "The Girl with the Hungry Eyes," an eerie meditation on the connections between sex, death and advertising; the science-fictional "Sanity," "A Pail of Air" and the cautionary "Coming Attractions"; the hilarious spoof of Mickey Spillane, "The Night He Cried"; and the joyful, chilling "Gonna Roll the Bones," about a confrontation with the Devil over a gambling table, for the highest of stakes.
