Created way back in 2017-land, I’ve updated this post to display a newly acquired copy of the fourth series of The Best From Fantasy and Science Fiction. The book originally featured as the leading image of this post, which I bought in 1982 (seriously – 42 years ago! – is it possible? – it is!), no longer here occupies pride of place, and now takes its position near the “end” of the post. Given that I like to display the best available example of a book’s cover in my posts, I’ve long sought a pristine copy of this Ace edition that would replace my battle-scarred, torn-at-the-top, original book.
I found one and it’s here.
In the original post, I surmised that the cover painting was by Edmund Emshwiller, in light of its clarity, boldness of color, and style. A quick trip to the Internet Speculative Fiction Database confirmed that: Emsh’s signature – “EMSH” – diminutive and barely visible, can be seen all the way in the lower right corner.
So, what’s in the book?
“Fondly Fahrenheit”, by Alfred Bester, August, 1954
“I Never Ast No Favors”, by Cyril M. Kornbluth, April, 1954
“Heirs Apparent”, by Herbert Abernathy, June, 1954
“$1.98”, by Arthur Porges, May, 1954
“The Immortal Game”, by Poul Anderson, February, 1954
“All Summer In a Day”, by Ray Bradbury, March, 1954
“The Accountant”, by Robert Sheckley, July, 1954
“Brave New World”, by J. Francis McComas, September, 1954
“My Boy Friend’s Name Is Jello”, by Avram Davidson, July, 1954
“The Test”, by Richard Matheson, November, 1954
“Carless Love”, by Albert Compton Friborg, January, 1955
“Bulletin”, by Shirley Jackson, March, 1954
“Sanctuary”, by Daniel F. Galouye, February, 1954
“Misadventure”, by Lord Dunsany, October, 1954
“The Little Black Train”, by Many Wade Wellman, August, 1954
“The Foundation of Science Fiction Success”, by Isaac Asimov, January, 1955
Original image; original book:
Referentially Speaking…
The Best From Fantasy and Science Fiction – Fourth Series, at…
… Internet Speculative Fiction Database
6/19/17 – 177