This new edition of Brian Aldiss's classic anthology brings together a diverse selection of science fiction spanning over sixty years, from Isaac Asimov's 'Nightfall', first published in 1941, to the 2006 story 'Friends in Need' by Eliza Blair. Including authors such as Clifford Simak, Harry Harrison, Bruce Sterling, A. E. Van Vogt and Brian Aldiss himself, these stories portray struggles against machines, epic journeys, genetic experiments, time travellers and alien races. From stories set on Earth, to uncanny far distant worlds and ancient burnt-out suns, the one constant is humanity itself, compelled by an often fatal curiosity to explore the boundless frontiers of time, space and probability. Views: 57
The Phoenix and Turtle is Shakespeare's allegorical poem on the mystical nature of love. The poem tells of the funeral of two lovers the phoenix, a mythological bird associated with immortality, and the turtledove (usually called "turtle" in Elizabethan English), a symbol of fidelity. The two birds have burned themselves to death in order to be forever joined in love. The allegory celebrates an ideal of love in which an absolute spiritual union of the lovers, defying rationality and common sense is chastely achieved through death, the ultimate refection of the world. Views: 57
In The Three-Cornered World, an artist leaves city life to wander in the mountains on a quest to stimulate his artistic endeavors. When he finds himself staying at an almost deserted inn, he becomes obsessed with the beautiful and strange daughter of the innkeeper, who is rumored to have abandoned her husband and fallen in love with a priest at a nearby temple. Haunted by her mystery and tragedy, he wants to paint her. As he struggles to complete his picture and solve the enigma of her life, his daily conversations with those at the inn and in the village provide clues and inspiration toward solving the mysteries she presents. Views: 57
A nasty outbreak of murder at an old people's home in the Black Country town of Dedley provides a new case for detectives Brough and Miller. Meanwhile, their personal lives come to the fore and strange goings on up at the castle are also a cause for concern. This sequel to Blood & Breakfast has twists and shocks to keep you guessing and a rich vein of humour to keep you laughing. Views: 57
