Virtual Unrealities: The Short Fiction of Alfred Bester"Dazzlement and enchantment are Bester's methods. His stories never stand still a moment." —Damon Knight, author of Why Do Birds Alfred Bester took science fiction into hyperdrive, endowing it with a wit, speed, and narrative inventiveness that have inspired two generations of writers. And nowhere is Bester funnier, speedier, or more audacious than in these seventeen short stories—two of them previously unpublished—that have now been brought together in a single volume for the first time. Read about the sweet-natured young man whose phenomenal good luck turns out to be disastrous for the rest of humanity. Find out why tourists are flocking to a hellish little town in a post-nuclear Kansas. Meet a warlock who practices on Park Avenue and whose potions comply with the Pure Food and Drug Act. Make a deal with the Devil—but not without calling your agent. Dazzling, effervescent, sexy, and sardonic, Virtual Unrealities is a historic collection from one of science fiction's true pathbreakers. "Alfred Bester was one of the handful of writers who invented modern science fiction. " —Harry Harrison |
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Page 81
... listen to me for a few minutes ? I have something startling to tell you and we've got to plan what to do about it . I— " He yelped . His father had taken him by the ear and was march- ing him down the hall . Parents did not listen to ...
... listen to me for a few minutes ? I have something startling to tell you and we've got to plan what to do about it . I— " He yelped . His father had taken him by the ear and was march- ing him down the hall . Parents did not listen to ...
Page 348
... listen to Starr . In a short time he will hear him . Presently he will understand . " " Starr ! " Granville started to his feet . " That name . Then I was right ! Then I did— ” Arno's hand on his shoulder drew him back into the chair ...
... listen to Starr . In a short time he will hear him . Presently he will understand . " " Starr ! " Granville started to his feet . " That name . Then I was right ! Then I did— ” Arno's hand on his shoulder drew him back into the chair ...
Page 353
... listen to me . I don't give a damn for your dreams and animals and hoaxes . That's your business . My business is Jinny and your ca- reer . How old are you , Doctor ? Twenty - five ? How long have you been training ? About nine years ...
... listen to me . I don't give a damn for your dreams and animals and hoaxes . That's your business . My business is Jinny and your ca- reer . How old are you , Doctor ? Twenty - five ? How long have you been training ? About nine years ...
Contents
Disappearing Act | 3 |
Oddy and Id | 22 |
Star Light Star Bright | 38 |
Copyright | |
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Virtual Unrealities: The Short Fiction of Alfred Bester Alfred Bester,Roger Zelazny Limited preview - 1997 |
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