Fritz Leiber: Selected Stories

The versatility of SFWA Grand Master Leiber (1910–1992) is ably demonstrated by these 17 superb stories, each of which has “wonder blazing at its core.” “Smoke Ghost” places a classic ghost story in a modern urban setting, while the dread in “Coming Attraction” reflects the uneasiness of the cold war. The powerful “Gonna Roll the Bones” explores man’s compulsion toward self-destruction, while a different archetype is revealed in “The Girl with the Hungry Eyes,” which reveals the vampiric seduction of modern consumerism. There are three tales of adventurous rogues Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser, including the Nebula Award–winning “Ill Met in Lankhmar,” in which youthful derring-do leads to heart-wrenching tragedy. Longtime fans and new readers alike will treasure this accessible and wide-ranging collection. (June)