Visions of Tomorrow: Science Fiction Predictions That Came True

Identity theft, computer viruses, performance-enhancing drugs, and space elevators are just some of the innovations found in this intriguing anthology. H.G. Wells's grim pre-WWI tale "The Land Ironclads" anticipates the use of tanks in warfare. Jeff Hecht's "Directed Energy" and Thomas Easton's "Matchmaker" offer whimsical uses for high-powered lasers and genetic engineering. Robert Scheckley's black comedy "The Prize of Peril" envisions a deadly precursor to reality TV. Vonda N. McIntyre's "Misprint" foresees a printer capable of creating new organs for transplant. The atomic weapon in Cleve Cartmill's 1944 story "Deadline" proved timely enough to worry the U.S. military. Teen and adult fans of hard SF will appreciate this look back at some of the genre's most insightful work. (July)