March Publications

Designer Genes: Tales of the Biotech Revolution, by British author Brian Stableford (Dark Ararat), includes 11 recent short stories that explore issues raised by biotechnology. In his introduction, Stableford credits scientist J.B.S. Haldane for anticipating in a 1923 lecture the controversy this field would later generate. (Five Star, $25.95 270p ISBN 1-5941-4033-2)

The Wesleyan Early Classics of Science Fiction presents the first English-language edition of Albert Robida's The Twentieth Century, edited by Arthur B. Evans and translated from the French by Philippe Willems. First published in 1882, this futuristic fantasy opens in the year 1952, when the citizens of Paris can travel via "aerocab" or take in a live opera performance through a "telephonoscope." (Wesleyan Univ., $29.95 464p ISBN 0-8195-6680-2)

February Publications

In Nebula Award—winner Catherine Asaro's romantic fantasy The Charmed Sphere, set in the land of Arondale, four fallible mages—outgoing young Chime, adviser to the dying King Daron; introspective Iris; Chime's fiancé Lord Muller, heir to the Arondale throne; and sense-deprived Jarid—must learn to navigate the geometric web of power that rules this inviting realm. A physicist, Asaro is the current president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). (Luna [www.Luna-Books.com], $13.95 paper 480p ISBN 0-373-80203-X)

On Account of Darkness and Other SF Stories, by Barry Malzberg and Bill Pronzini, collects all 20 collaborative tales between these two genre pros, plus a novelette by Malzberg alone and five tales by Pronzini. Fans will be pleased to learn from the joint introduction that the friendship between the two authors that ended in 1986 was resurrected in 2000. (Five Star, $25.95 246p ISBN 1-5941-4038-3)