Alien Plot

Each of the previously unpublished stories in this collection of fantasy and science fiction tales is introduced by the author's comments about the events that prompted him to write it.

Known primarily for his novels, Anthony ( Macroscope ) here collects short stories written over a span of 35 years; many are previously unpublished, and original to this volume. For the most part, they are top-notch efforts. "December Dates" is a touching love story; "Imp to Nymph" and "E Van S" demonstrate Anthony's predilection for puns. While both "Soft Like a Woman" and "Ship of Mustard" feature female protagonists, they will not dispel Anthony's reputation for male chauvinism. He introduces each of the 20 stories with a commentary in which he recalls how he wrote the story and, frequently it how it was rejected by hostile or indifferent editors. Indeed, the collection's title refers to a plot on the part of editors to alien ate writers. Going a step further, both "Revise and Invent" and "Nonent" concern a writer whose stories are rejected. Overall this is an entertaining assemblage that Anthony's many fans will surely welcome.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.