Conspiracy seems to be as much a part of our times as it was in the times of Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot. Hence it finds frequent reflection in all branches of fiction, including science fiction. Yet, as in life, something new has been added, the most gigantic conspiracy of all, the human conspiracy against conspirators. Which makes for a fine stirring story in this short novel of the future. One man stood between a power-hungry cabal and world mastery-but a man of unusual talents.

In a world where Security is all-important, nothing can ever be secure. A mountain-climbing vacation may wind up in deep Space. Or loyalty may prove to be high treason. But it has its rewards. Please visit www.PhoenixPick.com for more great sci-fi.

It's been said that there are many and strange shadows, memories surviving from dim pasts, in this fantastic universe of ours. Here the great Poul Anderson turned to a legend from the Northern countries, countries where even today the pagan past seems only like yesterday, to tell the story of Cappen Varra, who came to Norren an age ago, in a time and place we really can't remember anymore.

Scanned, converted, re-formatted, proofed, custom book cover and eBook creation by Jerry

Werewolf Steve Matuchek and witch Ginny Graylock defend America in this fantasy duology from the multiple Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author. Operation Chaos: In a world where magic is real, werewolf Steve Matuchek and powerful witch Virginia Graylock are paired together in the war to stop the invading Caliphate forces from taking over America. Their mission: stop the enemy from unleashing their superweapon—a genie in a bottle. And that is only the beginning of an adventure that will take them quite literally to Hell and back . . . "Operation Chaos was one of the truly fine fantasies of the 1970s, a fantasy whose magic was so splendidly engineered that you felt it was as logical—and as likely—as our real technology." —Harry Turtledove "A great read, from a master writer at the top of his game." —GirlsWithGuns.org Operation Luna: Now married with three...

Epub (my conversion)The old blue man sighed, and a smile tugged at his mouth. You didn’t work many centuries in the Service without becoming an idealist and a cynic. So many planets, spinning through night and cold, so many souls huddled on them…a half million full-status worlds, members of interstellar civilization by virtue of knowing that such a civilization existed… and how many millions more who did not know. The duty of true civilization was to guide its brothers in darkness— secretly, gently keeping from them the devastating knowledge that a million-year-old society already existed, until they had matured enough to take that bitter pill and join the League of the older planets.

"In space war, seeing is not believing! The twenty-year Earth-Mars war was finally over. What was left of Earth - its crumbling cities, its ruined farmlands - were firmly and completely under the rule of the Martian Archon. And this powerful planetary ruler was taking no chances: he intended to reduce the Terrans to a society of primitive agricultural tribes in less than a generation! But for David Arnfeld, ex-spaceman and Earth Base Commander, there was something in the whole setup which didn't ring true. What had both sides muffed countless chances to end that awful war in its first year or two? And why had the two planets gone to war in the first place? In the back of Arnfeld's mind and idea was growing... perhaps there was yet a chance to save the doomed population of Earth. But if his idea were true, and proof was available, he had to work fast.

Experience the end of the world as we know it in two classic novels from "one of science fiction's most revered writers" (USA Today). Now in one volume: two post-apocalyptic adventures from the visionary mind of Grand Master of Science Fiction and Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author Poul Anderson. The Winter of the World A second Ice Age has destroyed civilization. From its ruins arises the powerful Rahidi empire, bent on seeking world domination and leaving devastation in its wake. But its invasion of the primitive Rogaviki may not go as planned, for at the head of their forces is the indomitable Donya of Hervar, a woman of courage and conviction who will not let her people perish without a fight . . . "An intriguing mystery about the Rogaviki people . . . Quite a worthwhile read. Certainly [Anderson] put a lot of thought into this novel and he's achieved something...

From : Astounding Science Fiction , August 1953.Hugo 1954 Nominee Novelette-o-A revolution takes planning, organization, careful detail work. and the more organized the force to be overthrown, the more organization it takes. But it takes something more than that; it needs the fire and the lift of a Legend!-o-Note: Note that the original version of this story was revised for The Best of Poul Anderson, probably by Anderson himself. For example: In the opening paragraphs no longer has a "punched card" which is checked for "holes," but simply a "card" that's checked for "magnetic encodings." He's no longer bound for "New Pittsburgh," but for "Cincinnati." Superfluous words have been removed from many sentences, etc. This conversion was made from a scan of the original magazine story, which received the nomination for the 1954 Hugo Award.

It is easy — but markedly dangerous — to considerthat ignorance, stupidity, and folly are the same thing.The invading aliens naturally knew ignorance whenthey saw it ……

This story, specially written for IMPULSE, was actually started in England whilst Poul and Karen Anderson wen touring after the London Convention.

The only survivors of an annihilated human race must find one another somewhere in the cosmos and unite to destroy the alien aggressors who obliterated the Earth in this classic science fiction adventure After a three-year mission, the American starship Benjamin Franklin and its all-male crew have returned to Earth, only to discover the planet is dead, a blackened shell devoid of life. It is clear that one of a trio of alien species engineered the holocaust, but which? When the captain of the Franklin falters, engineer Carl Donnan is forced to take command of the ship. The future of what remains of the human race is in his hands. Donnan's first priority is to escape with his crewmates; the second is to find out if there are other human survivors somewhere among the stars—unbeknownst to Donnan and the three hundred men now under his charge, the female crew of the Europa also survived the genocide—and the third is to seek vengeance, for...

Poul Anderson (1926–2001) was a giant in the world of science fiction and fantasy. Known for his rich storytelling and well-researched plots, Anderson left a significant mark on the genre. Throughout his career, Anderson wrote many acclaimed books and short stories. Some of his most famous works include the "Polesotechnic League" and "Terran Empire" series, which explore the far reaches of space and the complex interplay of cultures and politics. His novel Tau Zero is often hailed as a masterpiece of hard science fiction, presenting a gripping tale about a spaceship crew facing the ultimate challenges of time and space.Included are:INSIDE EARTHWHAT SHALL IT PROFIT?CATALYSISSNOWBALLINNOCENT AT LARGETIGER BY THE TAILCAPTIVE OF THE CENTAURIANESSDUEL ON SYRTISLORD OF A THOUSAND SUNSOUT OF THE IRON WOMB!SARGASSO OF LOST STARSHIPSSENTIMENT, INC.SNOWBALLSTAR SHIPSWORDSMAN OF LOST...