Widely regarded as the one essential book for every science fiction fan, "The Year's Best Science Fiction (Winner of the 2003 Locus Award for Best Anthology) continues to uphold its standard of excellence with more than two dozen stories representing the previous year's best science fiction writing. This year's volume includes Nancy Kress, Walter Jon Williams, Michael Swanwick, Charles Stross, Gregory Benford, Vernor Vinge, Robert Reed, Octavia E. Butler, Stephen Baxler, Alex Irvine, and many other talented authors of science fiction, as well as thorough summations of the year and a recommended reading list.

"With stories that run the gamut from alternate history to strange admixtures of SF and fantasy to bizarrely inexplicable worlds, and with authors ranging from big names to first-timers, Hugo-winner Dozois shows off the dazzling range of the genre in his annual compendium. Several authors deal with the loneliness of humans in the galaxy. In William Barton's 'Off on a Starship,' young Wally accidentally leaves Earth on an automated spaceship, only to discover that there are no other people out there — and when he finally comes home, it's not as a boy but as a god. Walter Jon Williams's bittersweet 'The Green Leopard Plague' explores the economic and social consequences of conquering world hunger. Geoff Ryman's timely 'Birth Days' follows a gay researcher as he finds a way to 'cure' homosexuality, with unexpected results. Other standout stories include Kage Baker's rollicking 'Welcome to Olympus, Mr. Hearst,' where the Company takes on Hearst, and loses; and Michael Swanwick's fantastic 'King Dragon,' where the dragon's lackey strikes back. This hefty tome has enough content for a summer of reading, and the range of stories indicates that SF still doesn't know the meaning of the word 'boundaries.' Agent, Jim Frenkel. (July 21)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

The 21st edition of the award-winning annual compilation of the year's best science fiction stories.

The twenty-first annual collection.