The Collected Stories of Philip K. Dick, Vol. 2 - Second Variety: And Other Classic Stories

Many thousands of readers consider Philip K. Dick the greatest science fiction mind on any planet. Since his untimely death in 1982, interest in Dick's works has continued to mount and his reputation has been further enhanced by a growing body of critical attention. The Philip K. Dick Award is now given annually to a distinguished work of science fiction, and the Philip K. Dick Society is devoted to the study and promulgation of his works. This collection includes all of the writer's earliest short and medium-length fiction (including some previously unpublished stories) covering the years 1952-1955. These fascinating stories include Second Variety, Foster, You're Dead and The Father-Thing, and many others. "A useful acquisition for any serious SF library or collection". -- Kirkus "The collected stories of Philip K. Dick is awe inspiring". -- The Washington Post "More than anyone else in the field, Mr. Dick really puts you inside people's minds". -- Wall Street Journal From School Library Journal ea. vol: 400p. Underwood-Miller. 1987. set: $125. ISBN 0-88733-053-3. LC number unavailable. YA Dick is not just a good craftsman of short stories, but a successful writer of short science fiction stories. These vignettes will expand readers' points of view and challenge usual cultural assumptions. This collection traces Dick's growth as a writer, and also the application of major sci/fi themes over the 30 years between his first story in 1952 and his last in 1982. Thermonuclear war, xenophobia, and the tension between man and technology are among the recurring motifs. Each volume contains brief notes that date the stories and offer some context from the author's perspective. The price may seem high, but it compares favorably with the investment many libraries have in Heinlein and Asimov. These books lend themselves to ``cover-to-cover'' reading, an unusual feat for a five-volume collection. Dorcas Hand, Episcopal High School, Bellaire Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal Encompassing 34 years and over 100 stories, this collection of the short fiction of the late author provides a retrospective of his contribution to sf literature. Arranged chronologically (with publication history and, in some cases, Dick's own commentaries at the end of each volume), the progression from early stories such as "The Preserving Machine" (1953) to "The Little Black Box" (1964) and "Frozen Journey" (1980) traces the development of one of sf's most eccentric and articulate minds. Highly recommended for any library whose budget can afford the price. JC Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. Many thousands of readers consider Philip K. Dick the greatest science fiction mind on any planet. Since his untimely death in 1982, interest in Dick's works has continued to mount and his reputation has been further enhanced by a growing body of critical attention. The Philip K. Dick Award is now given annually to a distinguished work of science fiction, and the Philip K. Dick Society is devoted to the study and promulgation of his works. This collection includes all of the writer's earliest short and medium-length fiction (including some previously unpublished stories) covering the years 1952-1955. These fascinating stories include Second Variety, Foster, You're Dead and The Father-Thing, and many others. "A useful acquisition for any serious SF library or collection." -- Kirkus "The collected stories of Philip K. Dick is awe inspiring." -- The Washington Post "More than anyone else in the field, Mr. Dick really puts you inside people's minds." -- Wall Street Journal Volume 3/5. Includes stories from 1953-1959: - Fair Game - The Hanging Stranger - The Eyes Have It - The Golden Man - The Turning Wheel - The Last of the Masters - The Father-Thing - Strange Eden - Tony and the Beetles - Null-O - To Serve the Master - Exhibit Piece - The Crawlers - Sales Pitch - Shell Game - Upon the Dull Earth - Foster, You're Dead - Pay for the Printer - War Veteran - The Chromium Fence - Misadjustment - A World of Talent - Psi-Man Heal My Child! - Second Variety Other editions of this volume are titled: - The Father-Thing, - Second Variety and Other Classic Stories [by Citadel], - Upon the Dull Earth, - Upon the Dull Earth and Other Stories Editions published by Citadel include "Second Variety" into Volume 3, whereas other editions had it in Volume 2.

The Philip K. Dick Award is given annually to a distinguished work of science fiction, and the Philip K. Dick Society is devoted to the study and promulgation of the late writer's work. Vol. 2 of this collection features We Can Remember It For You Wholesale, The Cookie Lady, The World She Wanted, and many others.

Library Journal

Encompassing 34 years and over 100 stories, this collection of the short fiction of the late author provides a retrospective of his contribution to sf literature. Arranged chronologically (with publication history and, in some cases, Dick's own commentaries at the end of each volume), the progression from early stories such as ``The Preserving Machine'' (1953) to ``The Little Black Box'' (1964) and ``Frozen Journey'' (1980) traces the development of one of sf's most eccentric and articulate minds. Highly recommended for any library whose budget can afford the price. JC

"This collection draws from the writer's earliest short and medium-length fiction (including several previously unpublished stories) during the years 1952-1955, and features such fascinating works as Second Variety, Foster, You're Dead, The Father-Thing, and many others. Here, readers will find Dick's initial explorations of the themes he so brilliantly brought to life in his later work." -- Book jacket Klaus took a look at them, leaning over Hendricks'broad shoulder.'You can see what we're up against. There's another type. Maybe it was abandoned. Maybe it didn't work. But there must be a Second Variety. There's One and Three.' v. 1. Beyond lies the Wub v. 2 Second variety v. 3. The father-thing v. 4. The days of Perky Pat v. 5. The little black box.