Ten tales of wonder, danger, and the future—including the Hugo and Nebula Award–winning title story—from the science fiction Grand Master.



This volume contains ten stellar short stories by Clifford D. Simak, 'the most underrated great science fiction writer alive' (Theodore Sturgeon). In 'Grotto of the Dancing Deer,' a man carrying an ancient secret finally speaks up, unable to bear any longer the loneliness he has experienced for millennia. In 'Over the River,' which Simak wrote in memory of his beloved grandmother Ellen, children from an embattled future are sent back for safekeeping to their ancestors in the peaceful past. And in 'Day of Truce,' the inhabitants of a suburban subdivision must barricade themselves against bands of roving attackers. On only one day each year do the gates open wide . . .