The Playboy Book of Science Fiction

by Alice K. Turner

"Playboy" has always been about breaking the rules. So has science fiction. Is it any wonder that the two have enjoyed such a long, exciting, satisfying relationship? Since its beginning almost a half century ago, "Playboy" has been one of the most popular, most prestigious, most profitable short fiction markets in America. Under the direction of Hugh Hefner and a series of distinguished literary editors--most recently and durably, Alice K. Turner-the magazine has successfully sought out and published the world's literary superstars.

In addition to the triple attractions of fame, luster and lucre, "Playnboy" offers a venue where authors are uncensored and allowed to address adult themes and controversial issues. This has proven irresistible to writers who have something new or different to say--which includes most, if not at all, of the top names in the peculiarly American and distinctively modern field of science fiction.

In this extraordinary diverse and distinguished collection, covering SF's most provocative half century, you will find the classic short works of such familiar names as Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, and Ursula K. LeGuin, along with daring forays by innovators such as Harlan Ellison, Lucias Shepard, and Howard Waldrop, leavened with surprise appearances by Donald Westlake, Doris Lessing, and even Billy Crystal. These stories assembled here provide a glittering array of science fiction at its best, form the Golden Age to the New Wave, from Cyberpunk to Virtual Sex.

All they have in common is that they are first-rate SF, unforgettable short fiction, and they were published in the always selective, never censorious, proudly controversial "Playboy"magazine.

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories, Fiction, Collections

469 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1998

Reviews

[Michael Burnam-Fink · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I read Playboy for the articles" is as tired as a joke can get, but don't be lulled by the cliche. Playboy published some pretty serious science-fiction, by grandmasters like Bradbury, Le Guin, Vonnegutt, Niven, Ballard, and Philip K. Dick. This is as serious as a 20th century scifi anthology gets, with strong stories from classic authors. The themes are bent towards the New Wave, psychological science fiction about minds and bodies and alienation, and yes, just a little sex, but not an overwhelming amount. I'd say my favorite of the collection was "Gianni" by Robert Silverberg, about a classical composer brought forward into the 21st century, but it's not an easy choice.

[Derek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only the Le Guin (“Nine Lives”) is really excellent (and it is really transcendent; this story alone makes this book worthwhile). Silverberg’s “Gianni” is quite good, Clarke’s “Transit of Earth” is good. The rest are decent overall but show a decidedly Playboy sort of male-focused sexual revolution “enlightenment” that really is just prurience (see especially Ellison’s Casanova wish fulfillment orgy in “All the Birds Come Home to Roost”). Some sad puppies here. None of these (save Le Guin) break the kind of ground Dangerous Visions did - and this collection is from the 90s! The emphasis placed on “good old fashioned SF yarns” and the dismissive attitude toward fantasy and broader forms of speculative fiction are a severe limitation. Lots of cautionary tales, reworkings of Frankenstein. No Delanys or Tiptrees here.

[Astrila · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute collection of stories, but no where close to erotica. My favorite is the Microsoft Office one. Most of them are pretty cheap ditties, but a quick, fun read overall.

[Fraser Sherman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite the jokes, you really could read Playboy for the articles and the fiction; Hugh Hefner paid top dollar for quality and it shows (he knew Sex + Sophistication would sell better than Sex alone). So we have stories by Bradbury, Ellison, Vonnegut, Doris Lessing, Billy Crystal (not a name normally associated with SF) and multiple others. Most of them are good, but Vonnegut's "Welcome to the Monkey House" is way too rapey.

[Sonic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun collection of stories. Some I'd never read before!

[Mergenc Pater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hát nem tudom. Ezekkel a nevekkel azért sokkal ütősebbet is össze lehetett volna pakolni.

[Brian Gaston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great selection of golden age science fiction short stories.

[Brett]

Science Fiction,Anthology