Science Fiction Hall of Fame 1. [antikvár]

INTRODUCTIONThis is as nearly definitive an anthology of modem science fiction stories as is likely to be compiled for quite some time. Its contents were chosen by vote of the membership of the Science Fiction Writers of\!America, an organization of some three hundred professional writers' ^whose roster includes virtually everyone now living who has ever had science fiction published in the United States. The book you now hold represents the considered verdict of those who themselves have shaped science fictiona roster of outstanding stories selected by people who know more intimately than any others what the criteria for excellence in science fiction should be.SFWAthe Science Fiction Writers of Americawas founded in 1965 "to inform science fiction writers on matters of professional interest, to promote their professional welfare, and to help them deal effectively with publishers, agents, editors, and anthologists." Though other special writers' organizations, such as the Mystery Writers of;America and the Westem Writers of America, had come into existence long before, all previous attempts to create a professional science fiction writers' group had been abortive. Howeverthanks in large measure to the energy and devotion of the first president of SFWA, Damon Knight, and its first secretary-treasurer, Lloyd Biggieall but a few writers in this notoriously individualistic field quickly joined. For greater cohe-siveness, membership was limited to writers whose work had appeared in the United States, but no restrictions were placed on a writer's own residence or citizenship. Thus SFWA has a large British contingent as well as members from Austraha, Canada, and several other Commonwealth countries.In 1966 SFWA held the first of its annual awards banquets, at whichi ', i 'Ty