The "Nelson Doubleday" imprint indicates an original publication. This hardcover edition was released in Oct. 1973, and the first (and only) paperback edition was published in February 1974. 1974 Locus Poll Award, Best Original Anthology (Place: 2).

11 original stories, including: The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas, by Ursula K. Le Guin (winner, 1974 Hugo Award); Down There, by Damon Knight; How Shall We Conquer?, by W. Macfarlane; They Live on Levels, by Terry Carr; The Girl Who Was Plugged In, by James Tiptree, Jr. (winner, 1974 Hugo Award; nominated, 1973 Nebula Award); Days of Grass, Days of Straw, by R. A. Lafferty; Notes Leading Down to the Conquest, by Barry N. Malzberg; At the Bran Foundry, by George Alec Effinger; Tell Me All About Yourself, by F. M. Busby; Three Comedians, by Gordon Eklund; The Last Day of July, by Gardner Dozois.