It was first published in paperback by Pocket Books in July 1982, and in hardcover by Gollancz in the same year.

The book collects seventeen novellas, novelettes and short stories by various science fiction authors, with an introduction, notes and concluding essays by Carr and Charles N. Brown.

"Walk the Ice" placed thirteenth in the 1982 Locus Poll Award for Best Short Story.

"Second Comings -- Reasonable Rates" placed eighteenth in the 1982 Locus Poll Award for Best Short Story.

"Forever" placed fourteenth in the 1982 Locus Poll Award for Best Short Story.