The book collects eleven novellas, novelettes and short stories by various science fiction authors, with an introduction, notes and concluding essay by Carr.

The stories were previously published in 1973 in the magazines The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction and Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, and the anthologies Astounding: John W. Campbell Memorial Anthology, Future City, Showcase, Three Trips in Time and Space, New Dimensions 3, Universe 3, and Nova 3.

"Rumfuddle" placed eighth in the 1974 Locus Poll Award for Best Novella.

"Sketches Among the Ruins of My Mind" placed fourth in the 1974 Locus Poll Award for Best Novella.

"The Women Men Don't See" placed eighteenth in the 1974 Locus Poll Award for Best Short Fiction.