It was first published in hardback by Nelson Doubleday in July 1975 and in paperback by Ballantine Books in September of the same year as a volume in its Classic Library of Science Fiction.

Phoenix Pick issued a new edition in trade paperback and ebook in April, 2017.

[1] The book contains twelve short works of fiction by the author, all set in his "Instrumentality of Mankind" future history series, together with an introduction and timeline by editor J. J.

"[1] The book was reviewed by Lester del Rey in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact, March 1977, Michael Bishop in Delap's F & SF Review, May 1977, Philip Stephensen-Payne in Paperback Parlour, June 1977, and Spider Robinson in Galaxy, August 1977.

"A Planet Named Shayol" won the 1995 Seiun Award for Best Translated Short Story.