The fourth in a series of superb science fiction.

The Alpha series of anthologies center on no particular theme except that of literary quality.

Two criteria were used in the selecting of these stories—literary merit and importance to the _genre._ The result is that the variety of subjects is matched only by the richness and diversity of their handling—brilliant, frightening, clever, bizarre, powerful, witty, funny—and several steps in-between. Simply put, here is the best science fiction from the best science fiction writers.

While a small number of science fiction writers are immensely well known, the _Alpha_ series is intended, in part, to draw attention to some of the lesser known writers, whose work is equal in vision and artistry of those who have become household names.