SF '57: The Year's Greatest Science Fiction and Fantasy

SF '57: The Year's Greatest Science Fiction and Fantasy is a significant anthology edited by Judith Merril, published by Gnome Press in 1957. This collection features 18 short stories and a summation essay, representing the editor's selection of the year's finest works in science fiction and fantasy. The anthology brings together established authors like Isaac Asimov, Theodore Sturgeon, and J.G. Ballard alongside emerging voices of the era. The stories originally appeared in various prestigious publications, from genre magazines like Astounding and Galaxy Science Fiction to mainstream outlets such as Playboy and Harper's Magazine. These narratives explore space exploration, human-alien contact, technological advancement, and the changing nature of society. The collection represents both traditional science fiction approaches and experimental literary techniques that emerged in the 1950s. The anthology captures a pivotal moment in science fiction history, as the genre began to expand beyond its pulp origins toward more sophisticated literary territory. The diverse story selection reflects the field's growing maturity and its increasing engagement with social and philosophical questions.

Readers note this anthology captures the state of 1950s sci-fi through a mix of established authors and newer voices. The collection is seen as a snapshot of the field transitioning from pulp to more sophisticated storytelling. Liked: - Strong story selection demonstrates range of 50s sci-fi styles - Inclusion of both major names and lesser-known writers - Merril's detailed introductions provide context - Stories like Sturgeon's "The Other Man" and Clarke's "The Star" stand out Disliked: - Some stories feel dated in their social attitudes - A few selections prioritize ideas over character development - Inconsistent quality across the anthology - Several readers found the fantasy selections weaker than the sci-fi Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (14 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.5/5 (6 ratings) Note: Limited online reviews available as this is an older anthology. Most discussion appears in vintage fanzines and print sources rather than modern review sites.

The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume One by Robert Silverberg This anthology collects the most influential short science fiction stories published before 1965, selected by members of the Science Fiction Writers of America.

The Time Traveler's Almanac by Ann VanderMeer, Jeff VanderMeer This collection brings together science fiction stories focused on time travel from the 1880s through the 2010s.

The Big Book of Science Fiction by Ann, Jeff VanderMeer This compilation presents science fiction stories from around the world, spanning from the 1920s through the 2010s with an emphasis on showcasing international voices.

Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the Century by Orson Scott Card This volume compiles science fiction stories that shaped the genre throughout the twentieth century, with selections from both well-known and overlooked authors.

The Wesleyan Anthology of Science Fiction by Arthur B. Evans This collection chronicles the evolution of science fiction from 1844 to 2008, featuring stories that represent major movements and developments within the genre.

🔸 Judith Merril, the anthology's editor, was not only a respected editor but also a groundbreaking science fiction author known for incorporating feminist themes in her work, earning her the nickname "The Little Mother of Science Fiction." 🔸 1957 was a pivotal year for science fiction, coming just months after the launch of Sputnik 1, which sparked a new wave of space-themed literature and public interest in cosmic exploration. 🔸 The inclusion of stories from Playboy Magazine highlighted the publication's significant role in popularizing serious science fiction, as it paid some of the highest rates for SF stories at the time. 🔸 Gnome Press, though short-lived (1948-1962), was instrumental in publishing first editions of now-classic works, including Isaac Asimov's Foundation series and Robert E. Howard's Conan stories. 🔸 J.G. Ballard's contribution marked one of his earliest American anthology appearances, years before he would revolutionize the New Wave science fiction movement of the 1960s.