The Best of the Nebulas

The Best of the Nebulas is a science fiction anthology edited by Ben Bova, collecting winners of the prestigious Nebula Award from 1965-1989. The book includes 17 short stories and novelettes that received recognition from the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. The collection features works from influential authors including Ursula K. Le Guin, Roger Zelazny, James Tiptree Jr., and Harlan Ellison. These stories span multiple science fiction subgenres, from hard science fiction to more experimental pieces that pushed the boundaries of the form during a transformative period in the genre. The stories tackle themes of human consciousness, technological advancement, alien contact, and social change. Through varied approaches and distinct voices, the anthology presents a snapshot of science fiction's evolution and highlights the genre's ability to explore complex questions about humanity's future and relationship with technology.

Readers describe this as a worthwhile but uneven collection of Nebula Award winners from 1965-1975. Multiple reviewers note it provides a snapshot of science fiction's evolution during that decade. Readers praised: - Quality of individual stories like "The Last Castle" and "Time Considered as a Helix" - The chance to read multiple Nebula winners in one volume - Bova's brief introductions providing context Common criticisms: - Several stories feel dated in style and themes - Not all winners from the period are included - Some stories are available in other collections Ratings: Goodreads: 3.7/5 (127 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (12 ratings) One reader on LibraryThing noted: "Hit or miss anthology - about half the stories justify their Nebula wins." Another commented on Goodreads: "Historical interest outweighs the actual reading experience for modern audiences."

Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the Century by Orson Scott Card This collection presents award-winning science fiction stories from multiple decades and showcases the evolution of the genre through works by masters like Heinlein, Clarke, and Le Guin.

The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume One by Robert Silverberg The collection contains stories voted as the greatest science fiction short works prior to the Nebula Awards, selected by members of the Science Fiction Writers of America.

The Big Book of Science Fiction by Ann, Jeff VanderMeer The anthology spans from the 1920s through the 2010s with translations from multiple languages and includes both celebrated classics and lesser-known works that shaped the genre.

The Very Best of Fantasy & Science Fiction by Gordon Van Gelder The book compiles stories from The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction's six-decade history, featuring works that earned major science fiction awards.

The New Space Opera by Gardner Dozois, Jonathan Strahan This compilation presents space opera stories from contemporary authors who reimagine the subgenre with current scientific understanding and modern sensibilities.

🏆 The Best of the Nebulas collects winners from the prestigious Nebula Awards, which unlike the Hugo Awards, are voted on exclusively by professional science fiction and fantasy writers. 🚀 Editor Ben Bova served as editor of Analog Science Fiction magazine from 1971-1978, one of the most influential periods in science fiction publishing history. 📚 The anthology includes "Beggars in Spain" by Nancy Kress, which later expanded into a full novel and became part of a series exploring the implications of genetic engineering and human enhancement. 🌟 Some stories featured in the collection went on to become major films, including "Enemy Mine" by Barry B. Longyear, which became a 1985 movie starring Dennis Quaid. ✍️ Ben Bova wasn't just an editor - he won six Hugo Awards for his work as editor of Analog magazine and was president of both the National Space Society and the Science Fiction Writers of America.