Fantastic Stories Presents: Science Fiction Super Pack #2

Poul Anderson (1926-2001) was born in Pennsylvania of Scandinavian stock. He started publishing science fiction in 1947 and became one the great figures in the genre, serving as President of the Science Fiction Writers of America, winning multiple Hugo and Nebula awards, and was named a SFWA Grand Master. He collaborated regularly with wife, Karen, and their daughter is married to noted SF writer Greg Bear. Poul Anderson died in July 2001.

Alfred Coppel, a prolific author of science fiction and adventure novels, crafted his masterpiece "The Last Two Alive!" as a gripping tale of survival and human resilience in the face of cataclysmic disaster. Set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world, Coppel intricately weaves together the harrowing journey of the last two survivors as they navigate the desolate landscape and confront the challenges of rebuilding civilization. In The Last Two Alive!, he showcases his mastery of storytelling, immersing readers in a world of suspense, danger, and hope. Through vivid descriptions and compelling character development, he brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the protagonists as they strive to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. With its gripping narrative and thought-provoking themes, "The Last Two Alive!" stands as a testament to Coppel's skill as a writer and his ability to captivate readers with tales of adventure and survival. Through his timeless masterpiece, Coppel invites readers to ponder the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of hope in the face of adversity.

Marion Zimmer Bradley is the creator of the popular Darkover universe, as well as the critically acclaimed author of the bestselling ‘The Mists of Avalon’ and its sequel, ‘The Forest House’. She lives in Berkeley, California.

Philip K Dick was born in Chicago in 1928 and lived most of his life in California. He attended college for a year at Berkeley. Apart from writing, his main interest was music. He won the Hugo Award for his classic novel of alternative history, ‘The Man in the High Castle’ (1962). He was married five times and had three children. He died in March 1982.

Before becoming a science fiction writer, Allen Steele was a journalist for newspapers and magazines in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Missouri, and his home state of Tennessee. But science fiction was his first love, so he eventually ditched journalism and began producing that which had made him decide to become a writer in the first place. Since then, Steele has published eighteen novels and nearly one hundred short stories. His work has received numerous accolades, including three Hugo Awards, and has been translated worldwide, mainly into languages he can’t read. He serves on the board of advisors for the Space Frontier Foundation and is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America. He also belongs to Sigma, a group of science fiction writers who frequently serve as unpaid consultants on matters regarding technology and security. Allen Steele is a lifelong space buff, and this interest has not only influenced his writing, it has taken him to some interesting places. He has witnessed numerous space shuttle launches from Kennedy Space Center and has flown NASA’s shuttle cockpit simulator at the Johnson Space Center. In 2001, he testified before the US House of Representatives in hearings regarding the future of space exploration. He would like very much to go into orbit, and hopes that one day he’ll be able to afford to do so. Steele lives in western Massachusetts with his wife, Linda, and a continual procession of adopted dogs. He collects vintage science fiction books and magazines, spacecraft model kits, and dreams.

Algis Budrys (1931–2008) was born in Königsberg, East Prussia, where his father served in the Lithuanian diplomatic corps. The family came to the United States when Budrys was five years old. A Renaissance man, he wrote stories and novels, and was an editor, critic, and reviewer, a teacher of aspiring writers, and a publisher. In the 1960s Budrys worked in public relations, advertising products such as pickles, tuna fish, and four-wheel-drive vehicles. His science fiction novels include Rogue Moon, Hard Landing, Falling Torch, and many others. His Cold War science fiction thriller Who? was adapted for the screen, and he received many award nominations for his work. Budrys was married to his wife, Edna, for almost fifty-four years.

Ken Brady is a professional dog trainer and motivational speaker. He lives with his family in Plymouth, Massachusetts and also spends a lot of his time hiking (with Duke) and skiing in the Stowe, Vermont area.

Robert Sheckley lives in Portland, Oregon. He is one of the great living writers of SF and fantasy, and is well-known as an author of detective fiction. He is distinguished by a bright, witty, pyrotechnic prose style and a portrayal of humorous absurdities in his fiction. He has been writing since the 1950s, and is the author of more than forty books, many of which have been translated worldwide.

Bryce Walton was an American author and screenwriter, known for his contributions to the science fiction genre, particularly during the mid-20th century. His work spans both short stories and novels, with a focus on suspense, action, and speculative themes. His writing explored a wide range of other themes, including the consequences of technological advancement, interplanetary conflict, rebellion, and the moral complexities of human nature. Walton's narratives typically centered on ordinary individuals caught in extraordinary situations, often dealing with political intrigue, alien encounters, and the ethical dilemmas of survival in dystopian settings. His stories, such as Design for Doomsday and Savage Galahad, showcase his ability to create high-stakes, action-driven plots while still addressing deep philosophical and social questions. His works often included philosophical reflections on the nature of freedom, the costs of progress, and the role of individual choice in a rapidly changing world. Walton's contribution to the genre remains significant for its exploration of complex moral and societal questions through gripping, thought-provoking narratives. His stories reflect the anxieties and possibilities of the mid-20th century, making them resonate with readers interested in the intersection of technology, humanity, and the unknown.