This collection of twenty-two tales and two essays displays the range of his imagination, from science fiction to fantasy to horror; from alien landscapes in the far future to cutting-edge technological developments that could appear tomorrow. The first five stories take readers to parallel universes, on expeditions for Alternitech. Other tales put a humorous twist on classic fantasy scenarios of kissing frogs and slaying dragons. Readers will see cloned mammoths, the dark side of early Hollywood, attorneys wrestling with the legalities of time paradoxes, and backpackers on an alien planet.

These are the best of Anderson's work, including his high-powered collaborations with Gregory Benford, Doug Beason, and his wife, Rebecca Moesta, coupled with commentary by the author. Two essays showcase his love of writing and his love of hiking and mountain climbing.