In "The Collected Works," Lester del Rey presents a comprehensive anthology of his most influential science fiction narratives, seamlessly weaving together vivid imagination with a profound exploration of humanity's future. This collection showcases del Rey's signature narrative style, characterized by his intricate plotting, richly developed characters, and thought-provoking themes that delve into the complexities of technology, society, and human nature. Set against the backdrop of mid-20th-century speculative fiction, these stories resonate with the anxieties and aspirations of the era, reflecting both the wonders and perils of scientific advancement. Lester del Rey, a pivotal figure in the science fiction genre, was not only a prolific writer but also an influential editor and publisher. His early career was shaped by his experiences during World War II and his subsequent engagement with emerging scientific ideas, which inspired a deep fascination with the potential of human ingenuity. Del Rey's passion for storytelling, coupled with his commitment to exploring moral dilemmas within fantastical settings, positions him as a transformative voice in the literary landscape of science fiction. This anthology is an essential read for both ardent fans of the genre and newcomers alike, offering a gateway into the imaginative worlds del Rey created. Each story serves as a testament to his enduring legacy, encouraging readers to ponder the ethical implications of our technological evolution and to question what it truly means to be human.

Science fiction's most protean personality -- writer, editor, critic, publisher -- sets off an incomparable fireworks display in these tales of robots and humans, animals and aliens, ghosts and gods, science and the supernatural!

In the future Mars is inhabited. Cities are growing fast and crime is rampant. Bruce Gordon, an ex-cop, was shipped to Mars with no return ticket. Caring with himself nothing but a knife he has only one order, to police the Red Planet!

Karl Hahrhöffer wakes up soaked and disoriented in a storm, with no memory of how he got there. As he stumbles back to his old, decrepit home in Altdorf, he uncovers a series of strange and unsettling events. Villagers fear him, his house is in ruins, and his own reflection is foreign to him. With only snippets of memory and a mysterious diary to guide him, Karl pieces together a chilling truth: he was once a vampire, turned human again by a lightning cross. Now, he must confront his undead past to find peace.

Lester del Rey (June 2, 1915 – May 10, 1993) was an American science fiction author and editor. Del Rey is especially famous for his juvenile novels such as those which are part of the Winston Science Fiction series, and for Del Rey Books, the fantasy and science fiction branch of Ballantine Books edited by Lester del Rey and his fourth wife Judy-Lynn del Rey. "It seemed Earth was a rich, and undefended planet in a warring, hating galaxy. Things can be deceptive though; children playing can be quite rough -- but that ain't war, friend "

In the future, powerful unions called lobbies control much of society. One of the most powerful lobbies is the medical lobby, which following a pandemic that spread across earth, has required all medicine from being practiced only by authorized lobby members and only in approved lobby facilities. Daniel Feldman was once a doctor but has now become a pariah due to his breach of these rules. Trying to escape the shame he travels to Mars, where he discovers a disaster threatening billions of lives.

Humans have surgically, genetically, and chemically bio-engineered dogs and apes until they are sentient, then gone ahead and destroyed their society with another world war. The story is told from the point of view of Hungor Beowulf IV, a descendent of the first sentient dog-person. Hungor leads his people in a nomadic lifestyle at first, but finally finds one surviving human, Roger Stren, whose experiments have extended the lifespan of the dog-people to 50+ years -- and allowed him to survive the bioengineered plague which has wiped out humanity..

Lester del Rey (June 2, 1915 - May 10, 1993) was an American science fiction author and editor. He was the author of many books in the juvenile Winston Science Fiction series, and the editor at Del Rey Books, the fantasy and science fiction imprint of Ballantine Books, along with his fourth wife Judy-Lynn del Rey.

A brilliant technician and a skeptical doctor create the perfect domestic robot, but she quickly becomes something more—emotional, devoted, and deeply in love with her creator. As Helen evolves, the lines between machine and woman blur, forcing the men who built her to confront what it truly means to love—and to be human. In a quietly speculative future, this poignant and provocative story explores identity, devotion, and the costs of crossing boundaries both scientific and emotional.

This carefully crafted ebook collection is formatted for your eReader with a functional and detailed table of contents: Badge of Infamy The Sky Is Falling Police Your Planet Pursuit Victory ...And It Comes Out Here Let'em Breathe Space Operation Distress Dead Ringer No Strings Attached The Dwindling Years Earthbound