Most Popular Books by Fritz Leiber

Fritz Leiber''s "The Big Time" is a seminal work of science fiction that intricately weaves elements of time travel, alternate realities, and metaphysical musings into a rich narrative tapestry. Set within the confines of a transient time-warped space known as the Change, where soldiers and rebels from various eras convene, the novel explores the concept of temporal dislocation while delving into the psychological and sociopolitical implications of war. Leiber''s prose is both fluid and incisive, reflecting a unique literary style that balances humor and poignancy, while its context in post-World War II science fiction reflects the anxieties and curiosities of a world grappling with the ramifications of advanced technology and the nature of existence itself. Fritz Leiber, a prominent figure in the fantasy and science fiction genres, brings to "The Big Time" his deep interest in philosophy, linguistics, and the nuances of human experience. His diverse background and extensive literary career allowed him to deftly navigate complex themes, infusing the narrative with personal reflections and sophisticated dialogue. Leiber''s earlier works established his reputation, but it was this novel that solidified his place as a visionary thinkers within speculative fiction. I highly recommend "The Big Time" to readers eager for an intellectually stimulating experience that challenges the conventions of linear storytelling. Leiber''s brilliant narrative invites readers to contemplate the enigmas of time and the human condition, making it an essential read for those intrigued by the interplay of science fiction, philosophy, and the complexities of existence.

Collected in this volume are three of Fritz Leiber''s works: the short novel "The Creature from Cleveland Depths" (originally published in "Galaxy" magazine in 1962); the humorous "Bread Overhead" (originally published in "Galaxy" magazine in 1958); and the short novel "No Great Magic" (originally published in "Galaxy" magazine in 1963). "No Great Magic" is part of Leiber''s Change War series.

While Howard Phillips Lovecraft was closing the final chapter of his writing career, Fritz Reuter Leiber was only beginning to open his own. The year was 1936 and Jonquil Leiber, Fritz''s first wife, sent a letter on her own initiative to Lovecraft, knowing that her husband had been an avid admirer of his work, ever since his first reading of "The Colour out of Space" and hoping that Lovecraft''s presence in Fritz''s slow-paced writing career might be the source of inspiration he so dearly needed. Lovecraft replied promptly on November 2 of that year, the seed of an invigorating correspondence, which lasted till Lovecraft''s passing. Fritz Leiber and H.P. Lovecraft: Writers of the Dark presents Lovecraft''s letters to Leiber, an impressive selection of Leiber''s fiction which shows Lovecraft''s influence, and a selection of Leiber''s essays on Lovecraft and Matters Lovecraftian. Features an introduction by Ben J. S. Szumskyj and an afterword by S.T. Joshi.

A collection of fifteen tales of horror by the award-winning Grand Master of Science Fiction and Fantasy and author of the Lankhmar series. In Horrible Imaginings, buckle up for a disturbing ride. Meet a mysterious woman in black, a gun with a score to settle, a man who seeks eternal life, a peculiar painting of a dead woman, and more . . . Assembled from magazine submissions, fanzines, and even "lost" manuscripts discovered among the author''s personal papers, this book features two Nebula Award finalists: "Horrible Imaginings" and "Answering Service," as well as the stories "The Automatic Pistol," "Crazy Annaoj," "The Hound," "Alice and the Allergy," "Skinny''s Wonderful," "Scream Wolf," "Mysterious Doings in the Metropolitan Museum," "When Brahma Wakes," "The Glove," "The Girl With the Hungry Eyes," "While Set Fled," "Diary in the Snow," and "The Ghost Light." Find out why Fritz Leiber is a must-read for any fan of science fiction, fantasy, or horror. Suspense, surprise, wit, and weirdness—they''re all here for fans both old and new. Praise for Fritz Leiber "For anyone who loves great literature, Fritz Leiber walked on water." —Harlan Ellison, author of I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream "A master . . . The prose should be savored." — Locus "High quality." — The New York Times

This first book of Leiber''s landmark fantasy series presents three novellas that introduce the strange world where flawed anti-heroes Fafhrd and Gray Mouser discover the icy power of female magic in three femme fatales, which leads them on their adventures and misadventures through Lankhmar. Reissue.

Science fiction-noveller.

"An excellent collection" of vampire stories, from authors such as Harlan Ellison, Dan Simmons , Gahan Wilson, Tanith Lee, and Fritz Leiber ( Publishers Weekly). Renowned editor Ellen Datlow has gathered seventeen variations on vampirism ranging from classically Gothic to postmodern satire, from horrific to erotic. These stories reflect the evolution of vampire literature from Bram Stoker to Anne Rice and beyond, resulting in a deeper exploration of their inner lives. Expanding the concept of vampirism to include the draining of a person''s will or life force, Datlow''s collection transcends the traditional "black capes and teeth marks on the neck" to reinvent an eternally fascinating subgenre of horror. In Harlan Ellison''s "Try a Dull Knife," an empath stumbles bleeding into a nightclub, on the run from emotional vampires. A Broadway actress steals the emotions of her fellow performers in ". . . To Feel Another''s Woe" by Chet Williamson. And in "The Sea Was Wet as Wet Could Be," Gahan Wilson offers his own surreal twist on Lewis Carroll''s "The Walrus and the Carpenter," as two strangers on a beach lure intoxicated picnickers to a different kind of picnic . . . Blood Is Not Enough includes contributions by Dan Simmons, Gahan Wilson, Garry Kilworth, Harlan Ellison, Scott Baker, Leonid Andreyev, Harvey Jacobs, S. N. Dyer, Edward Bryant, Fritz Leiber, Tanith Lee, Susan Casper, Steve Rasnic Tem, Gardner Dozois and Jack Dann, Chet Williamson, Joe Haldeman, and Pat Cadigan.

A collection of supernatural horror stories from the SFWA Grand Master and Hugo and Nebula Award–winning author of the Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser novels. Assembled here is a selection of Mr. Leiber''s best horrific tales, many of which have been virtually unobtainable for decades. From the riveting "Spider Mansion" and "The Phantom Slayer" from Weird Tales to the more recent "Lie Still, Snow White" and "Black Has Its Charms" from rare, small‐press magazines, this collection provides an overview of Leiber''s fifty‐plus years as an acknowledged master of the weird tale. This edition was edited by John Pelan and Steve Savile.

"Carr Mackay had an okay job, a beautiful woman and a lot of big plans--a pathway marked for himself through life. But one day he met a beautiful, frightened girl who didn''t quite belong in this world. And something began. Irrevocably. Something that diverted him forever from his path, shook the sleepy dust from his eyes and brought him to a startling confrontation with the furthest limits of life, death--and an alien, terrifying danger..."--Back cover.

Our 81st issue is among our best so far, if I do say so myself. We have an original mystery by H.K. Slade (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Michael Bracken), a great modern tale by Ann Aptaker (courtesy of Acquiring Editor Barb Goffman), and a pair of mystery novels—Bruce Campbell’s The Mystery of the Iron Box, featuring Ken Holt (by special request of one of our readers), and The Girl Who Had to Die, by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding. And no issue would be complete without a solve-it-yourself mystery by Hal Charles. On the science fiction and fantasy side, we have a classic novel by Fritz Leiber: Conjure Wife, originally published in 1943. Don’t miss the introduction, which puts it into historical context. If that’s not enough, we also have an entry in Phyllis Ann Karr’s “Frostflower & Thorn” series and classic science fiction stories by George O. Smith, Kendell Foster Crossen, and Lu Kella. Fun! Here’s this issue’s complete lineup: Mysteries / Suspense / Adventure: “House in the Snow” by H.K. Slade [Michael Bracken Presents short story] “Death Visits Campus” by Hal Charles [Solve-It-Yourself Mystery] “Red Nocturne,” by Ann Aptaker [Barb Goffman Presents short story] The Mystery of the Iron Box, by Bruce Campbell [novel] The Girl Who Had to Die, by Elisabeth Sanxay Holding [novel] Science Fiction & Fantasy: “The Dragon, the Unicorn, and the Teddy Bear,” by Phyllis Ann Karr [Frostflower & Thorn short story] “The Dreamers,” by Lu Kella [short story] “Booby Prize,” by George O. Smith [novelet] “The Agile Algolian,” by Kendell Foster Crossen [novelet] Conjure Wife, by Fritz Leiber [novel]

The Hugo and Nebula Award–winning series of swords and sorcery, featuring two unorthodox heroes, from a Grand Master of Science Fiction and Fantasy. Many decades before George R. R. Martin''s Game of Thrones, Grand Master Fritz Leiber ruled the sword-and-sorcery universe. These three short story collections chronicle the unconventional adventures of Leiber''s endearing antiheroes: barbarian Fafhrd and former wizard''s apprentice, the Gray Mouser. Swords and Deviltry: Fafhrd, a handsome barbarian of the Steppes, is seduced by a beautiful prostitute and her equally intoxicating city, while the Gray Mouser, a slum rat wizard-in-training, is tempted by the dark arts. The two men meet on a night of multiple thieveries and an enduring partnership is born. Swords Against Death: Rogue swordsmen and devoted companions Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser pursue ill-gotten fortunes within the confines of Lankhmar. They cross paths with two wizards, Sheelba of the Eyeless Face and Ningauble of the Seven Eyes, and a most violent clash ensues. Eventually, following further adventures, the two antiheroes end up as indentured swordsman servants to their former foes. Swords in the Mist: A cloud of concentrated hatred and lean times in Lankhmar compels Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser to temporarily depart the most corrupt metropolis in all of Nehwon as they seek adventure in the realm of the Sea-King—and on a different world entirely. This must-read collection of Fafhrd and the Gray Mouser short stories features multiple Hugo and Nebula Award–nominated tales, and includes the acclaimed novella Ill Met in Lankhmar.

This XpressRead Cram Edition of Conjure wife pairs the complete original text with carefully prepared study materials, designed for deeper engagement with this classic. Delve into the chilling world of Fritz Leiber''s "Conjure Wife," a classic tale where horror and science fiction intertwine with the unsettling realities of marriage. This meticulously prepared print edition resurrects a timeless story exploring the supernatural forces at play beneath the surface of everyday life. When a college professor stumbles upon evidence of witchcraft, he unwittingly unravels a web of occult practices hidden among the faculty and their wives. As he investigates further, he discovers that these seemingly ordinary women are engaged in a silent, secret battle, wielding ancient powers to gain advantage in their husbands'' careers and their own social standing. This unsettling exploration of power, paranoia, and the hidden lives of spouses blends psychological suspense with elements of the occult. "Conjure Wife" remains a captivating read, offering a glimpse into a world where the supernatural lurks just beneath the veneer of normalcy. A chilling examination of relationships and the unseen forces that shape our lives.

The machine was not perfect. It could be tricked. It could make mistakes. And—it could learn!