From Publishers Weekly

Martin may be best known for his Song of Ice and Fire epic fantasy, but this mammoth collection of short stories (the first of two volumes) highlights his work in numerous genres, including SF, horror and fantasy. Focusing on Martin's early output, volume one features The Second Kind of Loneliness, originally published in 1972, which chronicles a man's insanity-inducing introspection millions of miles from Earth; the 1975 Hugo Award–winning A Song for Lya; The Pear-Shaped Man, a disturbing horror masterpiece about a creepy apartment neighbor; and more obscure works like a 1967 fanzine story starring the Astral Avenger and an unconventional college term paper about the Russo-Swedish War of 1808. An insightful introduction by Gardner Dozois, illustrations by Michael Kaluta and extensive—and candid—author commentary make this much more than just a compilation of stories. Fans, genre historians and aspiring writers alike will find this shelf-bending retrospective as impressive as it is intriguing. (Nov.)
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Review

Praise for George R. R. Martin and His Body of Work

A Song of Ice and Fire Series

“Of those who work in the grand epic-fantasy tradition, Martin is by far the best. In fact...this is as good a time as any to proclaim him the American Tolkien.” —_Time

_“George R. R. Martin has created the unlikely genre of the realpolitik fantasy novel. Complete with warring kings, noble heroes and backroom dealings, it’s addictive reading and reflects our current world a lot better than The Lord of the Rings.” —_Rolling Stone

“Mainstream readers...have a great treat ahead of them in Martin....Emotionally complex, masterfully written.” —Newsday

_“I always expect the best from George R. R. Martin, and he always delivers.” —Robert Jordan

From the Hardcover edition.