World's Best Science Fiction
Encyclopedia
World's Best Science Fiction was a series of annual paperback anthologies published by Ace Books
from 1965 to 1971 under the editorship of Donald A. Wollheim
and Terry Carr
. Some volumes were also issued in hardcover through the Science Fiction Book Club or (in the United Kingdom
) by Gollancz
.
Each volume included the year of publication after the title, though when the first four volumes were subsequently reprinted the year designation was replaced by a numerical one (First through Fourth Series in place of 1965 to 1971).
Each annual volume reprinted what in the opinion of the editors was the best science fiction
short stories appearing in the previous year. The series also aimed to discover and nurture new talent. It featured both occasionally recurring authors and writers new to the science fiction genre.
After the editors left Ace, each separately edited a continuation series, Wollheim (with Arthur W. Saha
) The Annual World’s Best SF
(DAW Books
, 1972–1990), and Carr The Best Science Fiction of the Year
(Ballantine Books
, 1972–1980, Pocket Books
, 1981–1983, Baen Books
, 1984, Tor Books
, 1985–1987).
Ace Books
Ace Books is the oldest active specialty publisher of science fiction and fantasy books. The company was founded in New York City in 1952 by Aaron A. Wyn, and began as a genre publisher of mysteries and westerns...
from 1965 to 1971 under the editorship of Donald A. Wollheim
Donald A. Wollheim
Donald Allen Wollheim was an American science fiction ' editor, publisher, writer, and fan. As an author, he published under his own name as well as under pseudonyms, including David Grinnell....
and Terry Carr
Terry Carr
Terry Gene Carr was a U.S. science fiction author, editor, and teacher.Terry Carr was born in Grants Pass, Oregon...
. Some volumes were also issued in hardcover through the Science Fiction Book Club or (in the United Kingdom
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
) by Gollancz
Gollancz
Gollancz often refers to the British publishing house Victor Gollancz Ltd.Gollancz, a family name originating from the Polish town Gołańcz , is mainly known as the name of a prominent British Jewish family, including:* Sir Hermann Gollancz , rabbi* Sir Israel Gollancz , scholar of...
.
Each volume included the year of publication after the title, though when the first four volumes were subsequently reprinted the year designation was replaced by a numerical one (First through Fourth Series in place of 1965 to 1971).
Each annual volume reprinted what in the opinion of the editors was the best science fiction
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
short stories appearing in the previous year. The series also aimed to discover and nurture new talent. It featured both occasionally recurring authors and writers new to the science fiction genre.
After the editors left Ace, each separately edited a continuation series, Wollheim (with Arthur W. Saha
Arthur W. Saha
Arthur William Saha was an American speculative fiction editor and anthologist, closely associated with publisher Donald A. Wollheim.-Life:...
) The Annual World’s Best SF
The Annual World’s Best SF
The Annual World's Best SF was a series of annual paperback anthologies published by DAW Books from 1972 to 1990 under the editorship of publisher Donald A. Wollheim and Arthur W. Saha from 1972 to 1990. Some volumes were also issued in hardcover through the Science Fiction Book Club...
(DAW Books
DAW Books
DAW Books is an American science fiction and fantasy publisher, founded by Donald A. Wollheim following his departure from Ace Books in 1971. The company therefore claims to be "the first publishing company ever devoted exclusively to science fiction and fantasy." The first DAW Book published was...
, 1972–1990), and Carr The Best Science Fiction of the Year
The Best Science Fiction of the Year
The Best Science Fiction of the Year was a series of annual paperback anthologies edited by Terry Carr. It was published by Ballantine Books from 1972 to 1980, Pocket Books from 1981 to 1983, Baen Books in 1984, and Tor Books, 1985 to 1987...
(Ballantine Books
Ballantine Books
Ballantine Books is a major book publisher located in the United States, founded in 1952 by Ian Ballantine with his wife, Betty Ballantine. It was acquired by Random House in 1973, which in turn was acquired by Bertelsmann AG in 1998 and remains part of that company today. Ballantine's logo is a...
, 1972–1980, Pocket Books
Pocket Books
Pocket Books is a division of Simon & Schuster that primarily publishes paperback books.- History :Pocket produced the first mass-market, pocket-sized paperback books in America in early 1939 and revolutionized the publishing industry...
, 1981–1983, Baen Books
Baen Books
Baen Books is an American publishing company established in 1983 by long time science fiction publisher and editor Jim Baen. It is a science fiction and fantasy publishing house that emphasizes space opera, hard science fiction, military science fiction, and fantasy...
, 1984, Tor Books
Tor Books
Tor Books is one of two imprints of Tom Doherty Associates LLC, based in New York City. It is noted for its science fiction and fantasy titles. Tom Doherty Associates also publishes mainstream fiction, mystery, and occasional military history titles under its Forge imprint. The company was founded...
, 1985–1987).
The series
- World's Best Science Fiction: 1965World's Best Science Fiction: 1965World's Best Science Fiction: 1965 is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Terry Carr, the first volume in a series of seven. It was first published in paperback by Ace Books in 1965...
(1965) = World's Best Science Fiction: First Series (1970) - World's Best Science Fiction: 1966World's Best Science Fiction: 1966World's Best Science Fiction: 1966 is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Terry Carr, the second volume in a series of seven. It was first published in paperback by Ace Books in 1966. It was reprinted by the same publisher in 1970 under the alternate title...
(1966) = World's Best Science Fiction: Second Series (1970) - World's Best Science Fiction: 1967World's Best Science Fiction: 1967World's Best Science Fiction: 1967 is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Terry Carr, the third volume in a series of seven. It was first published in paperback by Ace Books in 1967...
(1967) = World's Best Science Fiction: Third Series (1970) - World's Best Science Fiction: 1968World's Best Science Fiction: 1968World's Best Science Fiction: 1968 is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Terry Carr, the fourth volume in a series of seven. It was first published in paperback by Ace Books in 1968. It was reprinted by the same publisher in 1970 under the alternate title...
(1968) = World's Best Science Fiction: Fourth Series (1970) - World's Best Science Fiction: 1969World's Best Science Fiction: 1969World's Best Science Fiction: 1969 is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Terry Carr, the fifth volume in a series of seven...
(1969) - World's Best Science Fiction: 1970World's Best Science Fiction: 1970World's Best Science Fiction: 1970 is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Terry Carr, the sixth volume in a series of seven...
(1970 - World's Best Science Fiction: 1971World's Best Science Fiction: 1971World's Best Science Fiction: 1971 is an anthology of science fiction short stories edited by Donald A. Wollheim and Terry Carr, the seventh volume in a series of seven. It was first published in paperback by Ace Books in 1971, followed by a hardcover edition issued in September of the same year by...
(1971)