This generous collection contains 22 stories and novellas written in 1953 and 1954, along with extensive and valuable story notes. Included here are a number of bona fide PKD classics, among them the title story, the brilliantly conceived account of a bizarre, ultimately catastrophic resurrection, 'The Father-Thing,' in which a young boy comes to realize that his once familiar father has somehow changed, and 'The Golden Man' (filmed in 2007 as 'Next'), which tells the tale of a golden skinned mutant who may represent the future direction of the human race. These and all the other stories in this important and necessary book offer a wide range of literary and intellectual pleasures. At the same time, they provide a fascinating glimpse into the continuing development of this iconic and hugely influential figure. --amazon.com.