My first delving into SF fiction. Bought for me by my mum when we were out one day. ( )

New Writings in SF1 includes four short stories and a long novelette entitled Key to Chaos.

Key to Chaos - Edward Macklin (i.e. Ralph McInerny)

Humour and science fiction is one of the most difficult to write, and write well. This story about a couple of con men who while dabbling around with an apparently worthless piece of machinery inadvertently create what appears to be a rejuvenation machine, is a riot of quick witted wise cracks and cringe-able capers from start to finish!
10/10

Two's Company - John Rankine

A lonely pair of computer maintenance controllers get to know each-other more intimately when they crash on the inhospitable wilderness of planet Omega, whilst serving a three month tour of duty.
5.5/10

Man On Bridge - Brian W. Aldiss

This is a brutal little Orwellian story set in and around an open concentration camp where C's (for Cerebrals) are dominated by the less intellectual Proles - who have total mastery over them. It is the story of Adam X - potentially the first of a new breed of surgically engineered C's, created in collaboration with C's and Proles .
6/10

Haggard Honeymoon - Joseph Green and James Webbert

Uranium miners on Canopus 37 are going mad and being shipped home after six months. The company's policy on only engaging young newly-weds appears to have more to do with increasing profitability than maintaining the workers happiness, although the two appear to be linked somehow? And what about the Rilli and their strange dream like religion? Carter Mason begins to suspect that something is terribly wrong in paradise.
4.5/10

The Sea's Furthest End - Damien Broderick

The fate of the entire universe rests on the shoulders of one young prince. The obstacle to peace is his own tyrannical father. But can one young prince who's spirit has been broken from years or ruthless abuse rise to become the One to bring federation to the galaxy?
Or, will fate, as usual, deal the last hand?
10/10 ( )