This is what I would consider essentially a perfect collection of sci-fi shorts. The theme is the very general idea of exploring what humanity may look like in one million years. Each of the authors included takes a very different direction on this idea. I largely sought this book out because it included a story by perhaps my current favorite hard scifi author, Alastair Reynolds. His story is of particular note since it takes place within the same confines of his novel, [b:House of Suns|1126719|House of Suns|Alastair Reynolds|http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51McGtwH5pL._SL75_.jpg|2020929], which was a delight to read. It's hard to single out any of the stories in this book, but Charles Stross' Missle Gap was also a favorite. It explores a sort of alternate future (you'll see what I mean when you read it), rather than an alternate history. If you're a diehard scifi lover, I think you'd be an idiot to not look for a copy of this book. ( )

A collection of stories by some of the best contemporary writers (Charlie Stross, for example), set in the VERY far future.