--- product_id: 5022027 title: "Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the 20th Century" price: "¥6861" currency: JPY in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.jp/products/5022027-masterpieces-the-best-science-fiction-of-the-20th-century store_origin: JP region: Japan --- # Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the 20th Century **Price:** ¥6861 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the 20th Century - **How much does it cost?** ¥6861 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.jp](https://www.desertcart.jp/products/5022027-masterpieces-the-best-science-fiction-of-the-20th-century) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description A collection of the best science fiction short stories of the 20th century as selected and evaluated by critically-acclaimed author Orson Scott Card. Featuring stories from the genre's greatest authors: Isaac Asimov • Arthur C. Clarke • Robert A. Heinlein • Ursula K. Le Guin • Ray Bradbury • Frederik Pohl • Harlan Ellison • George Alec Effinger • Brian W. Aldiss • William Gibson & Michael Swanwick • Theodore Sturgeon • Larry Niven • Robert Silverberg • Harry Turtledove • James Blish • George R. R. Martin • James Patrick Kelly • Karen Joy Fowler • Lloyd Biggle, Jr. • Terry Bisson • Poul Anderson • John Kessel • R.A. Lafferty • C.J. Cherryh • Lisa Goldstein • Edmond Hamilton In much of the science fiction of the past, the twenty-first century existed only in the writers’ imaginations. Now that it’s here, it’s time to take a look back at the last one hundred years in science fiction through the works of the most celebrated and acclaimed authors of the century—to see where we’ve been and just how far we’ve come. Along with a critical essay by Orson Scott Card reassessing science fiction in the twentieth century, Masterpieces includes short fiction by writers who have forged a permanent place for science fiction in the popular culture of today...and tomorrow. It offers a glimpse of the greatest works that mixed science with fiction in trying to figure out humanity’s place in the universe. Featuring bold, brave, and breathtaking stories, this definitive collection will stand the test of time in both this century and those to come. Review: Great Stories - Great collection of stories. When reading, I’m wrapped up in tales of mind bending delight. When not reading, it doubles as a great coaster for an evening coffee. After coffee, well… back to some immersive reading. Review: Solid and Diverse Sci Fi Collection - This collection of 27 stories, edited by Orson Scott Card, a science fiction writer of acclaim in his own right, is divided into three sections: "The Golden Age", "The New Wave", and "The Media Generation". Many of the giants of the genre are represented here. Mr Card provides a useful general inroduction to the volume and separate introductions for each story. Story selection is good, for the most part. I personally enjoy "concept driven" or "character driven", as opposed to "technology driven", Sci Fi and these stories fit that description. Some of the selections, especially in the first section, have been frequently anthologized and may be familiar to a well-read Sci Fi fan. However, many stories are not so well-known, especially in the two later sections. There is a fairly high proportion of "gems", worthy of multiple reads, in this volume. (To be fair, there are also a few duds, in my opinion.) Overall, for the money, a great buy. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #64,158 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #196 in Science Fiction Anthologies (Books) #561 in Science Fiction Short Stories #771 in Short Stories Anthologies | | Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 697 Reviews | ## Images ![Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the 20th Century - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81E98cxQc0L.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Media Language, Media Format** options. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Stories *by A***R on August 30, 2026* Great collection of stories. When reading, I’m wrapped up in tales of mind bending delight. When not reading, it doubles as a great coaster for an evening coffee. After coffee, well… back to some immersive reading. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Solid and Diverse Sci Fi Collection *by A***K on January 27, 2008* This collection of 27 stories, edited by Orson Scott Card, a science fiction writer of acclaim in his own right, is divided into three sections: "The Golden Age", "The New Wave", and "The Media Generation". Many of the giants of the genre are represented here. Mr Card provides a useful general inroduction to the volume and separate introductions for each story. Story selection is good, for the most part. I personally enjoy "concept driven" or "character driven", as opposed to "technology driven", Sci Fi and these stories fit that description. Some of the selections, especially in the first section, have been frequently anthologized and may be familiar to a well-read Sci Fi fan. However, many stories are not so well-known, especially in the two later sections. There is a fairly high proportion of "gems", worthy of multiple reads, in this volume. (To be fair, there are also a few duds, in my opinion.) Overall, for the money, a great buy. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Orson Scott Card's Favorite Science Fiction Stories *by J***D on December 26, 2009* These twenty-seven science fiction stories are those Orson Scott Card found memorable, enjoyable and influential. Card stratifies his collection by three eras of twentieth century science fiction: The Golden Age (beginning of the century to the mid-1960s); The New Wave (mid-1960s to mid-1970s); and The Media Generation (mid-1970s and onward). Readers interested in the genre's history might consult Adam Roberts' History of Science Fiction for a definition of these eras--and pre-twentieth-century periods that Card omits from consideration. The Golden Age "includes the writers and stories that created science fiction as we know it." Of Card's nine stories, two stand out. Poul Anderson's "Call Me Joe" explores the psychological connection between a biologically-engineered "remote" on Jupiter's surface and its human operator in orbit above. The still-current topic contrasts with a retro feel from "tubes and circuits" technology. Robert Heinlein's "All You Zombies--" guides us through the now-familiar scenario of a time-traveling police force that guards the timelines and recruits from various eras. The story's recruitment is undertaken with a close-knit cast of characters. New Wave stories are drawn from a period when science fiction was moving beyond the common story structures of the Golden Age. I have two favorites of Card's seven. Ursula Le Guin's "The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas" reminds us that we pay an almost-hidden price for our happy lives. After reading her story, we cannot claim to have no choice. Larry Niven's "Inconstant Moon" paces through the long, sleepless night after its protagonist figures out the puzzle of the evening sky's too-bright moon. Media Generation stories come from a less well-defined era, produced by writers who grew up watching science fiction movies and television shows. Here are the best two of Card's eleven. George Martin's "Sandkings" features a wealthy man who is self-centered, vain and cruel. And yet his alien pets worship him. Terry Bisson's "Bear's Discover Fire" explores the implications of a slight intelligence increase in a familiar mammal. It is understated, clever, and emotionally rich. The collection is highly recommended, both to experienced fans and to those needing an introduction to this century's science fiction. As Card admits, there are many good stories left out, many important authors not represented. Read for what is here. And enjoy. ## Frequently Bought Together - Masterpieces: The Best Science Fiction of the 20th Century - The Big Book of Science Fiction - The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Vol. 1: 1929-1964 --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.jp/products/5022027-masterpieces-the-best-science-fiction-of-the-20th-century](https://www.desertcart.jp/products/5022027-masterpieces-the-best-science-fiction-of-the-20th-century) --- *Product available on Desertcart Japan* *Store origin: JP* *Last updated: 2026-10-10*