Publisher's Synopsis
Cordwainer Smith had a vision of the future that created a legen in his lifetime--the universe of the Instrumentality of Man, of Norstrilia, of the Underpeople and their heroine C'Mell, of the Scanners - a vision shot through with the truth of poetry and prophecy. This classic collection includes such famous stories as "The Lady Who Sailed The Soul," "The Game of Rat and Dragon," "Alpha Ralpha Boulevard," and "Scanners Live in Vain" - landmarks of imaginative writing. "No, No, Not Rogov!" (1959) - Stalin puts scientist Rogov, his wife and two others in a hidden village. Rogov develops a device that can pick up thoughts from anywhere in the world. After Stalin dies the project continues. Rogov decides it's time to see if he can receive. That involve sticking a needle into his brain. "The Game Of Rat And Dragon" (1955) - Something is living underneath space. The only way to fight them is by using Partners. They are cats who place small bombs on the aliens ships. The aliens are known as Dragons. People on Earth refer to the human fighters as Rats. "Alpha Ralpha Boulevard" (1961 novelette) - Humanity has been regimented for thousands of years. Now things are changing. Paul and Virginia now speak French and have some harrowing experiences while heading for the Boulevard. The story also debuts C'Mell the cat girl who will show up in future stories. "Mark Elf" (1957) - In April 1945 a girl is placed in a rocket by her father in order to escape the Nazis and the Red Army. She lands back on Earth sixteen thousand years later and meets a war machine from the Sixth Reich in the distant past.
