 Cover of first edition | |
| Author | edited byGeorge Zebrowski |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Lee Merrill, H. Wendler |
| Language | English |
| Series | Nebula Awards |
| Genre | Science fictionshort stories |
| Publisher | Harcourt Brace Jovanovich |
Publication date | 1985 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (hardcover) |
| Pages | xi, 372 pp. |
| ISBN | 0-15-164927-8 |
| Preceded by | The Nebula Awards #19 |
| Followed by | Nebula Awards 21 |
Nebula Awards 20 is ananthology of award winningscience fiction short works edited byGeorge Zebrowski. It was first published in hardcover and trade paperback byHarcourt Brace Jovanovich in November 1985.[1]
The book collects pieces that won or were nominated for theNebula Awards fornovella,novelette andshort story for the year 1985 and various nonfiction pieces related to the awards, together with the twoRhysling Award-winning poems for 1984, a couple other pieces, and an introduction by the editor. Not all nominees for the various awards are included.
Sue Martin in theLos Angeles Times writes that reading the book "is like settling down with a box of the best chocolates: everyone a tasty surprise. Some, of course, more appealing than others." She notes that in addition to the Nebula winners it also includes "several of the runners-up, which succinctly points out what a tight, quality pack these finalists are." Highlighted are the pieces by Varley, "a brilliant tale of computer skulduggery and mystery," Robinson, "really gripping," Butler, also gripping, and "creepy." Others "didn't do much for me," especially the pieces by Gibson, "written a little too coyly: all style and not enough story for my taste," and Bishop, "bits and puppy dogs' tails of stories that never coalesced for me." Still, in summation she pronounces "let it just be said that if you seek the best in quality and diversity: Look no further."[2]
The anthology was also reviewed by Michael M. Levy inFantasy Review, February 1986, Elton T. Elliott inScience Fiction Review, Spring 1986,The Christian Science Monitor v. 78, May 16, 1986, Andrew Andrews inScience Fiction Review, Summer 1986,E. F. Bleiler inRod Serling's The Twilight Zone Magazine, June 1986,Algis Budrys inThe Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, July 1986, andDon D'Ammassa inScience Fiction Chronicle no. 82, July 1986.[1]
The book placed eighteenth in the 1986Locus Poll Award for Best Anthology.[1]