The Power of Illusion

A rip-roaring collection of amusing and beguiling "what if?" speculative fiction tales from science fiction humorist and droll storyteller extraordinaire Christopher Anvil.

A generous volume of cunning and humorous science fiction from a master storyteller Christopher Anvil. First, Anvil's tale of the consequences for civilization-and humanity itself-onThe Day the Machines Stopped. Next, a gambler is captured by aliens who are investigating the Earth as a possible target for colonization. The aliens have science and technology far in advance of humans-but, unfortunately for them, they have never developed the human art of bluffing. And finally, for the first time in book form, Anvil's stories of universal troubleshooter and paradox-resolver extraordinaire Richard Verner. Need to know why the government's missiles keep falling from the sky? Whether a judge has been kidnapped or gone into hiding to avoid a dangerous ruling? Who that dead body belongs to that interrupted a perfect vacation? Verner's on the case.

About Christopher Anvil:
"Droll and exciting. . ."-Houston Chronicle

". . .a delightful pleasure. . .I've always loved Anvil's, ah, peculiar sense of humor."-New York Times best-seller and military SF master David Weber

". . .rousing adventure. . .SF fun."-Locus