The Instrumentality of Mankind

Fourteen classic Smith stories, set in his star-spanning future universe of scanners, planoforming ships and the Underpeople.

Here is the account of the strange origin of the Vomact family and its role in founding the Instrumentality, of how one man's love broke the secret of Space-Three, of what happens to people too long between the stars - even of a shape-changing Martian with a passion for gadgets - in a collection that presents some of the strongest work of an unforgettable writer.

1. No, No, Not Rogov! (1959)
2. War No. 81-Q (1928)
3. Mark Elf (1957)
4. The Queen of the Afternoon (1978)
5. When the People Fell (1959)
6. Think Blue, Count Two (1963)
7. The Colonel Came Back from the Nothing-at-All (1979)
8. From Gustible's Planet (1962)
9. Drunkboat (1963)
10. Western Science Is So Wonderful (1958)
11. Nancy (1959)
12. The Fife of Bodidharma (1959)
13. Angerhelm (1959)
14. The Good Friends (1963)