New York: St Martin's, c.1976 dj. Hardcover - 2 volume set, which contains 26 stories, some classics, some almost unknown, arranged to tell the story of the rise and fall of the Galactic Empire - and of its inhabitants, its customs, and more. Contributors include Arthur C. Clarke, Asimov, John D. MacDonald, Mack Reynolds, Fredric Brown, James Blish and more. Dustjacket illustrations by Karel Thole. 395 pp, 278 pp.