Synopsis: From the flaps of the Frederick Fell second printing: "To highlight the new developments in science-fiction, to introduce great new authors, to give the finest from the pens of accepted science-fiction writers - in this spirit the publishers are privileged to present The Best Science-Fiction Stories: 1950. Here is the newest annual collection of the most fascinating fiction of the future - stories of the caliber which the critics have termed "breathtaking," "delightful," "enchanting," "extraordinary." The phenomenal reception accorded to the first volume in this annual series of science-fiction bests has been gratifying. The amount of newspaper and magazine space given to The Best Science-Fiction Stories: 1949 has been overwhelming. So far as we know, no other science-fiction novel or anthology has ever received so much attention by reviewers. In presenting another volume in this series, the publishers wish to the many thousands of readers, both old devotees of science-fiction and new enthusiasts, for their kind reception; the reviewers, feature writers, editors, and radio commentators for their cooperation in bringing the book to the attention of such a wide reading public. In offering The Best of Science-Fiction Stories: 1950, the publishers greet all the old friends and welcome the thousands fo new ones. ... For interesting background material on science-fiction in general, and this volume in particular, we invite your attention to the preface by Everett F. Bleiler and T. E. Dikty. This year we are honored to have our guest, Vincent Starrett, who tells in A Short Introduction, in his own charming fashion, how he rediscovered the pleasures of science-fiction, and show you why he believes "the stories that follow will repay your attention." Since the advent of The Best Science-Fiction Stories: 1949, the field of science-fiction has witnessed its most rapid growth. The number of books published has increased and science-fiction has made a spectacular entrance into the fields of radio, television and movies. Each year will undoubtedly see an even greater acceptance of this literary form."