One thing that I would never have realized as a fifteen year old reading these stories the first time, is how misogynistic the stories (and Ellison) tend to be. It really sets a tone that draws the reader in. “Pretty Maggie Moneyeyes” is a story you don’t forget one you’ve read it and is the sort of story that really defines Ellison – both as a writer and as an individual (or at least the individual he presents publicly). And “Lonely Ache” is a title I remember, but I had forgotten the story. “World of the Myth” is one I’d forgotten about, but enjoyed it – probably more now than I did originally as I’ve come to enjoy dark fantasy/horror more since then. “Eyes of Dust” is one of those stories that has stayed with me a very long time and yet it’s rarely discussed or reprinted (and Ellison reprints EVERYthing). The title story, about a crazed computer torturing the last five humans on earth is just as powerful now as it was forty years ago. But I recently decided to go back and see read this ‘first’ collection again to see how it stood the test of time. Since that time I think I’ve read every collection the irascible writer has published. Shortly after reading the book I attended my first convention, met Mr. I first read this book in 1976 and became an immediate fan of Harlan Ellison’s work.

I have no mouth but i must scream book