In 1971, veteran paperback editor Donald A. Wollheim left a job he had held for nearly two decades to embark on a venture that would change publishing history. With his wife, Elsie, he founded DAW Books, Inc., a family-owned publishing company, and the first book company ever devoted exclusively to science fiction and fantasy. And now, thirty years and over twelve hundred titles later, DAW remains a small, privately owned company still publishing the best in fantasy and science fiction.
What you hold in your hand is your invitation to DAW's 30th anniversary celebration. The stories in this volume (and its companion science fiction volume) appear in chronological order, based on the first time the author was published by DAW. Thus we are truly honored to begin our fantasy volume with an original story by Andre Norton, author of the very first DAW book. Following Andre are stories by World Fantasy Award-winning author Michael Shea, and British Fantasy Award-winner Tanith Lee. From historical fantasy by Melanie Rawn, to a slyly humorous autobiographical tale from Mercedes Lackey, to an evocative and beguiling preview of a new fantasy world from Jennifer Roberson, to a magician's take on split personality from Tanya Huff, to a new Nightfall story from Mickey Zucker Reichert, to a hauntingly memorable novella from Michelle West, and many more, come join this celebration!