Kyle Aisteach is one of the most promising new speculative fiction writers to emerge this decade. We present here 17 of his stories - 8 never before published - along with captivating essays that take a look behind the magic (and the science). This collection includes: "Another Generation's Problems," "Clockman," "Eternal Love," "Eternity Undone," "A Fairy Tale," "Final Voices," "The Folklorist's Notebook," "Man of Water," "Nobody Watches," "Nobody's Ancestor," "Pressure and the Argument Tree," "Promised," "The Survivors' Menagerie," "Too Close for Comfort," "Unforgivable," "Ward and Protector," and "The Wrong Dog." " is a fascinating collection of short speculative fiction and short nonfiction that explores the overlap between what Einstein called "thought experiments" and what Michel de Montaigne meant by . Highly recommended." -- Howard V. Hendrix is a fascinating and eclectic mix of science fiction, essay, and sheer experimentation. The stories brim with high-concept SFnal ideas and characters that will touch your heart and stay with you for a long time. This first collection makes Kyle Aisteach a writer to watch." -- Robin Wayne Bailey