Connie Willis Knihy

Jak to dopadne, když ohavný výplod viktoriánského užitého umění začne ovlivňovat budoucnost na stovky let dopředu, když se slečinka v bílých krajkách nedostane tomu pravému a když Němci včas neshodí bomby na Londýn? To nevědí ani dva hodně unavení historici, kteří se tohle všechno vydávají do minulosti napravit. A protože jim v práci překáží také několik odhodlaných starších dam, zamilovaných kaplanů a zmatených akademiků, nebudou to mít vůbec jednoduché. Vydejte se po Temži proti proudu času! Bude to divoká honička za záchranu jedné kočky, jedné svatby a vůbec světa, jak ho známe, o psu nemluvě. zdroj: www.legie.info

Román patří bez přehánění mezi nejvýznamnější žánrové práce dvacátého století. Studentka historie je na své cestě do minulosti omylem poslána do doby morových ran roku 1348. Zatímco se dívka snaží přežít, aniž by se sama mohla vrátit do budoucnosti, profesor Dunworthy musí bojovat s rychle se šířící smrtelnou epidemií chřipky i s tupou byrokracií, aby měl vůbec šanci svou žákyni zachránit. Obě časové linie i přes propast času prozrazují, jak je lidská povaha navzdory civilizačnímu pokroku v podstatě stále stejná. Kromě řady domácích cen v USA se knize dostalo rovněž národních ocenění pro nejlepší žánrový román Německa, Španělska a Itálie.

Svižně napsaný příběh se odehrává se v blízké budoucnosti, kdy bude možné, k nepřetržité komunikaci a dostupnosti přes sociální sítě, i neustálému vylepšování technologií, podstoupit operativní zákrok, který propojí partnery tak, aby vnímali pocity a myšlenky druhého. Právě to nabídne Briddey Flanniganové její přítel Trent namísto zásnubního prstenu. Briddey je nadšená, vždyť EED zákrok prohloubí jejich vzájemnou lásku a umožní jim dokonalé souznění. K zasnoubení má dojít po úspěšném navázání spojení po operaci. Briddey navíc doufá, že se tím konečně dostane z dosahu přílišné péče a starostlivosti své irské rodiny. Jenomže věci se nakonec nevyvinou přesně podle plánu. Po probuzení z narkózy čeká Briddey překvapení: k propojení sice došlo, ale zcela jinému, než předpokládala. Od té chvíle se rozjíždí napínavý a vtipný příběh, který převrátí Briddeyin dosavadní život naruby a dovede ji k zásadnímu přehodnocení pohledu na lidi kolem sebe.

Kniha o lékaři, který zkoumá „život po životě“ a především o psycholožce, která se dobrovolně stane pokusnou osobou. Strach o život malé dívky dožene mladou ženu k dobrovolné účasti na projektu, který si klade za cíl využít uměle navozených pocitů stádia klinické smrti jako převratné neurochirurgické metody. Tím je nastartován proces fascinujícího poznávání a především sebepoznávání, odkrývání tajemství skrytých v minulosti.

Jedenáct povídek Connie Willisové, doslova zavalených řadou literárních ocenění, vám přináší překvapivé příběhy, v nichž se z nemožného stává možné a z možného nemožné. Je přece téměř nepředstavitelné, že by z Ameriky zmizely obytné vozy. Myslíte, že mimozemšťané podléhají pozemské módě? Že jsou schopni pochopit naši hudbu? Čtenářky by jistě ocenily možnost řídit svůj hormonální cyklus – v této knize to jde. Metro považujeme za běžný způsob dopravy ve městech řadící se k vymoženostem moderní doby, ale první tunely v Londýně byly vyhloubeny v polovině 19. století. Nepodobají se tak trochu Altamiře nebo Býčí skále? Sbírka zahrnuje nejznámější kratší práce z autorčiny bohaté literární kariéry, od povídek, s nimiž si rychle vybudovala jméno jedné z nejvýraznějších představitelek moderní fikce, až po vyspělá díla po všech stránkách vyzrálé a všeobecně uznávané spisovatelky.

Now, for the first time, the best of the Locus Awards for short fiction are gathered in one volume. Spanning the absolute finest in science fiction and fantasy short fiction for the last thirty years, this anthology is an indispensable guide to speculative fiction from the classic to the outrageous by the leaders of the field. Contents: The Death of Doctor Island by Gene Wolfe The Day Before the Revolution by Ursula K. Le Guin Jeffty is Five by Harlan Ellison The Persistence of Vision by John Varley The Way of Cross and Dragon by George R.R. Martin Souls by Joanna Russ Bloodchild by Octavia E. Butler The Only Neat Thing to Do by James Tiptree, Jr. Rachel in Love by Pat Murphy The Scalehunter's Beautiful Daughter by Lucius Shepard Bears Discover Fire by Terry Bisson Buffalo by John Kessel Even the Queen by Connie Willis Gone by John Crowley Maneki Neko by Bruce Sterling Border Guards by Greg Egan Hell Is the Absence of God by Ted Chiang October in the Chair by Neil Gaiman

Brings together short stories from Joe Haldeman, Connie Willis, Lois McMaster Bujold, Suzy McKee Charnas and other winners of the Hugo Awards, one of the top prizes for science fiction. Original.

The narrative offers a unique perspective on the War of the Worlds through the eyes of various celebrity eyewitnesses worldwide. These accounts provide a blend of personal experiences and dramatic interpretations of the Martian invasion, capturing the chaos and fear that ensued. The book combines elements of science fiction with real-world celebrity culture, creating an engaging retelling of H.G. Wells' classic tale while exploring themes of fame, perception, and the human response to extraterrestrial threats.

Winner of the Nebula Award Traveling back in time, from Oxford circa 2060 into the thick of World War II, was a routine excursion for three British historians eager to study firsthand the heroism and horrors of the Dunkirk evacuation and the London Blitz. But getting marooned in war-torn 1940 England has turned Michael Davies, Merope Ward, and Polly Churchill from temporal tourists into besieged citizens struggling to survive Hitler’s devastating onslaught. And now there’s more to worry about than just getting back home: The impossibility of altering past events has always been a core belief of time-travel theory—but it may be tragically wrong. When discrepancies in the historical record begin cropping up, it suggests that one or all of the future visitors have somehow changed the past—and, ultimately, the outcome of the war. Meanwhile, in 2060 Oxford, the stranded historians’ supervisor, Mr. Dunworthy, frantically confronts the seemingly impossible task of rescuing his students—three missing needles in the haystack of history. The thrilling time-tripping adventure that began with Blackout now hurtles to its stunning resolution in All Clear.

Winner of six Nebula and two Hugo awards for her fiction, Connie Willis is acclaimed for her gifted imagination and bold invention. Here are eleven of her finest stories, surprising tales in which the impossible becomes real, the real becomes impossible, and strangeness lurks at every turn. The end of the world comes not with a bang but a series of whimpers over many years in "The Last of the Winnebagos." The terror of pain and dying gives birth to a startling truth about the nature of the stars, a principle known as the "Schwarzschild Radius." In "Spice Pogrom," an outrageous colony in outer space becomes the setting for a screwball comedy of bizarre complications, mistaken identities, far-too-friendly aliens--and even true love. The last of the Winnebagos -- Even the queen -- Schwarzschild radius -- Ado -- Spice pogrom -- Winter's tale -- Chance -- In the late Cretaceous -- Time out -- Jack -- At the Rialto

This collection features a diverse array of speculative fiction from 1989, showcasing both established and emerging voices in the genre. The contents include a mix of novellas, novelettes, and short stories, each offering unique narratives and imaginative worlds. Notable contributions include Judith Moffett's "Tiny Tango," a thought-provoking novella, and Mike Resnick's "For I Have Touched the Sky," which continues the Kirinyaga series. Gregory Benford's "Alphas" and Connie Willis's "At the Rialto" present engaging explorations of human experience and societal themes. The anthology also includes works by Kathe Koja, Steven Popkes, and Robert Silverberg, each adding depth and variety to the collection. From William King's "Visiting the Dead" to Bruce Sterling's "Dori Bangs," the stories reflect a range of styles and subjects. Lucius Shepard's "The Ends of the Earth" and Nancy Kress's "The Price of Oranges" further exemplify the creativity of the time. Additional highlights include S. P. Somtow's "Lottery Night," Alexander Jablokov's "A Deeper Sea," and Megan Lindholm's "Silver Lady and the Fortyish Man." The collection concludes with Gardner Dozois's insightful essay summarizing the year's contributions to the genre, alongside honorable mentions that acknowledge other noteworthy works. This anthology serves as a testament to the richness and diversity of speculative fiction during this period.

Featuring a blend of new and previously published tales, this collection showcases Connie Willis's award-winning storytelling through eight imaginative Christmas stories. Each narrative reinterprets classic themes of generosity and goodwill, emphasizing the enduring strength of love and compassion during the holiday season. With two original stories, readers can expect a delightful exploration of the magic and spirit of Christmas.

This collection of stories from Connie Willis contains: 'A Letter from the Clearys', 'At the Rialto', 'Death on the Nile', 'The Soul Selects', 'Her own Society', 'Fire Watch' and more.

Connie Willis has won more Hugo and Nebula awards than any other science fiction author. Now, with her trademark wit and inventiveness, she explores the intimate relationship between science, pop culture, and the arcane secrets of the heart.Sandra Foster studies fads - from Barbie dolls to the grunge look - how they start and what they mean. Bennett O'Reilly is a chaos theorist studying monkey group behavior. They both work for the HiTek corporation, strangers until a misdelivered package brings them together. It's a moment of synchronicity - if not serendipity - which leads them into a chaotic system of their own, complete with a million-dollar research grant, caffé latte, tattoos, and a series of unlucky coincidences that leaves Bennett monkeyless, fundless, and nearly jobless. Sandra intercedes with a flock of sheep and an idea for a joint project. (After all, what better animal to study both chaos theory and the herd mentality that so often characterizes human behavior?)But scientific discovery is rarely straightforward and never simple, and Sandra and Bennett have to endure a series of setbacks, heartbreaks, dead ends, and disasters before they find their ultimate answer...

The Nebula and Hugo Award-winning author of "The Doomsday Book" returns with an epic time-traveling story that follows three researchers from the future who are stranded in the past during World War II.

Winner of six Nebula and five Hugo awards, Connie Willis is one of the most acclaimed and imaginative authors of our time. Her startling and powerful works have redefined the boundaries of contemporary science fiction. Here in one volume are twelve of her greatest stories, including double award-winner "Fire Watch," set in the universe of Doomsday Book and To Say Nothing of the Dog, in which a time-traveling student learns one of history's hardest lessons. In "A Letter from the Clearys," a routine message from distant friends shatters the fragile world of a beleaguered family. In "The Sidon in the Mirror," a mutant with the unconscious urge to become other people finds himself becoming both killer and victim. Disturbing, revealing, and provocative, this remarkable collection of short fiction brings together some of the best work of an incomparable writer whose ability to amaze, confound, and enlighten never fails.Contents:Fire Watch (1982)Service for the Burial of the Dead (1982)Lost and Found (1982)All My Darling Daughters (1985)The Father of the Bride (1982)A Letter from the Clearys (1982)And Come from Miles Around (1979)The Sidon in the Mirror (1983)Daisy, in the Sun (1979)Mail-Order Clone (1982)Samaritan (1978)Blued Moon (1984)

Set against a backdrop of alien invasions and conspiracies, this novel explores the absurd beliefs that people hold, some of which might surprisingly hold a grain of truth. The story combines humor and intrigue, showcasing the author's trademark wit and imaginative storytelling. As characters navigate a world filled with outlandish ideas, readers are invited to question the nature of reality and belief itself, all while enjoying a captivating narrative from a celebrated award-winning author.

"A novel of classical proportions and virtues...humane and moving."–The Washington Post Book World"A love story on more than one level, and Ms. Willis does justice to them all. It was only toward the end of the book that I realized how much tension had been generated, how engrossed I was in the characters, how much I cared about their fates."–The New York Times Book ReviewFor Jeff Johnston, a young historical researcher for a Civil War novelist, reality is redefined on a bitter cold night near the close of a lingering winter. He meets Annie, an intense and lovely young woman suffering from vivid, intense nightmares. Haunted by the dreamer and her unrelenting dreams, Jeff leads Annie on an emotional odyssey through the heartland of the Civil War in search of a cure. On long-silenced battlefields their relationship blossoms–two obsessed lovers linked by unbreakable chains of history, torn by a duty that could destroy them both. Suspenseful, moving, and highly compelling, Lincoln’s Dreams is a novel of rare imaginative power.

Findriddy and Carson are two explorers sent to Boohte to survey the ridges and scrub-covered hills of the planet. Back home, their adventures are followed by countless breathless fans, but the reality is far less romantic as they deal with dust, nitpicking regulations, and uncooperative aliens. Teamed with a young intern whose specialty is mating customs, and a native guide of indeterminate gender, the group sets out for a previously unexplored sector of the planet. As they survey canyons and cataracts, battle dangers, and discover alien treasures, they will soon find themselves in alien territory of another kind: exploring the paths and precipices of sex. And love.

The setting is a futuristic Hollywood where movie- making has been computerized and live-action films are a thing of the past. Enter Alis who wants to dance in the movies. Tom offers to digitize her face onto any actress she likes, but Alis is not interested in fake dancing, she is after the real thing and if Tom wants her, he has to deliver. By the author of Doomsday Book

Auf der Trockenwelt Mahali ist Wasser wertvoller als Gold; Pflanzen, Tiere und Menschen brauchen es zum Überleben. Wer es in ausreichedem Maße besitzt, der ist unermeßlich reich, und wer die Wasservorräte kontrolliert, regiert die ganze Welt.