The last story in this collection, "The Day before the Revolution," is the tale of the last day in the life of Odo, the philosopher whose beliefs became the core of the world of Anarres in Le Guin's novel The Dispossessed. As a literary one-two punch, the novel is an excellent companion piece to read either before or after this short story collection. Both works are particularly to be recommended as a tonic for adolescent angst and dissatisfaction with world events, politics and "the establishment."

The story "Winter's King" is a good introduction to Le Guin's novel The Left Hand of Darkness, which is a discussion of gender and human nature. It is a classic in the genre and highly recommended by many critics. A very readable novel, not a rant.

The story "Semley's Necklace" introduces the reader to the setting of Rocannon's World, one of...