Dirty Tricks

In these eleven short stories by speculative fiction master George Alec Effinger, New York's populace must deal with the realities of a bipolar existence; patients' brains are cut to tiny pieces in a clinical search for the medical definition of bliss; a little child's natural fear of the dark is exploded into new mind-bending phobias and a cartoon favorite pays a personal visit to an aging, aching fan. Humor, sheer audacity, and an eclectic array of human fears and expectations placed against each other all make this collection a perfect representation of Effinger's unique voice. He is a truly remarkable talent and one not to be missed.

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This is a work of fiction. All the characters and events portrayed in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental.

First printing, April 2008

All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form.

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ISBN-13: 978-0-7592-2227-4
ISBN-10: 0-7592-2227-4

Copyright© 1978 by George Alec Effinger

"New New York New Orleans" © 1973 by the Macmillan Publishing Company, originally appeared in The New Mind, edited by Roger Elwood.

"Contentment, Satisfaction, Cheer, Well-Being, Gladness, Joy, Comfort, and Not Having to Get Up Early Any More," © 1976 by George Alec Effinger, originally appeared in Future Power, edited by Jack Dann and Gardner Dozois.

"Strange Ragged Saintliness," © 1978 by George Alec Effinger.

"The Awesome Menace of the Polarizer," © 1971 by Ultimate Publishing Co., Inc., originally appeared in Fantastic, December 1971.

"Heartstop," © 1974 by Cadence Comics Publications Inc., originally appeared in the Haunt of Horror, May 1974.

"Timmy Was Eight," © 1971 by Ultimate Publishing Co., Inc., originally appeared under the by-line "Susan Doenim" in Fantastic, February 1972.

"Live, from Berchtesgaden," © 1972 by Damon Knight, originally appeared in Orbit 10, edited by Damon Knight.

"Chase Our Blues Away," © 1976 by Robert Silverberg, originally appeared in New Dimensions 6, edited by Robert Silverberg.

"The Mothers' March on Ecstasy," © 1975 by Robert Silverberg, originally appeared in New Dimensions 5, edited by Robert Silverberg.

"B.K.A. The Master," © 1976 by Mercury Press Inc., originally appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, July 1976.

"Sand and Stones," © 1972 by Robin Scott Wilson, originally appeared in Clarion II, edited by Robin Scott Wilson.

Dedication

Judgment, skill, and confidence are rare qualities in anyone, and their combination in a single person is even more exceptional. I have had the great fortune to have known two physicians who exemplify the finest ideals of the medical profession. To these two men, Dr. S. J. Panzarino and Dr. Francis Nance, this book is gratefully dedicated.