The Collected Kagan

A collection of classic science fiction stories ranging from alien anthropology to solving tricky theorems, by Hugo-winner Janet Kagan. Janet Kagan was a unique voice in the business, bringing her witty sense of humor and refreshing outlook to stories that tackled political intrigue, murder mysteries, and ecological puzzles. Her stories are thought-provoking, often funny, and always entertaining.

“Janet Kagan explores the interfaces of culture, language, intelligence, and what it means to be human.”—Sharon Lee and Steve Miller, coauthors of the best-selling Liaden Universe® series

“An absolute delight.”—Mike Resnick

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.

Printed in the United States of America

eISBN: 978-1-62579-536-6

“How First Woman Stole Language From Tuli-Tuli The Beast” first appeared on Janetkagan.com © February 2005; “The Stubbornest Broad on Earth” first published in Asimov’s Science Fiction © February 1998; “Standing In Spirit” first published in Asimov’s Science Fiction © December 1997; “Fermat’s Best Theorem” first published in Absolute Magnitude © Summer 1995; “Face Time” first published in Hotel Andromeda © February 1994; “Space Cadet” first published in By Any Other Fame © January 1994; “Christmas Wingding” first published in Christmas Forever © November 1993; “No Known Cure” first published in Pulphouse, The Hardback Magazine: Issue Twelve, The Last Issue © September 1993; “She Was Blonde, She Was Dead—And Only Jimmilich Opstromommo Could Find Out Why!!!” first published in More Whatdunits © May 1993; “The Nutcracker Coup” first published in Asimov’s Science Fiction © December 1992; “The Last of a Vintage Year” first published in Aladdin” Master of the Lamp © December 1992; “Out on Front Street” first published in Pulphouse: A Fiction Magazine © September 1992; “Fighting Words” first published in Isaac’s Universe, Volume Three: Unnatural Diplomacy © July 1992; “Love Our Lockwood” first published in Alternate Presidents © February 1992; “Mischief in the Spaceways” first published in The Best of James H. Schmitz © June 1991; “Winging It” first published in Isaac’s Universe, Volume Two: Phases in Chaos © July 1991; “From the Dead Letter File” first published in Starshore © December 1990; “What a Wizard Does” first published in Marion Zimmer Bradley’s Fantasy Magazine © October 1990; “Naked Wish-Fulfillment” first published in Pulphouse: The Hardback Magazine, Issue Three © March 1989; “Faith-of-the-Month Club” first published in Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact © February 1982.

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

Electronic version by Baen Books
https://www.baen.com