Stellaris: People of the Stars

Stellaris: People of the Stars is a collection of original science fiction stories and nonfiction essays that explore humanity's far-term expansion into the universe beyond the solar system. The collection was inspired by a gathering of scientists, science fiction authors, and futurists at the Tennessee Valley Interstellar Workshop.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2019
Publisher: Baen Books

The stars will change us. STELLARIS: PEOPLE OF THE STARS is a captivating collection of original science fiction stories and thought-provoking nonfiction essays that delve into the thrilling prospect of humanity's long-term expansion into the vast expanse of the universe beyond our solar system. With a focus on the transformative journey that humans will embark upon as we venture into these uncharted territories, the book explores the profound implications of our species' potential evolution into Homo stellaris, or the People of the Stars.

Is interstellar travel truly so far beyond our current imagination that it demands a fundamental shift in our very nature to make it a reality? And if so, will we retain our human identity or emerge as a new and distinct species, Homo stellaris? These thought-provoking questions are at the heart of this captivating collection, which features original science fiction stories penned by acclaimed authors such as Kevin J. Anderson, William Ledbetter, Todd McCaffrey, and Sarah A. Hoyt. These stories are complemented by accessible nonfiction essays that shed light on the scientific underpinnings of the fiction, providing insights from renowned scientists and futurists like Sir Martin Rees (Astronomer Royal of the United Kingdom), Mark Shelhamer (Chief Scientist for the NASA Human Research Program), and others.

The inspiration for STELLARIS: PEOPLE OF THE STARS came from a gathering of scientists, science fiction authors, and futurists at a series of annual meetings organized by the Tennessee Valley Interstellar Workshop. These meetings served as a fertile ground for speculative ideas, imaginative visions, and a boundless sense of what is possible in the realm of space exploration. The authors in this collection have tapped into that collective wisdom, weaving tales that transport readers to distant worlds, where they witness the awe-inspiring wonders of the universe and the profound impact that our species' journey into the stars will have on our future.

In "Mission to Methone," Les Johnson takes us on a nostalgic journey back to the era of Arthur C. Clarke and his contemporaries. Set in 2068, this old-fashioned first-contact novel follows the adventures of a group of astronauts as they embark on a mission to explore a distant planet known as Methone. Through their interactions with the alien inhabitants of Methone, the astronauts grapple with the moral dilemmas and ethical challenges that arise when encountering a new and unknown civilization.

Another standout story is "The Last Astronaut," by Mike Massa. In this thought-provoking tale, a lone astronaut is stranded on a distant planet, far from the rest of humanity. As he struggles to survive and find a way back home, he reflects on the nature of loneliness, the value of human connection, and the insignificance of our earthly existence in the grand scheme of the universe.

"The Art of Space Travel," by Sarah A. Hoyt, takes a more philosophical approach to the subject of interstellar travel. Through the eyes of a young astronomer, the story explores the complexities of human consciousness, the nature of time, and the possibility of achieving immortality through space exploration.

"The Singularity," by William Ledbetter, is a thrilling science fiction adventure that takes readers on a journey through time and space, as a group of scientists and astronauts race against time to prevent a catastrophic event that could wipe out all life on Earth.

"The Quantum Singularity," by Todd McCaffrey, is a mind-bending exploration of the intersection of science, technology, and magic, as a group of scientists and hackers attempt to manipulate the very fabric of reality to achieve their desired outcomes.

"The Edge of the Solar System," by Kacey Ezell, is a hauntingly beautiful story that takes place in a future where humanity has colonized the outer planets and the moon. As the protagonist struggles to come to terms with the loss of her loved ones, she discovers that the true cost of space exploration may be more than she bargained for.

"The Last Human," by Philip Wohlrab, is a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of humanity and the potential for our species to transcend its limitations. As a group of scientists and philosophers grapple with the ethical implications of creating artificial intelligence, they realize that the line between man and machine may be blurred forever.

"The Singularity," by Dan Hoyt, is a thrilling science fiction adventure that takes readers on a journey through time and space, as a group of scientists and astronauts race against time to prevent a catastrophic event that could wipe out all life on Earth.

"The Quantum Singularity," by Brent Roeder, is a mind-bending exploration of the intersection of science, technology, and magic, as a group of scientists and hackers attempt to manipulate the very fabric of reality to achieve their desired outcomes.

"The Edge of the Solar System," by Jim Beall, is a hauntingly beautiful story that takes place in a future where humanity has colonized the outer planets and the moon. As the protagonist struggles to come to terms with the loss of her loved ones, she discovers that the true cost of space exploration may be more than she bargained for.

"The Last Human," by Cathe Smith, is a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of humanity and the potential for our species to transcend its limitations. As a group of scientists and philosophers grapple with the ethical implications of creating artificial intelligence, they realize that the true cost of space exploration may be more than she bargained for.

In conclusion, STELLARIS: PEOPLE OF THE STARS is a captivating collection of original science fiction stories and thought-provoking nonfiction essays that explore the far-reaching implications of humanity's expansion into the universe. Through their imaginative narratives and insightful essays, the authors in this collection invite readers to contemplate the transformative power of space exploration, the potential for human evolution, and the endless possibilities that lie beyond the edge of our solar system. Whether you are a science fiction enthusiast, a curious explorer of the unknown, or simply someone who enjoys thought-provoking speculation, this book will take you on a journey that will challenge your perceptions and inspire your imagination. So, grab a copy, settle in, and let the stars change you.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 157 x 234 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781481484251