Brighten to Incandescence — Michael Bishop

"Seventeen of writer Michael Bishop's favorite stories were handpicked from his previously uncollected works to create this compelling collection, providing an excellent overview of a career that includes award-winning science fiction, horror, fantasy, satire, space opera, and mystery. In ôA Tapestry of Little Murders,ö a murderer attempts to escape along a literal road to self-destruction. A medical missionary, tortured by government thugs, reveals her dying wish in ôWith a Little Help from Her Friends.ö In ôThe Procedure,ö an operation to remove a tumorous growth will hopefully excise from the patientÆs mind and body all tendencies toward faith and superstition. From futuristic mystery and Vietnam-era dark fantasy to theological speculation on ChristÆs death, a variety of lyrical voices speak through these haunting stories. An essay by the author divulges the genesis of each story."