The Starry Rift is a stellar collection of visionary science fiction stories by James Tiptree, Jr. — the pseudonym of Alice B. Sheldon, one of the most celebrated and enigmatic voices in speculative fiction. Written with bold imagination and psychological insight, these linked stories chart the complexities of human experience across vast stretches of space and time. With characters caught between technological progress and existential yearning, Tiptree probes the outer edges of identity, isolation, and connection. This collection solidifies her place among the most original and thought-provoking sci-fi writers of the 20th century.
Editorial Reviews
“Tiptree at her finest — mind-bending, emotionally wrenching, and impossible to forget.” —Locus Magazine
“A writer of terrifying brilliance. These stories glimmer with intelligence, wit, and cosmic loneliness.” —Ursula K. Le Guin
About the Author
James Tiptree, Jr. (Alice B. Sheldon, 1915–1987) was an American science fiction writer whose identity remained a mystery for years due to her use of a male pseudonym. Her work is known for blending hard science fiction with deep emotional intelligence and feminist themes. Sheldon’s background as a CIA intelligence officer, artist, and psychologist deeply informed her complex characters and narratives. She received multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards and remains a pioneering figure in feminist speculative fiction.
