A collection of the early works of Theodore Sturgeon, acclaimed Grand Master of Science Fiction—featuring forewords by Ray Bradbury and Arthur C. Clarke
 
Although Theodore Sturgeon's reach was limited to the lengths of the short story and novelette, his influence was strongly felt by even the most original science fiction stylists—including Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, and Gene Wolfe. Written from 1937 to 1940, the stories here showcase Sturgeon's masterful knack for clever, O. Henry-ish plot twists, sparkling character development, and almost archetypal, “Why didn't I think of that?” story ideas. Early Sturgeon masterpieces include “It,” a story about the violence done by a creature spontaneously born from garbage and mud, and “Helix the Cat,”  about an inventor's bizarre encounter with a disembodied soul and the cat that saves it.
 
Featuring more than forty stories, The Ultimate Egoist is a timelessly entertaining tour through the early career and unique genius of this legend of science fiction.  “Historically, the Complete Sturgeon is one of the most important reissues in years. In terms of reading, this is a gold mine both for those already familiar with Sturgeon's work and for a new generation of readers ready for something real.”
—Strange Worlds Magazine

 “Theodore Sturgeon has become a kind of patron saint of SF short story writers. His fiction demonstrated a love of humanity and an understanding of human emotion unparalleled in the field. At the time of his death in 1985, no short story writer was held in such high regard.”
—David Brin, author of Heaven's Reach