Anthropomorphic Aliens

An Interstellar Anthology



Anthropomorphic animals have been imagined for as long as stories have been told. This is especially true of science fiction, where the endless possibilities of alien worlds make fertile ground for creativity.

Contained in these pages are stories from across the spectrum of science fiction, ranging from 1950 to 2013, and featuring feathers, fur, and scales. Each creature is a unique blend of humanity and the alien. Childlike or savage, independent or autocratic, they come in all sizes and shapes. Some are recognizable as reflections of humanity, while others are strange and wild creatures that defy description. All of them ask the same question: What kind of creatures will we find when we go to the stars?

Contains the following stories:

Mask of the Ferret by Ken Pick & C. Alan Loewen

The Inspector’s Teeth by L. Sprague de Camp

Specialist by Robert Sheckley

In Hoka Signo Vinces by Poul Anderson & Gordon R. Dickson

Point of Focus by Robert Silverberg

Novice by James H. Schmitz

What Really Matters by Elizabeth McCoy

Kings and Vagabonds by Cairyn

The King’s Dogs by Phyllis Gotlieb

A Touch of Blue: A Web Shifters Story by Julie Czerneda

Fly the Friendly Skies by Bryan Feir



Cover art by Roz Gibson