Book excerpt: A collection of 14 stories from the 1940's to the present by such masters of science fiction as Fredric Brown, John Christopher, Poul Anderson, Gordon R. Dickson, and Paul Di Filippo, as well as others. These tales explore the evolution of sentient animal characters in modern fiction through comedy, drama, and suspenseful tales. Here you will find talking cats, elephants, mice, and wolves; experimental subjects, and twisted fairy tales; creatures of science and fantasy, all for your enjoyment.