Book excerpt: The first Rhysling Anthology, published in 1978, consisted of 14 poems on 13 Xeroxed pages. The publication of this striking 79-poem anthology is thus a testament to the skyrocketing popularity of science fiction and fantasy poetry over the past three decades. And the imaginativeness and vitality of these poems, in craft and concept, certainly suggests that the field of fantastic poetry is reaching new heights. Herein you'll find the true descendants of Gilgamesh and Beowulf, Paradise Lost and Eureka, The Star-Treader and Aniara.