• The Dead Astronaut | Playboy Science Fiction - Fehmerling Books
  • The back cover of the vintage paperback 'The Dead Astronaut,' a Playboy Press collection. The brown cover features a white list of legendary science fiction contributors, including J.G. Ballard, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Arthur C. Clarke. The layout lists classic stories like 'Nine Lives' and 'Maelstrom II,' reflecting the high-quality Golden Age SF found in Playboy magazine.
  • Side-angle view of 'The Dead Astronaut' resting on a neutral background. The spine prominently displays the Playboy bunny logo, the Playboy Press name, and the publisher code 16114 075, reflecting the well-read condition of this historically significant sci-fi anthology.
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J.G. Ballard, Ray RUssell, Leland Webb, Ursula K. Le Guin, David Duncan, Avram Davidson, Brian Rencelaw, Arthur C. Clarke, Frank Robinson, and Robert Sheckley | Science Fiction Anthology, Space Opera, and Alien Encounters

The Dead Astronaut | Playboy Science Fiction

The Dead Astronaut | Playboy Science Fiction

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  • Ships within 1–2 business days. Carefully packaged for safe delivery.

A Premier Vintage Sci-Fi Anthology of New Wave Short Stories Originally Published in Playboy

Edited with commentary, this landmark anthology gathers ten seminal speculative short stories originally published in Playboy magazine during the 1960s and 1970s. Showcasing leading New Wave and Golden Age authors, the collection blends sophisticated prose, psychological suspense, and satirical sci-fi.

The volume features J.G. Ballard's iconic title story "The Dead Astronaut," alongside acclaimed short fiction by Ursula K. Le Guin, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert Sheckley, Avram Davidson, and Ray Russell, exploring space debris, post-human ecology, and temporal paradoxes.

Why You’ll Love This Book

This vintage paperback offers a rare, high-caliber archive of speculative short fiction representing the peak of mid-century science fiction literature. A must-have volume for J.G. Ballard fans, short story collectors, and vintage paperback enthusiasts.

Edition & Specifications

Publisher: Playboy Press

Pages: 

Format: Paperback

Publication Date: 1971

ISBN: 

Condition Note:

Condition & Grading Guide

How We Grade Our Books

  • 📸 True-to-Life Photos: For all vintage and pre-loved books, the photos on the page are of the exact physical copy on our shelf. Brand-new books feature official publisher cover art.
  • New: Direct from the publisher; immaculate, unread condition.
  • Like New: Pristine condition with minimal to no shelf wear; looks unread.
  • Very Good: Lightly read with minor shelf wear or light cover creasing. Pages are clean, crisp, and unmarked with a tight binding. (Our baseline standard for pre-loved books.)
  • Good: A well-loved reading copy with visible shelf wear or page aging, but fully intact and structurally sound.

Packaging & Shipping

Shipping Details & Delivery Speeds

  • FREE Domestic Shipping: Standard shipping is free on all U.S. orders $50+.
  • Standard Flat-Rate Shipping: Orders under $50 ship at flat, weight-based rates starting at $6.99.
  • Tracking Included: You will receive an automated tracking link via email as soon as your order is packed and labeled.
  • Expedited Shipping Available: Need it faster? UPS 2nd Day Air is available at checkout (ships out the next business day).

Read our full shipping policy here

The Fehmerling Guarantee

Our Guarantee & Return Policy

  • 14-Day Returns: Unread books and unopened tea packages can be returned within 14 days of delivery.
  • Damaged in Transit? If your shipment arrives damaged or incorrect, email us within 72 hours of delivery scan at customerservice@fehmerlingbooks.com. We’ll evaluate it immediately and provide a prepaid return label and replacement or full refund.
  • Hassle-Free Support: To start a return, simply email us with your order number.

Read our full return & refund policy here

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$15.00 USD
$15.00 USD
Sale Sold out

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