The Wind's Twelve Quarters

“Splendidly intricate and hugely imaginative tales.” —Newsweek A striking new 50th anniversary edition of Ursula K. Le Guin's extraordinary short story collection

The recipient of numerous literary prizes, including the National Book Award, the Kafka Award, and the Pushcart Prize, Ursula K. Le Guin is renowned for her lyrical writing, rich characters, and diverse worlds. The Wind's Twelve Quarters collects seventeen of her powerful stories—including one of her most famous works of short fiction, "The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas." Each story, ranging from literary fantasy and thought-provoking science fiction to the medieval world and the future, has an introduction by Le Guin providing perspective or background. The collection also begins with a foreword by the author, sharing her approach to selecting the stories and her experience writing them.

This superb retrospective collection of speculative fiction explores human values, relationships, and survival, and showcases the myriad talents of one of the most provocative writers of our time.

The stories included in the collection are: Semley's NecklaceApril in ParisThe MastersDarkness BoxThe Word of UnbindingThe Rule of NamesWinter's KingThe Good TripNine LivesThingsA Trip to the HeadVaster than Empires and More SlowThe Stars BelowThe Field of VisionDirection of the RoadThe Ones Who Walk Away from OmelasThe Day Before the Revolution