The Infinite arena

Will there be sports in man's future? Science fiction says, "Well, yes and no." Yes, there will be sports-- of a sort. No, they won't necessarily be the same sports we know today. Editor Terry Carr has collected the views of seven science-fiction veterans on this subject and presents them here in an anthology about the ways in which men may compete in centuries to come. - In "Joy in Mudville,"the bear-faced natives of Toka defend their baseball championship of the Interbeing League. - In "Bullard Reflects," the Dazzle Dart champions turn their athletic gifts against a crew of murderous invaders. - In "The Body Builders," a fighter exchanges his own heavyweight frame for the body of a jockey, and is promptly challenged to fight. - In "The Great Kladnar Race," bored earthmen try to get up a morning line from among the low-slung, six-legged kladnars of Gornik VII. - In "Mr. Meek Plays Polo," a visitor to Saturn finds his game of space polo being masterminded by a group of educated bugs. - In "Sunjammer," space vehicles are powered only by their vast, mile-high plastic sails which are propelled by the sun. - In "Run to Starlight," earthling footballers are faced with a team of squat, super-powerful Brish-diri. Sports fans or not, readers will enjoy this engaging compendium--- fantastic athletes, frantic coaches, and all.