The final story collection from the award-winning author of Green : "his stories . . . whisk readers from inner geographies of mind to limitless gulfs of space" ( Publishers Weekly , starred review).

In his all-too-brief career, science fiction author Jay Lake published more than 300 short stories. Last Plane to Heaven is the final and definitive collection of his short fiction, presenting thirty-two of his best stories.

Aliens and angels fill these pages, from the title story—a hard-edged look at how a real alien visitor might be received—to the savage truth of "The Cancer Catechisms." Along the way, there are stops for love and laughter, serious terror, and lighthearted stunt-writing with his friend and sometimes collaborator, Ken Scholes. Exploring space ships, distant worlds, and the cracks of time, this volume is brimming with the rich imagination and sense of wonder that Lake brought to contemporary Science Fiction and Fantasy.

This collection features an original introduction by Gene Wolfe.