The stories in this comprehensive collection cover the entire spectrum, from classics to hard-to-find treasures with everything in between—orangutans, Egypt, earthworms, roast goose, college professors, mothers-in-law, aliens, secret codes, Secret Santas, tube stations, choir practice, the post office, the green light on Daisy's dock, weddings, divorces, death, and assorted plagues, from scarlet fever to 'It's a Wonderful Life.' And a dog.

Among the stories included are 'Fire Watch,' 'Even the Queen,' 'The Last of the Winnebagos,' and 'Nonstop to Portales.' Christmas stories are also featured, from 'Newsletter' to 'Just Like the Ones We Used to Know...'

This collection includes stories from throughout Connie Willis's career, from early ones like 'Cash Crop' and 'Daisy, in the Sun,' right up to 'The Winds of Marble Arch.' Other included works are the uncollected 'The Soul Selects Her Own Society...', 'A Letter from the Clearys,' 'Chance,' 'At the Rialto,' and 'All My Darling Daughters.'