"WOMEN OF WONDER, THE CLASSIC YEARS: Science Fiction by Women from the 1940s to the 1970s; THE CONTEMPORARY YEARS: Science Fiction by Women from the 1970s to the 1990s"

In the '70s, Sargent edited the original three Women of Wonder anthologies of sf stories by, and primarily about, women. Of the present volumes, The Classic Years, comprising 21 pieces drawn from 1944-78, reprints material from the earlier books--though it's unclear how much--but also includes new selections. Featured are such enduringly excellent stories as C.L. Moore's ""No Woman Born,"" Vonda N. McIntyre's ""Of Mist, and Grass, and Sand,"" Pamela Zoline's ""The Heat Death of the Universe,"" and James Tiptree Jr.'s ""The Women Men Don't See."" The Contemporary Years captures 21 tales from 1978-93. Some, like Octavia E. Butler's ""Bloodchild,"" Pat Cadigan's ""Angel,"" and Pat Murphy's ""Rachel in Love"" are already famous; whether the remainder will fade into obscurity or achieve true permanence must await the judgement of posterity. Top-notch tales, splendidly illuminated by Sargent's pointed and informative introductions.