Note: The Grayson hardcover edition reprints only 14 of the 18 stories. The 1967 Tandem paperback only reprints 11 stories.

Synopsis: From the flaps of the Frederick Fell first edition: "Once again the publishers are proud to present the newest annual compilation in permanent form of "the most fascinating fiction of the future." This third and largest collection of the best science fiction stories of the year makes its appearance at a time when the interest in science fiction is at its highest. More and more, thousands upon thousands of readers are turning to science fiction for the entertainment and education that these thrill-provoking and thought-provoking stories contain. This 1951 volume contains eighteen top-flight science fiction stories - a veritable magnum opus of quality writing in this field. ... The fact that this 1951 volume contains more best science fiction stories than ever before is in itself a fitting commentary on the way in which reviewers, librarians, teachers, feature writers, editors, radio and television commentators as well as the constantly growing reading public, have placed their seal of approval on the best science-fiction stories of the year. To those who have enjoyed the previous volumes, The Best Science Fiction Stories: 1949 and 1950, and to those of you who approach this series for the first time, we offer this collection secure in the knowledge that you will find opening before you newer and wider vistas until now unprobed by man, and yet within our grasp - because if man can imagine, man can achieve."