This edition includes selected works by Stanislaw Lem (1921–2006), a Polish science fiction writer. The future is according to Lem. It can be scary, dystopian—or coldly technocratic. Or quite happy - until earthlings have to face for the first time an alien intelligence that is alien to their understanding of ethics and morality. Or aesthetic, bewitchingly beautiful - and completely emasculated emotionally and spiritually. And our future may turn out to be funny, implausible and very, very funny...What will it be like in reality? Which of the great Lem's options will come true?..Contents:AstronautsMagellanic cloudManuscript found in a bathtubReturn from the starsFuturological congressRat in the mazeEdenPeace on EarthInvincibleFiascoSolaris