The name of the patriarch of American science fiction, Edmond Hamilton (1904–1977), has been known to our readers since the mid-50s. Science fiction fans value Hamilton primarily for his numerous action-packed adventure novels in the “Space Opera” genre, of which he is rightfully considered the unofficial “King.” However, in his tightly knit plots it is easy to find original science fiction ideas that have become a source of inspiration for the current classics of science fiction. The works included in the collection perfectly illustrate the versatility of the American science fiction writer's talent. (The translators are not listed in the book, but the translation texts coincide with the published ones in the magazine “Technology of Youth”, where Sergei Sukhinov is listed as the translator (the verification was carried out by Alexander Kensin - fantlab.ru.)