First Edition Isaac Asimov Sci-Fi Essays: “The Planet That Wasn’t” 1977 Paperback

This is a very nice vintage paperback (very good - very good plus) edition of Roger Zelazny's 1976 anthology/compilation "My Name is Legion".
Shows slight minimal aging and a little edge wear on covers, but no significant flaws (no writing, tags, marks, loose, torn or folded pages). Certainly a great addition to a vintage science fiction collection and a worthy gift! See the accompanying images for full condition details. Will ship promptly, carefully packaged, with tracking. About the book: "My Name is Legion" by Roger Zelazny is a "science fiction" story line that combines cyberpunk elements with existential depth. The book consists of three interconnected novellas ("The Eve of Ragnarok," "Kjwalll'kje'k'koothaïlll'kje'k," and "'Home is the Hangman") that follow a futuristic investigator known only as "Legion"—a man with no legal identity who manipulates global surveillance systems to solve crimes. The novellas: "The Eve of RUMOKO" – The protagonist must uncover a saboteur on a project using nuclear explosives to create artificial islands. "'Kjwalll'kje'k'koothai'lll'kje'k" – Set at a research station in the Bahamas, the hero investigates a diver’s mysterious death, possibly involving dolphins. "Home Is the Hangman" – A sentient robot, lost years before, may have returned to Earth to kill its creators. These stories are linked by their protagonist and themes of identity, surveillance, and the ethical dilemmas of technology. They are not directly connected to Zelazny’s other famous works like "The Last Defender of Camelot" or "For a Breath I Tarry". Why You Should Read It: 1) Cyberpunk Before Cyberpunk – Zelazny’s vision of a hyper-surveilled society predates Neuromancer and other cyberpunk classics, making it a fascinating proto-cyberpunk gem. 2) Philosophical & Psychological Depth – The protagonist grapples with identity, free will, and the nature of humanity, themes that remain deeply relevant in today’s AI-driven world. 3) Award-Winning Excellence – The final novella, "'Home is the Hangman," won both the Nebula in 1976 and Hugo 1976 for Best Novella. Also nominated for the Locus Award for Best Collection in 1977. If You Enjoyed These, then "My Name is Legion" is likely to be in your wheelhouse: >>John Brunner – The Shockwave Rider (for its take on computer networks and identity) >>Alfred Bester – The Demolished Man (for noir SF with a psychological edge) >>Philip K. Dick – A Scanner Darkly (for its themes of surveillance and shifting identity) Interesting Facts: The second story’s title, "'Kjwalll'kje'k'koothai'lll'kje'k," is intentionally unpronounceable, reflecting the communication barrier between humans and dolphins—a clever nod to the story’s central mystery. The title "My Name is Legion" is a biblical reference, taken from the Gospel of Mark, where a demon identifies himself as "Legion, for we are many." Zelazny chose this title to reflect the protagonist's fragmented identity and his ability to assume different roles and personas. Relevance Today: The themes explored in "My Name is Legion," such as the impact of technology on society and the nature of identity, are still relevant today. Zelazny's vision of a future where technology has blurred the lines between human and machine is both fascinating and cautionary.