Description: James Tiptree was the pseudonym of the late Alice Sheldon, who during a 20-year career of writing gender-bending SF concealed her true identity. The award bearing her name appropriately honors works of fiction that 'explore and expand gender.' Unlike other major SF awards conferred by fans and writers' associations, the Tiptrees are bestowed by a small jury of peers, and the actual prize is something edible, 'usually chocolate.' The second annual collection of winners includes stories, novel excerpts, and essays as well as a sampler of Tiptree's correspondence. The outstanding novel excerpt comes from Joe Haldeman's Camouflage (2004), about an immortal, shape-shifting alien who alternates between male and female identities, human and animal. Other very noteworthy pieces include Ursula K. Le Guin's examination of a family unit of two men and two women, and Gwyneth Jones's essay on why sex and gender create so much confusion. An excellent volume of superior prose that is both intellectually and morally challenging." -- Booklist "...the contributions demonstrate a rare gift for interpreting an issue in new and surprising ways. Recommended for most libraries." -- Library Journal "Imagination blends with science and politics in the second collection offered by SF's most daring award." -- SF Site "Always interesting, habitually provocative, and occasionally stunning...." -- Intergalactic Medicine Show "Both dark and sparkling, topical and timeless, these stories wrap around us." -Jewelle Gomez, author, The Gilda Stories

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