The double worlds of a disillusioned anthropologist collide in the Hugo-nominated story from the Science Fiction Grand Master.

The world of 2083 has become a source of professional and personal frustration for superstar anthropologist Tom Schwartz. On a lecture tour, he flies across the globe in first class seats, but everywhere he travels to looks like the last place he's been. Argentina, Papua, France, Mexico-there's too much sameness wherever he goes. Western culture has homogenized the world. Even the people look alike.

But in his mind is where the magic happens. There, he's on a starship gliding through the interstellar depths. His fellow passengers are natives of the worlds of Capella, Arcturus, Antares, and Polaris. There are sinuous humanoids, self-contained reptilians, and even whale-like creatures who dance alongside of the ship and beckon him to join them.

As Schwartz finds himself increasingly torn in two, he has a choice to make: accept the world as it is or join in the cosmic harmony of the dance . . .

Praise for Robert Silverberg and his short stories

"Where Silverberg goes today, the rest of science fiction will follow tomorrow!" -Isaac Asimov

"When Silverberg is at the top of his form, no one is better." -George R. R. Martin, #1 New York Times-bestselling author

"Decades after being originally published, most of these stories are still just as entertaining and powerful as they were when first released. A singularly unique collection." -Kirkus Reviews