The first ever collection of Iain M. Banks\'s short fiction, this volume includes the acclaimed novella, The State of the Art. This is a striking addition to the growing body of Culture lore, and adds definition and scale to the previous works by using the Earth of 1977 as contrast. The other stories in the collection range from science fiction to horror, dark-coated fantasy to morality tale. All bear the indefinable stamp of Iain Banks\'s staggering talent.Praise for the Culture series:\'Epic in scope, ambitious in its ideas and absorbing in its execution\' Independent on Sunday\'Banks has created one of the most enduring and endearing visions of the future\' Guardian\'Jam-packed with extraordinary invention\' Scotsman\'Compulsive reading\' Sunday Telegraph The Culture series:Consider PhlebasThe Player of GamesUse of WeaponsThe State of the ArtExcessionInversionsLook to WindwardMatterSurface DetailThe Hydrogen SonataOther books by Iain M. Banks:Against a Dark BackgroundFeersum EndjinnThe Algebraist