Contents The If Reader of Science Fiction • (1966) • interior artwork by Jack Gaughan Introduction (The If Reader of Science Fiction) • (1966) • essay by Frederik Pohl When Time Was New • (1964) • novelette by Robert F. Young Father of the Stars • (1964) • novelette by Frederik Pohl The Life Hater • [Berserker] • (1964) • short story by Fred Saberhagen Old Testament • (1964) • short story by Jerome Bixby The Silkie • (1964) • novelette by A.E. van Vogt A Better Mousetrap • (1963) • short story by John Brunner Long Day in Court • (1963) • short story by Jonathan Brand Trick or Treaty • [Retief] • (1965) • novelette by Keith Laumer The 64-Square Madhouse • (1962) • novelette by Fritz Leiber