The October Country is Ray Bradbury's own netherworld of the soul, inhabited by the horrors and demons that lurk within all of us. Renowned for his multi-million-copy best-seller, Fahrenheit 451, and hailed by Harper's magazine as "the finest living writer of fan-tastic fiction, " Ray Bradbury proves here that he is America's master of the short story. This classic collection features:The Emissary: The faithful dog was the sick boy's only connection with the world outside-and beyond . . .The Small Assassin: A fine, healthy baby boy was the new mother's dream come true-or her worst nightmare . . .The Scythe: Just when his luck had run out, Drew Erickson inherited a farm from a stranger, and with the bequest came deadly responsibilities . . .The Jar: A chilling story that combines love, death . . . and a matter of identity in a bottle of fear.The Wonderful Death of Dudley Stone: A most remarkable case of murder-the deceased was delighted . . . Plus fourteen more unforgettable tales!"An author whose fanciful imagination, poetic prose, and mature understanding of human character have won him an international reputation."-The New York Times