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 bestseller, Fahrenheit 451, and hailed by Harper's magazine as "the finest living writer of fantastic 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