Philip K. Dick (1928-1982) was an American science-fiction writer, who was widely considered to be a master of dystopian stories. His influence has been widespread, particularly due to the posthumous success of films based on his works. He was an early proponent of the "multiverse theory," which has received significant attention in recent years.Short stories appear in this collection : The Skull, Second Variety, The Variable Man, Piper in the Woods, The Last of the Masters, Mr. Spaceship, The Hanging Stranger, The Gun, The Crystal Crypt, The Defenders, Beyond the Wub, The Eyes Have It, Tony and the Beetles, and Beyond the Door.