The People Collection Author:Zenna Henderson This book includes an introduction by Anne McCaffrey. — This is a collection of some of the most famous science fiction stories of all time. They have been reprinted many times since their original publications in science fiction magazines and anthologies from 1951 to the mid-60's. — "The People" are a group of aliens that look human, who are ship... more »wrecked on Earth and try to blend into our population. Scattered mostly throughout the American Southwest during their landing before 1900, they are set apart by their desire to preserve their home culture, including their religious and spiritual beliefs. Their unusual abilities ("Gifts") include telepathy, telekinesis, prophecy and healing, mostly manipulated through the "Signs and Persuasions". The stories describe groups of The People, as well as lonely isolated individuals, most often as they attempt to find communities and remain distinct in a world that does not understand them.
Most of Henderson's stories focus on the theme of being different, and often feature children or young people. (Henderson was a school teacher herself.)
Additional NOTE for Henderson enthusiasts:
Beginning with Ararat (1952), Henderson's People stories appeared in magazines and anthologies, as well as the novelized Pilgrimage: The Book of the People (1961) and The People: No Different Flesh (1966). Other volumes include The People Collection (1991) and Ingathering: The Complete People Stories (1995).
(Information taken partially from Wikipedia)« less