Ace Science Fiction Specials are three series of science fiction and fantasy books published by Ace Books between 1968 and 1990. Terry Carr edited the first and third series, taking the "TV special" concept and adapting it to paperback marketing. The first series was one of the most influential in the history of science fiction publishing; four of the six novels nominated for 1970 Nebula Awards were from the series. The date given is the year of publication by Ace; some are first editions and some are reprints. Also given is the Ace serial number. The serial number given is that of the first printing in the Ace Special series (except for the reissue of Rite of Passage). Books with a previous first edition are noted as "reissue" below. The order listed for series one is the original order of publication; the price is given. Ace reissued many of these books outside of the Ace Special line with different covers and prices, and sometimes different paginations. Award winners are noted; several were nominated for awards. Series 1 Clifford D. Simak - Why Call Them Back from Heaven? (1968,reissue from 1967,H-42, 60c) James H. Schmitz - The Witches of Karres (1968, reissue from 1966, A-13, 75c) R. A. Lafferty - Past Master (1968, H-54, 60c) Gertrude Friedberg - The Revolving Boy (1968, reissue from 1966, H-58, 60c) Wilson Tucker - The Lincoln Hunters (1968, reissue from 1958, H-62, 60c) Alexei Panshin - Rite of Passage (1968, A-16, 75c) Nebula Award winner Joanna Russ - Picnic on Paradise (1968, H-72, 60c) Bob Shaw - The Two-Timers (1968, H-79, 60c) D. G. Compton - Synthajoy (1968, reissue from UK same year, H-86, 60c) Piers Anthony and Robert E. Margroff - The Ring (1968, A-19, 75c) James Blish and Norman L. Knight - A Torrent of Faces (1968, reissue from 1967, A-29, 75c) James H. Schmitz - The Demon Breed (1968, H-105, 60c) Roger Zelazny - Isle of the Dead (1969, 37465, 60c) John Brunner - The Jagged Orbit (1969, 38120, 95c) Ursula K. Le Guin - The Left Hand of Darkness (1969, 47800, 95c) Hugo Award and Nebula Award winner; first edition of this title Philip K. Dick - The Preserving Machine (1969, 67800, 95c) collection Avram Davidson - The Island Under the Earth (1969, 37425, 75c) John T. Sladek - Mechasm (1969, reissue from 1968, originally The Reproductive System, 71435, 75c) D.