Baker's dozen -- 13 short science fiction novels

Baker's Dozen: 13 Short Science Fiction Novels was edited by Charles G. Waugh and released in 1985 by Robinson Publishing. The collection was part of a broader mid-1980s trend in science fiction publishing that sought to provide high-value, comprehensive anthologies for genre enthusiasts. By curating thirteen distinct works within a single volume, the publisher offered readers a cost-effective way to sample a wide array of speculative fiction voices and styles, catering to the growing market for mass-market paperbacks that consolidated shorter works into accessible compendiums.

Charles G. Waugh was a prolific academic and anthologist well-known for his deep engagement with the history of science fiction, mystery, and horror literature. His design philosophy for these anthologies focused on historical breadth and the selection of stories that reflected the evolution of science fiction themes. The collection received a standard reception for its era, valued primarily by libraries and private collectors for its convenience and the literary variety provided by Waugh's specific editorial eye for both classic and contemporary genre pieces.