The grand masters many fans will delight in behind-the-scenes stories about the creation of such science fiction classics as The Martian Chronicles and Something Wicked This Way Comes (which began as a film project for Gene Kelly), but thats just one of Bradburys many facets on display in this collection of 37 essays. We also learn about his encounters with famous men, from Walt Disney to Bertrand Russell; adventures in Hollywood; and even his love for going out in the rain. Some of these stories may be familiar, and some are told twice, but Bradburys friendly, conversational tone always makes them worth hearing again. Some of the essays havent been seen in decades, like an introduction to a paperback edition of Vernes 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, which cleverly juxtaposes captains Nemo and Ahab, and a dozen are being published for the first time. -Pub. Weekly. 256 pages. List Price $25.95. Remainder.