Bantam Books, 1976. Mass market paperback, one of about two dozen printings from the 1960's and 1970's. "The Illustrated Man" is a 1951 book of eighteen science fiction short stories by Ray Bradbury that explores the nature of mankind. A recurring theme throughout the eighteen stories is the conflict of the cold mechanics of technology and the psychology of people. It was nominated for the International Fantasy Award in 1952, and today is considered a seminal work of science fiction.