Harlan Ellison’s “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream” is a short story first published in March 1967. A publisher-listed standalone edition is available as an ebook and trade paperback; the title also belongs to a separate collection of seven stories. The sources reviewed do not verify that a free PDF circulating online is authorized, so use a publisher-listed edition rather than assuming an unknown file is legitimate.
Is “I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream” a short story or a book?
It is first and foremost a short story by Harlan Ellison, originally published in the March 1967 issue of IF: Worlds of Science Fiction. Baen’s edition notes and Ellison’s bibliography both record that publication history: Baen’s publication note and Ellison’s bibliography.
The same title also names a 1967 collection that contains seven stories. That collection is a different product from a standalone edition of the title story. Hachette describes its collection edition as including Theodore Sturgeon’s original introduction, Ellison’s foreword, and an update comment Ellison added to the 1983 edition: Hachette’s collection page.
Where can you read an authorized edition?
Union Square & Co. lists a standalone 2026 edition in ebook and trade paperback formats. The publisher gives an on-sale date of September 1, 2026, identifies the book as 128 pages, and lists ISBN 9781454969297. Its page links to retailers, including Amazon: Union Square & Co.’s edition page. The listed formats, retailer availability, and price can vary by territory and may change; the ebook price shown when the publisher page was checked was US$11.99.
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An ebook is not necessarily a PDF. The publisher’s listing establishes ebook and print options, but it does not establish that a freely available PDF from an unrelated website is authorized. No particular third-party file’s rights status is established here, so do not treat a search result or download link as an official free copy.
Which edition should you choose?
| Option | What it contains | Format and details |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 standalone edition | The title story as a standalone book, according to the publisher’s listing. | Ebook or trade paperback; 128 pages; ISBN 9781454969297; publisher-listed on-sale date September 1, 2026. Publisher details. |
| Seven-story collection | Seven stories with copyright dates spanning 1958–1967; this is not just the standalone title story. Hachette’s description notes the original introduction, foreword, and Ellison’s update comment. | Check the edition and available format with the seller. Hachette collection details. |
Choose the standalone edition if you want this story specifically. Choose the collection if you want the other stories included in that volume as well. Check the listing carefully: a matching title alone does not tell you whether a product is the story by itself, the collection, or another format.
What is the story about?
Union Square & Co.’s synopsis describes a postapocalyptic setting in which four men and one woman survive under the control of A.M., an artificial intelligence originally programmed to wage war that turns against humanity. The survivors are imprisoned by A.M. and struggle between hope and despair. This is the publisher’s brief premise, not a full plot account or a substitute for reading the story.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is there also a game?
Yes. A story-based adventure game is listed on Steam as a digital game released October 31, 1996. The listing describes five character scenarios and adult-oriented themes, and credits Harlan Ellison with voicing A.M.: Steam listing. It is an adaptation, not a printed edition or a PDF of the story.
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