*Mirrorshades: The Cyberpunk Anthology* is a seminal collection of short stories edited by Bruce Sterling, published in 1986. It serves as a defining work of the cyberpunk genre, showcasing the themes and aesthetics that came to characterize this literary movement. The anthology features works by prominent cyberpunk authors such as William Gibson, Pat Cadigan, Rudy Rucker, and John Shirley. The stories explore themes of high technology, cybernetics, artificial intelligence, corporate control, and underground subcultures, often set in dystopian near-futures where the lines between humanity and technology are blurred. The title *Mirrorshades* symbolizes one of the key cyberpunk motifs: reflective sunglasses that conceal a character’s identity, emotions, and intentions, often worn by hackers, rebels, and cybernetically enhanced individuals. Sterling's introduction provides a manifesto for the cyberpunk movement, positioning it as a response to the rapid technological changes of the late 20th century.
