Deze Amerikaanse auteur staat het best bekend om zijn uitgebreide series verhalen en romans die toekomstige en alternatieve geschiedenissen verkennen. Zijn werken bevatten ingewikkelde wereldopbouw en originele concepten die lezers trekken in boeiende verhalen. Hij plaatst zijn verhalen vaak binnen uitgestrekte toekomstige geschiedenissen en alternatieve tijdlijnen van zijn eigen creatie.
In a universe governed by parallel timelines, the Paratime Police safeguard against disruptions in time travel. Verkan Vall, a seasoned officer, confronts a particularly complex case that tests his skills and resolve. The novella delves into the thrilling and perilous implications of manipulating time, as Vall navigates the challenges posed by his mission, highlighting the intricate balance between different realities.
Exploring complex themes of morality, logic, and communication, this collection features four thought-provoking stories. "A Slave is a Slave" challenges the notion of sympathy towards the oppressed, while "Oomphel in the Sky" questions the effectiveness of logic against deeply held beliefs. "Omnilingual" delves into the difficulties of translating an ancient Martian language, emphasizing the barriers of time and understanding. Lastly, "The Keeper" follows Raud's quest to reclaim stolen treasure, showcasing courage against technologically advanced foes.
Set in a future where humanity has colonized other planets, the story follows the discovery of a small, intelligent creature known as Little Fuzzy. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of interspecies communication and the implications of sentience, themes of ethics and the nature of intelligence emerge. The novel explores the tension between corporate interests and the rights of sentient beings, highlighting the struggle for recognition and understanding in a rapidly advancing society. Nominated for a Hugo Award, it remains a classic in science fiction literature.
The narrative centers on Terra's struggle to quell the Uller uprising, drawing parallels to the historical Sepoy Mutiny within an expansive interstellar empire. This gripping tale showcases H. Beam Piper's masterful storytelling in the Space Opera genre, offering a blend of action and deep insight into the complexities of rebellion and governance.
The narrative explores the concept of infinite parallel worlds, where the Paratime Police serve as guardians against the threats posed by more advanced civilizations. This collection features a range of stories, including the original Paratime tale and "Lord Kalvan of Otherwhen," highlighting the adventures of time-traveling heroes and a state trooper's conquest in an alternate Earth. The work showcases H. Beam Piper's imaginative world-building and the complexities of navigating multiple realities, presenting a grand science fiction experience.
The narrative explores a complex dialogue between Count Erskyll and Prince Trevannion regarding the transition from slavery to a form of servitude, highlighting themes of power, exploitation, and the slow evolution of society. Erskyll expresses skepticism about the proposed changes, fearing that the new system will perpetuate abuse and debt. In contrast, Trevannion believes gradual reforms will eventually lead to genuine freedom, emphasizing that societal change requires time and effort. The discussion reflects deep philosophical questions about freedom and the responsibilities of leadership.
Set on a struggling backwater planet rich in war surplus, the story follows the inhabitants' quest for a long-lost supercomputer. As they navigate the brink of economic collapse, the search for this technological relic becomes their hope for salvation, intertwining themes of desperation and innovation in a sci-fi backdrop.
The book is a classic that has played a significant role in human history, and its preservation is prioritized by Alpha Editions through modern republishing. It has been reformatted, retyped, and designed to ensure clarity and readability, avoiding the pitfalls of scanned copies. This effort aims to keep the work accessible for both present and future generations.
Featuring five of H. Beam Piper's notable stories, this collection showcases his talent for imaginative storytelling. Each tale explores unique themes, from the haunting "Graveyard of Dreams" to the thought-provoking "Genesis." Readers will encounter intriguing plots and compelling characters in "Operation R.S.V.P.," "The Answer," and "Last Enemy," making this anthology a must-read for fans of science fiction and those new to Piper's work.
The story features Jeff Rand, a ruggedly handsome man reminiscent of King Charles II, whose duality suggests he could be either a loyal friend or a formidable adversary. His intriguing presence captivates women, hinting at his romantic prowess. The narrative introduces his secretary, Kathie O'Grady, who embodies classic beauty. As Rand explores his surroundings, he shows an interest in the firearms stored in the garage, hinting at a deeper, possibly darker layer to his character and the unfolding plot.