Author
Karel Čapek
1890-1938
Karel Čapek (1890-1938) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Karel Čapek
R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) A Fantastic Melodrama in Three Acts and an Epilogue
"R.U.R. (Rossum's Universal Robots)" by Karel Čapek is a science fiction play written in 1920. It introduced the word "robot" to the English language. The play is set in a factory that produces artificial workers from synthetic organic matter—living beings of flesh and blood who serve humanity. When Helena arrives to advocate for robot liberation, she encounters a world transformed by these artificial beings. But the very universality of robots may present an unforeseen danger to humanity itself.
R.U.R.
"R.U.R." by Karel Čapek is a science fiction play written in 1920. The title stands for Rossum's Universal Robots. Set in a factory that manufactures artificial workers from synthetic organic matter, the play explores what happens when these creations—capable of being mistaken for humans but lacking original thought—become essential to industry worldwide. The work introduced the word "robot" to the English language and quickly gained international recognition, translated into thirty languages by 1923.
'And So Ad Infinitum' (The Life of the Insects) An Entomological Review, in Three Acts, a Prologue and an Epilogue
"And So Ad Infinitum" (The Life of the Insects) by Karel Čapek and Josef Čapek is a theatrical work presented in a unique format that blends elements of drama and entomological review, likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative takes an insightful yet whimsical look into the lives of insects, personifying them in a way that reflects the broader themes of existence, nature, and the human condition. The opening of this play introduces a tramp who is roused from sleep by a lepidopterist eagerly trying to catch butterflies. Their dialogue reveals the contrast between the simplistic joys of nature that the tramp embodies and the analytical, often obsessive pursuit of the scientist. As the tramper philosophizes about love and happiness, various butterfly characters are introduced, engaging in playful and romantic interactions, which set the stage for exploring deeper themes of desire, beauty, and the cyclical nature of life, all against the backdrop of the natural world. This engaging introduction creates a rich tapestry of characters and ideas, inviting the audience to reflect on both the whimsical and the serious aspects of life through the lens of entomology.
Kreuzwege
"Kreuzwege" by Karel Čapek is a collection of philosophical narratives written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes related to human existence, the nature of time, and the quest for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Čapek's reflective prose invites readers to ponder profound questions about life and the human experience. The book comprises several interconnected stories that delve into the lives of various characters, each grappling with their own existential dilemmas. In "Stocken der Zeit," a man confronts the paralyzing stillness of his mundane existence, while "Historie ohne Worte" features a chance encounter that sparks a reflection on the passage of time. The narratives unfold in a way that reveals the characters' internal struggles and epiphanies, illustrating the complexity of the human condition and the yearning for connection and understanding amidst silence and isolation. Throughout the collection, Čapek encourages readers to reflect on their own journeys and the choices that define their lives.