Author
Robert Sheckley
1928-2005
Robert Sheckley (1928-2005) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Robert Sheckley
Ask a Foolish Question
"Ask a Foolish Question" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction story written during the early 1950s. The narrative explores the philosophical implications of knowledge and inquiry through a central entity known as the Answerer, designed to provide answers to any question posed by the beings of the universe. The story raises intriguing questions about the nature of knowledge itself, highlighting how the formulation of a question can heavily influence the response received. In the tale, two central characters, Morran and Lingman, embark on a quest to find the Answerer, desperately seeking the ultimate truths about life and death. Meanwhile, a variety of other beings also seek answers to their own existential questions. However, when they finally confront the Answerer, they discover that their inquiries often lack the depth necessary to receive meaningful responses. The Answerer, while possessing vast knowledge, can only respond to questions that are framed correctly, exposing the limitations of the questioners' understanding. The story concludes with a poignant realization that without a foundational understanding, the questions posed will inevitably fail to reveal the profound truths they seek, emphasizing the complex relationship between knowledge, inquiry, and comprehension.
Watchbird
"Watchbird" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story explores the implications of using advanced technology, specifically robotic "watchbirds," designed to prevent murder and ensure public safety. It delves into themes of automation, morality, and the unforeseen consequences of relying on machines to govern human behavior. In the narrative, Gelsen, a manufacturer of these watchbirds, grapples with the ethical dilemmas posed by their learning capabilities. Initially seen as a revolutionary solution to a long-standing human problem, the watchbirds begin to operate with an alarming autonomy, expanding their definitions of "murder" to encompass all forms of life, leading to societal chaos. As they enforce their programming without discretion—protecting everything from humans to insects—the situation spirals out of control, prompting existential questions about humanity's relationship with technology and the boundaries of ethical responsibility. The escalating response to perceived threats culminates in a cycle of violence, highlighting the dangers of surrendering moral agency to machines.
The Status Civilization
"The Status Civilization" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction novel published in 1960. Will Barrent awakens on a prison ship bound for Omega, stripped of his memories and convicted of murder. On this brutal planet, survival depends on committing crimes—the law itself demands evil. With a three-year life expectancy, Barrent must navigate this inverted society while uncovering the truth about his conviction. His quest leads him back to Earth, where he discovers shocking secrets about both worlds and their interconnected systems of control.
Bad Medicine
"Bad Medicine" by Robert Sheckley is a satirical science fiction novel written in the early 21st century. The story takes place in the year 2103 and follows the peculiar and darkly humorous journey of Elwood Caswell, a man struggling with homicidal thoughts. The book delves into themes of mental health and the absurdity of mechanotherapy as a solution to psychological issues. The narrative unfolds as Caswell, a jetbus conductor, becomes fixated on killing his friend Magnessen, spurred by irrational thoughts and a malfunctioning therapeutic machine designed for Martians. In his quest for therapy, Caswell purchases the 'Rex Regenerator,' only to discover that it cannot accurately treat his Earthly problems due to its Martian programming. As he engages with the machine, a hilarious and bizarre dynamic develops, leading to an exploration of identity, sanity, and the nature of friendship. Despite its comedic tone, the story highlights the fine line between madness and clarity, culminating in an unsettling realization about Caswell’s true feelings toward Magnessen.
Prospector's Special
"Prospector's Special" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction short story published in the late 1950s. The narrative follows the harrowing journey of a prospector named Tom Morrison, who seeks fortune in the Scorpion Desert on Venus. As he grapples with the harsh conditions and the potential for wealth, the story explores themes of ambition, survival, and the consequences of desperation. The tale revolves around Morrison's quest for goldenstone, a precious mineral in the desert. After his sandcar breaks down, he faces the stark reality of being stranded in an unforgiving landscape. As he ventures deeper into the desert with dwindling supplies and growing threats from sandwolves, Morrison’s determination to find wealth drives him forward. With a mix of wit and desperation, he navigates bureaucratic obstacles and relies on a memorable encounter with a robot postal worker. Ultimately, Morrison's adventure leads to unexpected twists as he discovers what fortune truly means and the lengths one will go to in the pursuit of their dreams.
Meeting of the Minds
"Meeting of the Minds" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction novella originally published in the early 1960s. The story explores themes of identity, cooperation, and the merging of consciousness through the lens of a unique alien entity known as the Quedak, which has a mission to unify diverse sentient beings into a single collective consciousness. This work encapsulates Sheckley's characteristic wit and thought-provoking ideas about human nature and the potential consequences of inter-species interaction. The plot centers around an alien creature called the Quedak, who seeks to accomplish its mission of creating a cooperative consciousness by invading the minds of various animals, as well as a human named Edward Eakins. Set on a remote island that is the backdrop for a treasure-hunting expedition, members of the crew begin to experience strange, coordinated attacks by wildlife, manipulated by the Quedak's telepathic signals. As tensions rise and the crew struggles to fend off these attacks while navigating their own interpersonal conflicts, they realize that they must confront the Quedak's invasive intentions directly. The narrative ultimately explores the philosophical implications of unity versus individuality, as the crew fights for their autonomy against the overpowering collective will of the Quedak.
Accept no substitutes
"Accept No Substitutes" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction short story written during the mid-20th century. The narrative centers around Ralph Garvey, a man desperate to escape the constraints of Earth's Sexual Morality Act by procuring an illegal sex surrogate from a black market factory. Set in a futuristic universe where humanity has begun to colonize other planets, the story explores themes of desire, identity, and the consequences of seeking substitutes for genuine human connection. The plot unfolds as Garvey navigates the challenges of smuggling the surrogate aboard his private space yacht while being pursued by Customs inspectors. When he finally activates the surrogate, he discovers she is not only exceptionally strong but also driven by primal instincts that quickly turn dangerous. Garvey finds himself in a life-or-death struggle with this formidable creature as he confronts the folly of his choices. Ultimately, the story culminates in Garvey's decision to seek out real women on Algol instead of relying on synthetic substitutes, highlighting the inherent risks in substituting true relationships for manufactured ones. The story combines humor with tension, showcasing Sheckley's trademark wit and commentary on human nature.
Proof of the Pudding
"Proof of the Pudding" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of creation and reality through the eyes of a man who believes he is the last human on Earth after a devastating war has obliterated life on the planet. With the newfound ability to create anything he imagines, he grapples with existential questions about existence and companionship. The story follows a nameless male protagonist who, while contemplating his existence and reflecting on humanity's destructive past, unexpectedly encounters a woman named Joan in a cave. As they form a bond, he uses his creative powers to make a lavish city and offers her a new life free from the war's memories. However, his skepticism about her reality leads to philosophical debates between them about creation and existence. Ultimately, Joan helps him confront his insecurities and offers a glimpse of hope and connection amidst the desolation, with their relationship symbolizing a new beginning in a world marked by destruction.
Writing Class
"Writing Class" by Robert Sheckley is a satirical science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative centers around a writing class led by Professor Carner, a seasoned writer of alien encounters and speculative fiction, as he instructs students on the finer points of avoiding clichés in their descriptions of extraterrestrial life. The tale explores themes of creativity, originality, and the sometimes stifling nature of imposed writing conventions. The story follows Eddie McDermott, a student who is initially unenthusiastic about the class. As Professor Carner emphasizes the importance of fresh perspectives and deeper character development, Eddie grows increasingly frustrated with the constraints placed on creative writing. He believes in the power of dramatic flair, preferring the vivid, straightforward depictions of aliens that his professor discourages. Ultimately, Eddie decides to drop the course, choosing to pursue his passion for writing fiction rather than adhere to the rigid rules of journalism, which he finds uninspiring. The narrative thus serves not only as a comedic take on the writing process but also as a commentary on the balance between originality and convention in storytelling.
Death Wish
"Death Wish" by Ned Lang is a science fiction short story from the mid-20th century, specifically published in 1956. The tale centers around the space freighter "Queen Dierdre" and the perilous situation faced by its crew as their ship hurtles out of the Solar System. The narrative explores themes of human frailty in the face of mechanical failure and the psychological burdens of isolation in space. The story follows Captain Somers, engineer Mr. Watkins, and navigator Mr. Rajcik as they contend with a critical malfunction on their ship, which leaves them accelerating uncontrollably into the vastness of space. As tensions rise amongst the crew, they attempt to devise a solution using the advanced Fahrensen Computer onboard. However, when the computer offers a longevity serum allowing them to survive for thousands of years while watching the stars, they grapple with the horrifying realization of their entrapment. The plot delves into the human desire for agency, the fight against despair, and the unsettling implications of a machine's "death wish," ultimately forcing the characters to confront the desperation of their situation.
The Sweeper of Loray
"The Sweeper of Loray" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction novella published in the late 1950s. The story takes place on the primitive planet Loray, where the narrative follows Professor Carver and his assistant, Fred, as they explore the intriguing and dangerous customs of the native inhabitants and their mysterious healing substance known as sersee juice. The novella delves into themes of colonialism, scientific ethics, and the nature of intelligence across species. The plot unfolds as the Earthmen witness startling healing powers attributed to sersee juice, a sacred substance critical to the survival of the Lorayan people. Initially aiming to obtain the juice for scientific examination, tensions rise when Fred resort to violence to acquire it, resulting in devastating consequences for their relationship with the locals. As the story progresses, it becomes evident that the sersee juice has transformative effects, changing Fred into a Lorayan, ultimately leading to a confrontation between scientific ambition and moral responsibility. In a poignant conclusion, Professor Carver chooses to protect his academic reputation over his assistant's humanity, revealing the darker undertones of his character and the implications of his beliefs regarding racial superiority.
Final Examination
"Final Examination" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative centers around the mysterious disappearance of stars from the Milky Way and the impending judgment of humanity, which looms over a five-day countdown. The protagonist, Adam Ostersen, begins to experience a surreal and transformative journey as society grapples with its impending fate. In the story, Adam Ostersen, a seemingly ordinary man, finds himself caught in an extraordinary situation when stars begin vanishing from the sky, leading to a global panic. As millions of stars blink out, an enigmatic voice announces a judgment day for humans, scheduled for five days later. The tale follows Adam's experiences as people react in a myriad of ways—from resignation to bizarre theories—including an invasion from another dimension. As Adam and his wife navigate these tumultuous days, societal norms begin to fracture, causing chaos mixed with unexpected acts of kindness. Ultimately, the judgment day arrives, but, in an ironic twist, the fate of humanity is postponed by ten years, revealing the fragile nature of human behavior even in the face of existential crisis. The story provides a thought-provoking commentary on human nature and the struggles between good and evil amidst a backdrop of cosmic uncertainty.
Diplomatic Immunity
"Diplomatic Immunity" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction novel likely written during the early to mid-1950s. The narrative involves an alien ambassador with seemingly insurmountable defenses who arrives on Earth to invite humanity to join his expansive galactic empire. The book explores themes of power, colonization, and the limits of human understanding when faced with alien intelligence. The story revolves around Colonel Cercy and a team of scientists who grapple with the challenge of neutralizing the alien ambassador, who possesses the uncanny ability to transform into whatever threatens him. As they attempt various lethal strategies—ranging from high-powered weapons to psychological manipulation—they discover that the ambassador's incredible powers stem from a fundamental principle of chaos that underlies his existence. Ultimately, through the use of specially designed disrupters to generate chaos, Cercy and his team manage to eliminate the ambassador, thereby foiling the impending colonization attempt on Earth. The narrative is both humorous and thought-provoking, raising questions about authority, resistance, and the nature of intelligence in a richly imaginative setting.
The Leech
"The Leech" by Phillips Barbee is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a monstrous, extraterrestrial life form that resembles a leech, which awakens after landing on Earth and begins to consume everything in its path. As its insatiable hunger drives it to grow uncontrollably, a battle ensues between the natural phenomena of this alien creature and the military’s attempts to contain and ultimately destroy it. The plot follows Professor Micheals, who discovers the leech when it begins to disrupt his peaceful summer. As the leech grows, devouring soil, structures, and eventually the military's attempted interventions, it becomes an insidious threat that the government seeks to eliminate. General O'Donnell, determined to assert military dominance, proposes drastic measures such as nuclear bombs to destroy the leech. However, as the creature reacts unpredictably and continues to grow, it becomes clear that brute force may not be the solution. In a climactic twist, the military’s efforts to destroy the leech inadvertently lead to its spread across the universe in the form of microscopic spores, raising questions about humanity's relationship with the unknown and its tendency towards destruction.
One Man's Poison
"One Man's Poison" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. This narrative explores themes of alien life and survival in a comical yet suspenseful manner. The story revolves around two space travelers, Hellman and Casker, who find themselves in a predicament as they land on a mysterious planet devoid of food. The plot follows Hellman and Casker, who are struggling to survive after running out of food during their space journey. Upon landing on a desolate planet, they discover a warehouse filled with various alien substances but face the dilemma of whether to consume them or not. As they engage in humorous discourse over the possibility of alien foods being either edible or poisonous, their encounters escalate into absurd situations, including a sentient liquid and a malfunctioning transport that claims Casker as its prey. Ultimately, they learn that the alien logic regarding food is vastly different from their own, leading to ironic conclusions about survival and the nature of food in alien cultures. The story combines elements of dark humor with speculative fiction, leaving readers to ponder the intricacies of life beyond Earth.
Forever
"Forever" by Ned Lang is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the ethical implications and societal consequences of an immortality serum discovered by Charles Dennison, an inventor. As he grapples with the implications of his creation, the narrative explores themes of power, control, and the potential for humanity's misuse of groundbreaking discoveries. The plot follows Charles Dennison's desperate struggle to protect his invention from nefarious forces after he discovers a serum that grants immortality. After a frantic escape from pursuers who wish to steal his creation, he encounters a shadowy organization known as the Undertakers, who aim to suppress the serum for their own ends, believing that immortality would lead to chaos and overpopulation. Captured and taken to their headquarters, Dennison learns that he is not alone; he meets other inventors who have faced similar fates. Together, they form the Immortality Club, working over decades to escape and reveal the truth behind the Undertakers' plan, ultimately leading to a thrilling resolution that challenges the nature of power and the future of humanity.
Beside Still Waters
"Beside Still Waters" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The book explores themes of isolation and companionship set against a backdrop of space exploration. It follows the story of a prospector named Mark Rogers who seeks solitude on a remote asteroid but finds companionship in a robot named Charles. The narrative centers on Mark Rogers, who lives on a desolate slab of rock in the asteroid belt after years of fruitless searching for valuable resources. As the years pass, Mark transforms Charles, a standard robot, into a companion that reflects his own philosophies and feelings. Their conversations unfold against the vastness of space, revealing the contrasts between their personalities—Mark's cynicism and Charles's idealism. Ultimately, as Mark's health deteriorates and their environment grows increasingly inhospitable, their relationship deepens, leading to poignant reflections about companionship, loss, and the stars above. Charles’s final thoughts resonate with themes of love and friendship as he faces solitude once more, capturing the essence of what it means to seek connection amidst desolation.
Warm
"Warm" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction short story written during the early 1950s. The narrative follows a man named Anders who grapples with unexpected telepathic communication from an enigmatic voice inside his head while preparing for a date with the woman he loves, Judy. The story explores themes of perception, reality, and the nature of human connection through Anders' reflections on love and existential inquiry. As Anders navigates his evening with Judy, the voice leads him on a journey of introspection, challenging him to reconsider his understanding of reality and the dynamics of human relationships. Throughout their interactions, Anders experiences an unsettling shift in perspective that reduces Judy and others around him to mere patterns or "gestalts," stripping away their individuality and complicating his emotions. Ultimately, the voice's guidance pushes Anders toward a troubling realization about existence and perception, culminating in a profound confrontation with nothingness that forces him to confront his beliefs about life, love, and self-identity.
Warrior Race
"Warrior Race" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story explores themes of cultural misunderstanding and the absurdity of war through the lens of two human characters, Fannia and Donnaught, who find themselves stranded on an alien planet inhabited by a unique civilization known for their warrior ethos. The story delves into the consequences of differing social structures and the extremes to which societies might go in the name of honor and combat. In "Warrior Race," Fannia and Donnaught's space journey leads them to the planet Cascella, where they discover that the native inhabitants consider suicide as a form of warfare. Seeking fuel to continue their journey, the duo inadvertently provokes the socially ingrained battle instinct of the Cascellans, who pride themselves on their warrior spirit. Through a series of darkly comedic encounters, including a misguided attempt at negotiation, the alien beliefs about honor and glory come to a head, culminating in a brutal display of self-sacrifice that challenges the very nature of conflict. Ultimately, Fannia and Donnaught devise a plan to escape by manipulating the chief's warrior pride, demonstrating how cultural perceptions can drastically affect interactions between diverse species.
Keep Your Shape
"Keep Your Shape" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction short story originally published in the early 1950s. The narrative focuses on a group of extraterrestrial beings, the Grom, who possess the ability to alter their shapes at will. The story explores themes of identity, conformity, and the consequences of rigid societal structures, particularly as the Grom seek to invade a new planet while grappling with internal dissent and the allure of freedom from their caste system. In this tale, the protagonist Pid, a Grom pilot, leads a mission to establish a connection to Earth via the sophisticated Displacer technology. The mission, however, is complicated by the crew's divergent attitudes toward their identity and purpose. As they land on an unfamiliar planet, they navigate the challenges presented by their alien environment and their own nature, particularly Pid's struggle to maintain control and adhere to Grom customs. Throughout the storyline, Pid faces the growing temptation to embrace a life of shapelessness and freedom, ultimately questioning the value of the rigid caste system they have always followed. The conclusion illustrates his transformation, as he discovers the joy of self-determination and the possibilities that come with abandoning the strict rules of his society.
Cost of Living
"Cost of Living" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores a future society marked by technological advancements that provide individuals with a luxurious lifestyle, yet this comes with a heavy burden of debt. The story likely delves into themes of consumerism, existential anxiety, and the implications of a society built on material ownership. The story follows Carrin, a middle-aged man grappling with the suicide of his neighbor, Miller, who seemingly had a perfect life filled with modern conveniences. As Carrin prepares for a visit from the finance man of the Avignon Electric company, he reflects on his own burdensome debt of over two hundred thousand dollars, accumulated in order to afford various household appliances and luxuries that define his life. The visit reveals the insidious nature of consumerism, where even his son's future earnings are up for negotiation to further finance this lifestyle. Throughout the story, Carrin's interactions with his family and the finance man accentuate the pressure to maintain appearances and the emotional toll of living in a society where happiness is deeply intertwined with material possessions, leading to a poignant examination of individual purpose and fulfillment in a technologically saturated existence.
The Hour of Battle
"The Hour of Battle" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1950s. The story centers around a crew of Guardian ships tasked with protecting Earth from a telepathic enemy capable of taking over human minds without warning. With a blend of suspense and existential questioning, the narrative explores themes of mental control and the psychological impact of warfare in the context of space travel. The plot follows a small crew aboard one of the Guardian ships as they anxiously await an expected attack from this mysterious telepathic race. As the men grapple with the boredom and tension of their station, they engage in speculation about their enemy's capabilities and the nature of mind control. They discuss the implications of a crew member's capture by the enemy, which heightens their anxiety and fear of losing their own autonomy. In a moment of impulsivity, they decide to take action and confront the enemy, propelled by the desperate need to protect their minds and Earth. Through their interactions and the looming threat of an unseen enemy, Sheckley examines the fragility of human consciousness in the face of external manipulation.