Algis Budrys, autore di fantascienza lituano-americano, si distingueva per le sue acute intuizioni sulla psiche umana, spesso ambientate in innovativi scenari speculativi. La sua scrittura si addentrava frequentemente in temi più oscuri come l'alienazione, l'oppressione sociale e gli dilemmi etici posti dalla tecnologia, impiegando spesso un tono ironico e critico. Budrys eccelleva nella creazione di narrazioni avvincenti che sfidavano i lettori a considerare la natura della realtà e la traiettoria futura dell'umanità. La sua eredità risiede nella sua capacità di fondere profondità intellettuale con narrazioni immersive, assicurandogli un posto di rilievo nella fantascienza.
The narrative explores a world where feudal structures reemerge, with Pennsylvania resembling a land of moats and nobles, while Manhattan is populated by vassals. Amidst this backdrop, barbarian hordes threaten to invade, creating a tense atmosphere of conflict and societal upheaval. The story delves into the cyclical nature of history, reflecting on how past systems of power and class dynamics resurface in contemporary settings, raising questions about civilization and survival.
The protagonist serves as a vendor of dreams, offering others access to fantastical worlds and experiences. However, he faces a profound personal challenge: he is blind to his own needs for growth and understanding. This internal struggle highlights the contrast between his ability to create and share dreams and his inability to confront his own reality, setting the stage for a journey of self-discovery and enlightenment.
Set in a distant future, this suspenseful novel explores the lengths one man will go to safeguard humanity from oppression. The narrative delves into themes of sacrifice and moral dilemmas, showcasing the protagonist's struggle against tyranny. Algis Budrys, known for his acclaimed works like Rogue Moon and Michaelmas, crafts a compelling story that challenges readers to consider the cost of freedom and the fight against authoritarianism.
From the vaults of the SF Gateway, the most comprehensive digital library of classic SFF titles ever assembled, comes an ideal introduction to the work of acclaimed author Algis Budrys.
Der Leichnam des Mannes wurde auf den Schienen einer verlassenen U-Bahn-Station gefunden. Tod durch Starkstrom. Der Tote wurde als Neville Unruh Sealman identifiziert. Er arbeitete in einem Ingenieurbüro bei Chicago. Er galt als fleißig, aber ungesellig. Seien Obduktion lieferte ein sensationelles Ergebnis: Mr. Sealman war kein Mensch. Der Alien mußte sich jahrelang unerkannt auf der Erde durchgeschlagen haben - um sein Leben kämpfend in einer primitiven, gewalttätigen Gesellschaft. War er der einzige von der Crew, der die Notlandung des fremden Raumschiffs überlebt hatte? heyne 06/5938
Der amerikanische Atomphysiker Lucas Martino arbeitet irgendwo in Europa an einem militärischen Geheimprojekt der Alliierten Nationen. Sein Laboratorium liegt in der Nähe jener Grenze, die den Westen vom Osten trennt. Als eines seiner Experimente schiefgeht und es zu einer Explosion kommt, sind die Rettungseinheiten des Ostens als erste zur Stelle. Martino wird ärztlich behandelt. Er verbringt Monate im anderen Teil der Welt. Und als man ihn eines Tages wieder in den Westen entläßt, ist er nicht mehr wiederzuerkennen: Dort, wo einst sein Kopf gewesen ist, befindet sich eine metallene Kugel. Sein linker Arm ist ein technisches Wunderwerk. Die amerikanische Spionageabwehr reagiert mißtrauisch. Ist der Heimgekehrte wirklich Lucas Martino? Hat man den Amerikanern ein Kuckucksei untergeschoben? Mr. Rogers von der Abwehr findet heraus, daß es einen absoluten Beweis für die Aufrichtigkeit Martinos nicht geben kann ... Dieser spannende SF-Thriller wurde 1974 unter dem Titel Der Mann aus Metall von Jack Gold verfilmt.
The plague struck, and ninety percent of Earth's population died. Those who survived tried to maintain some sort of civilization...which meant more killing, as it turned out. But bit by bit, generation by generation, people began to succeed. With occasional setbacks.
Laurent Michaelmas didn't get the information he needed as a reporter from the usual sources. With the aid of Domino, a highly sophisticated portable computer that could virtually think for itself, he had plugged himself into every electronic communications network in the world. He not only knew everything that happened the instant it happened, he could also make things happen the way he wanted. So how had the astronaut - believed dead in an horrific space shuttle accident - turned up in a Swiss sanatorium without them knowing anything about it? Why all the secrecy and subterfuge? Why did Domino hit a brick walll every time it tried to get close to the mystery? The answer was staggering - and it posed a direct threat to mankind's continued existence on earth. (Source: back cover)
