Second Variety
Second Variety

Author: Philip K. Dick

Publisher: BoD - Books on Demand

Published: 2024-02-11

Total Pages: 50

ISBN-13:

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"Second Variety" is a science fiction short story written by Philip K. Dick. It was first published in 1953 and is part of Dick's collection of short stories. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future where Earth is devastated by war, and two factions are locked in a conflict. The narrative explores themes of identity, trust, and the consequences of advanced technology. Philip K. Dick is known for his thought-provoking and often dystopian science fiction works. "Second Variety" is an example of his exploration of the impact of technology on society and the blurred lines between human and artificial intelligence. If you are a fan of Philip K. Dick's writing or enjoy science fiction that delves into philosophical and existential themes, "Second Variety" could be a compelling read. You may find it in collections of Dick's short stories or anthologies of science fiction literature.

The Philip K. Dick Reader
The Philip K. Dick Reader

Author: Philip K. Dick

Publisher: Citadel Press

Published: 1997

Total Pages: 436

ISBN-13: 9780806518565

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Includes the stories that inspired the movies Total Recall, Screamers, Minority Report, Paycheck, and Next "More than anyone else in the field, Mr. Dick really puts you inside people's minds." --The Wall Street Journal The Philip K. Dick Reader Many thousands of readers consider Philip K. Dick the greatest science fiction mind on any planet. Since his untimely death in 1982, interest in Dick's works has continued to mount, and his reputation has been further enhanced by a growing body of critical attention. The Philip K. Dick Award is now given annually to a distinguished work of science fiction, and the Philip K. Dick Society is devoted to the study and promulgation of his works. Dick won the prestigious Hugo Award for the best novel of 1963 for The Man in the High Castle. In the last year of his life, the film Blade Runner was made from his novel Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? This collection includes some of Dick's earliest short and medium-length fiction, including We Can Remember It for You Wholesale (the story that inspired the motion picture Total Recall), Second Variety (which inspired the motion picture Screamers), Paycheck, The Minority Report, and twenty more.

Minority Report
Minority Report

Author: Philip K. Dick

Publisher:

Published: 2002

Total Pages: 290

ISBN-13: 9780575074781

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Imagine a future where crimes can be detected before they are committed, and criminals are convicted and sentenced for crimes before committing them. This is the scenario of Philip K. Dick's classic story, now filmed by Steven Spielberg, starring Tom Cruise. In addition to 'Minority Report' this exclusive collection includes nine other outstanding short stories by the twentieth century's outstanding sf master, three of which have been made into feature films.

Second Variety
Second Variety

Author: Philip K. Dick

Publisher: Read Books Ltd

Published: 2016-01-18

Total Pages: 66

ISBN-13: 1473379571

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In a world torn apart by endless warfare between the Soviet Union and the United Nations, humanity struggles to survive amidst the desolation of a nuclear wasteland. Philip K. Dick's captivating short story, Second Variety, delves deep into the consequences of war and the relentless pursuit of power. Originally published in 1953, this chilling science fiction masterpiece has inspired blockbuster films like Screamers and its sequel Screamers: The Hunting. From the author that brought you timeless cinematic classics such as Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report, comes an unforgettable adventure that will leave you questioning the boundaries of trust and the cost of destruction. As Russia pushes the United States to the brink, the UN devises a last-ditch effort to win the war-- an arsenal of deadly, self-replicating assassin machines known as "claws". Equipped with the ability to evolve and the sole objective to exterminate all living organisms, the claws are programmed to recognize and spare those who wear designated badges. But when the machines begin to uncover unexpected ways to outsmart their creators, the very existence of life on Earth is threatened. Second Variety presents a gripping and thought-provoking story that challenges the nature of humanity and the ramifications of technology gone awry. With unforgettable characters, nail-biting suspense, and an unsettling take on a dystopian future, this is one book you won't be able to put down.

Second Variety and Other Classic Stories
Second Variety and Other Classic Stories

Author: Philip K. Dick

Publisher: Citadel

Published: 2017-04-25

Total Pages: 433

ISBN-13: 080653799X

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Many thousands of readers worldwide consider Philip K. Dick to have been the greatest science fiction writer on any planet. Since his untimely death in 1982, interest in Dick's work has continued to mount and his reputation has been enhanced by a growing body of critical attention. This collection draws from the writer's earliest short and medium-length fiction (including several previously unpublished stories) during the years 1952-1955.

Robotics Through Science Fiction
Robotics Through Science Fiction

Author: Robin R. Murphy

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2018-12-25

Total Pages: 200

ISBN-13: 0262536269

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Six classic science fiction stories and commentary that illustrate and explain key algorithms or principles of artificial intelligence. This book presents six classic science fiction stories and commentary that illustrate and explain key algorithms or principles of artificial intelligence. Even though all the stories were originally published before 1973, they help readers grapple with two questions that stir debate even today: how are intelligent robots programmed? and what are the limits of autonomous robots? The stories—by Isaac Asimov, Vernor Vinge, Brian Aldiss, and Philip K. Dick—cover telepresence, behavior-based robotics, deliberation, testing, human-robot interaction, the “uncanny valley,” natural language understanding, machine learning, and ethics. Each story is preceded by an introductory note, “As You Read the Story,” and followed by a discussion of its implications, “After You Have Read the Story.” Together with the commentary, the stories offer a nontechnical introduction to robotics. The stories can also be considered as a set of—admittedly fanciful—case studies to be read in conjunction with more serious study. Contents “Stranger in Paradise” by Isaac Asimov, 1973 “Runaround” by Isaac Asimov, 1942 “Long Shot” by Vernor Vinge, 1972 “Catch That Rabbit” by Isaac Asimov, 1944 “Super-Toys Last All Summer Long” by Brian Aldiss, 1969 “Second Variety” by Philip K. Dick, 1953

Varieties of Exile
Varieties of Exile

Author: Mavis Gallant

Publisher: New York Review of Books

Published: 2003-11-30

Total Pages: 348

ISBN-13: 9781590170601

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Mavis Gallant is the modern master of what Henry James called the international story, the fine-grained evocation of the quandaries of people who must make their way in the world without any place to call their own. The irreducible complexity of the very idea of home is especially at issue in the stories Gallant has written about Montreal, where she was born, although she has lived in Paris for more than half a century. Varieties of Exile, Russell Banks's extensive new selection from Gallant's work, demonstrates anew the remarkable reach of this writer's singular art. Among its contents are three previously uncollected stories, as well as the celebrated semi-autobiographical sequence about Linnet Muir—stories that are wise, funny, and full of insight into the perils and promise of growing up and breaking loose.

Beyond the Door
Beyond the Door

Author: Philip K. Dick

Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan

Published: 2024-06-01

Total Pages: 11

ISBN-13:

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Prepare to unlock the mysteries of reality with "Beyond the Door" by Philip K. Dick. Enter a world where the boundaries between the real and the imagined blur, and nothing is quite as it seems in this mind-bending tale of psychological suspense. As Larry Thomas encounters a mysterious door that leads to unexpected places, questions abound: What lies beyond the door? And what dark secrets does it hold? Prepare to be drawn into a web of intrigue and uncertainty as Larry embarks on a journey that will challenge everything he thought he knew. Experience the thrill of exploration as Dick masterfully weaves a narrative that blurs the lines between reality and illusion. Each twist and turn of the story will keep you on the edge of your seat, questioning the nature of existence and the true meaning of identity. But beyond the surface lies a deeper truth: "Beyond the Door" is more than just a tale of mystery—it's a reflection on the nature of consciousness and the human psyche, exploring themes of perception, memory, and the search for meaning. Prepare to embark on a journey into the unknown with "Beyond the Door." Philip K. Dick's masterful storytelling will leave you spellbound, pondering the mysteries of the mind and the nature of reality long after you've turned the final page. Indulge in the richness of Dick's imagination as you explore the enigmatic world beyond the door. Through his evocative prose and thought-provoking themes, you'll embark on an unforgettable journey into the depths of the human psyche. Are you ready to unlock the secrets of "Beyond the Door" and discover what lies hidden in the shadows? Dive into Philip K. Dick's classic tale of psychological suspense now and prepare to be dazzled by its brilliance. Don't miss your chance to explore the mysteries of the mind with "Beyond the Door." Order your copy today and experience the thrill of a journey into the unknown with one of science fiction's greatest storytellers. ```

The Penultimate Truth
The Penultimate Truth

Author: Philip K. Dick

Publisher: Carroll & Graf Pub

Published: 1989

Total Pages: 221

ISBN-13: 9780881844931

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After U.S. survivors have worked diligently in underground warrens for fifteen years, they begin to doubt the government's pronouncements about the progress of a nuclear war

Second Variety and Other Stories
Second Variety and Other Stories

Author: Philip K. Dick

Publisher:

Published: 2010-11

Total Pages: 262

ISBN-13: 9781434103048

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"The claws were bad enough in the first place--nasty, crawling little death-robots. But when they began to imitate their creators, it was time for the human race to make peace--if it could " Philip K. Dick said of his story "Second Variety" "My grand theme--who is human and who only appears as human?--emerges most fully. Unless we can individually and collectively be certain of the answer to this question, we face what is, in my view, the most serious problem possible. Without answering it adequately, we cannot even be certain of our own selves." Reviewing the story, critic Zack Handlen wrote, "'Second Variety' is grim, violent, and suspenseful. . . . While most of the twists are easy to spot once you discover the main plot--basically 'Are you or aren't you a machine'-- they still have an impact, and Dick makes his point quite clearly." Besides the title story, this collection also includes nine more classic Philip K. Dick tales: "Piper in the Woods," "Beyond the Door," "The Crystal Crypt," "The Defenders," "The Gun," "The Skull," "The Eyes Have It," "Mr. Spaceship," and the novella "The Variable Man"--260 pages of mind-bending prose from the master of weird science fiction.