Philip K. Dick ponders the very nature of humanity in this anthology of five gripping short stories and novellas. Includes "The Defenders," "Foster, You're Dead," "Piper in the Woods," "Second Variety," and "The Variable Man."
Dive into a thrilling adventure through space and time with The Variable Man, a captivating tale of humanity's struggle against a powerful and corrupt alien empire. From the legendary author, Philip K. Dick, who brought you unforgettable stories that inspired cinematic masterpieces like Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report, comes a timeless and extraordinary journey that explores the true potential of the human spirit. Set in a future where mankind has reached the stars but remains confined by the Centauran Empire, an ancient regime that stifles their expansion, The Variable Man follows the story of Thomas Cole-- a repairman from 1913, thrown into an unimaginable future by a freak accident. Discover how this "unknown variable" confounds futuristic calculative machines and turns the tide in an interstellar cold war. The human race faces insurmountable odds as they attempt to harness the power of Icarus, a faster-than-light (FTL) device that could either become their ultimate weapon or lead to their downfall. Unravel the mystery behind Cole's uncanny ability to sense and repair machines, and join him as he races against time to save humanity. A breathtaking fusion of science fiction, space travel, and military intrigue, The Variable Man is an electrifying short story that will leave you questioning the limits of technology and the indomitable resilience of mankind. Immerse yourself in a world filled with tension, twists, and turns. Can Cole overcome the challenges of his extraordinary situation and alter the course of history?
"The Variable Man" by Philip K. Dick is a classic science fiction short story that delves into themes of reality, technology, and the unpredictability of human behavior. In this thought-provoking narrative, Dick introduces readers to a future society where technological advancements include a process called "Warping," allowing individuals to foresee potential outcomes of various scenarios. The protagonist, a repairman named Joe Fernwright, becomes an unexpected variable in the system due to his unpredictable decisions. As he faces a critical decision that could impact the fate of a war between Earth and a distant planet, Fernwright's actions challenge the deterministic nature of the advanced technology surrounding him. Dick's "The Variable Man" is a captivating exploration of free will, the consequences of choices, and the inherent uncertainties within complex systems. With its blend of speculative elements and philosophical inquiries, this short story continues to resonate with fans of science fiction, showcasing Dick's unique narrative style and his ability to weave intricate tales that question the nature of reality.
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.
The unfinished sci-fi masterpiece by the author of Stranger in a Strange Land—completed by the Hugo Award–winning author of The Stardance Trilogy. Joel Johnston has found the love of his life in Jinny Hamilton. Life would be perfect if only he earned enough money to support a family. But now that Jinny knows his love is true, she reveals an incredible secret: she is really Jinny Conrad, granddaughter of Richard Conrad, the wealthiest man in the solar system. And now that Joel proven his love for Jinny, her family has a plan for him. Joel is to be groomed for a place in the vast Conrad empire and sire a dynasty to carry on the family business. Most men would jump at the opportunity. But to Jinny’s surprise, and even his own, Joel turns down her generous offer and sets off on the mother of all benders. When he wakes up on a colony ship heading into space, he decides it’s time to forget Jinny and make a life among the stars. But his plans—and the plans of billions of others—are shattered by a cosmic cataclysm so devastating it will take all of humanity’s strength and ingenuity just to survive. When an outline for Variable Star was found among Robert A. Heinlein’s papers, Spider Robinson was commissioned to complete the novel. The result is a thrilling new work of science fiction from two of the genre’s greatest minds.
Bursting right through the four-dimensional travel zone of subspace, Tellurian psiontists make an amazing discovery on the other side. Beyond the bounds of subspace, a parallel universe is cruelly ruled by a violent, murderous empire, the Justiciate, where psiontists are ruthlessly hunted down and fed to giant eagles. And within the Justiciate are lodged spies and traitors, dedicated to its overthrow - evil agents of the proud Garshan 'master race'. The arrival of the psiontists from Tellus triggers off a truly spectacular space adventure...