Robert Sheckley (1928 — 2005) is a famous American science fiction writer, author of several hundred short stories and several dozen novels and novellas. His works have been translated into many languages of the world. Sheckley gained immense popularity in our country, where he came more than once. In one interview to the question «where do you get your ideas from?» Sheckley replied, «If I knew where from, I would go there and take more of them!»
Status Civilization is one of the most famous science fiction novels by Robert Sheckley. The main character, Will Barrent, a 27-year-old citizen, is accused of murder and ends up in the prison planet Omega. A feature of the state structure is that every citizen is obliged to use drugs, attend black masses, break the law and kill. Barrent does not remember anything and clearly feels that he is a person who has not deservedly got here. Trying to deal with his own past, Barrent finds himself embroiled in incredible vicissitudes, as a result of which he is sent back to Earth. But what awaits the hero on his home planet?
The incredible adventures of Will Barrent, the scary robot Max, needle beams and screening mutants — all this and much more in the fantastic and, in essence, philosophical novel by Robert Sheckley «The Civilization of Status».
Quotes:
“It took Barrent a while to recover from his tumultuous entry into Omega life. Starting with the disenfranchised position of a newcomer, through murder he became the owner of an antidote store. Barrent understood that there was still a lot to learn about himself, Omega and the Earth. But first the main thing. You need to make a living. It is necessary to become a specialist in poisons and antidotes. «
“There was no time to watch. Weak from blood loss, Barrent got to his feet. He was not interested in what weapon the machine was pulling this time. As soon as she moved, he threw himself under the wheels. The wheels rolled onto his shoulder, and Max rolled sharply. Barrent groaned in pain and, mustering his last strength, tried to get up. The car howled and overturned; Barrent fell down next to him.
© 1960 Robert Sheckley
Recorded by Vimbo Production Center
© & ℗ Vimbo LLC, 2017
Producers: Vadim Bukh, Mikhail Litvakov
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