The Variable Man and Other Stories

by Philip K. Dick

Overview

A seminal figure of twentieth-century science fiction, Philip K. Dick ponders the very nature of humanity in this anthology of five gripping short stories and novellas that were first published in early 1950s pulp magazines. Written during the Cold War, “The Defenders” presents a tale of robotic warfare. “Foster, You’re Dead” criticizes consumerism and the Cold War, when the military-industrial complex shifted responsibility for self-defense to families by selling bomb shelters. “Piper in the Woods” is a clever short story concerning the erosion of reality. A military psychologist is tasked with solving the mystery of why military personnel are behaving like plants upon their return from an asteroid. “Second Variety” is prescient in its anticipation of the hazards of self-evolving robots that can operate independently of one another. In “The Variable Man,” Earth relies on computer technology and a time traveler to predict their chances of victory in a fight against aliens. This collection is an excellent introduction to one of the most original minds of the modern era.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780486852140
Publisher:	Dover Publications
Publication date:	12/13/2023
Series:	Dover Thrift Editions: Short Stories
Pages:	176
Sales rank:	644,856
Product dimensions:	5.00(w) x 8.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Over a writing career that spanned three decades, Philip K. Dick (1928¿1982) published 36 science fiction novels and 121 short stories in which he explored the essence of what makes man human and the dangers of centralized power. Many of his books and short stories have been adapted into movies, notably Blade Runner, Total Recall, Minority Report,and A Scanner Darkly.The recipient of critical acclaim and numerous awards, Dick was inducted into the Science Fiction Hall of Fame in 2005.

Table of Contents

The Variable Man
Second Variety
The Defenders
Piper in the Woods
Foster, You’re Dead

Editorial Reviews

This volume collects 15 of the earliest short publications by Philip K. Dick (1928–1982), all from 1952–1953. Though the young author is clearly finding his footing in these stories, many of the elements he developed in later works are present in embryonic form. The nature of reality is held up to question in “Adjustment Team,” while self-repairing and replicating robots populate “James P. Crow,” “The Gun” and “Jon's World.” The weak must prevail against seemingly invincible opponents in “Beyond Lies the Wub,” “Piper in the Woods” and “Souvenir,” and the prospect of total destruction looms in “The Variable Man.” Rickman provides an informative introduction and detailed endnotes on each story, which alone would make this volume worth acquiring. This collection is a must-have for PKD fans. (Nov.)

Publishers Weekly