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The Cosmic Computer

By H. Beam Piper
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NovelsScience-Fiction & Fantasy

About This Book

A long-absent traveler returns to his home planet to find economic decline, reclaimed farmland, and violent lawlessness including shipborne piracy. Civic leaders become obsessed with the legend of a vast strategic computer that promises unlimited power and profit, while skepticism about its existence fractures politics and commerce. The returnee maintains he cannot find evidence of the machine yet plots a risky scheme to challenge the myth and the men who would exploit it. The story weaves adventure and investigation with themes of technological dependency, the dangers of centralized authority, and the social consequences of clinging to past prosperity.

About the Author

Piper, H. Beam portrait

H. Beam Piper

H. Beam Piper was an American science fiction author known for his imaginative storytelling and exploration of complex themes. His works often delve into alternate histories and the implications of technology on society. Among his notable titles is "Little Fuzzy," which presents a thought-provoking narrative about the nature of sentience and rights. Piper's writing is characterized by a blend of adventure and philosophical inquiry, making significant contributions to the genre during the mid-20th century. His stories, such as "A Slave is a Slave" and "Four-Day Planet," continue to resonate with readers, showcasing his ability to weave intricate plots with compelling characters.

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