The Instrumentality of Mankind (Magill’s Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature)
At a glance:
- Author: Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger
- First Published: 1979
- Type of Work: Stories
- Type of Plot: Science fiction—future history
- Time of Work: Various times between the close of World War II and 15,000
- Setting: Earth, Venus, various other planets, and aboard spacecraft
- Genres: Short fiction, Science fiction
- Subjects: Twentieth century, Future, Other worlds, Space ships, stations, or vehicles, Earth
- Locales: Space, Earth, Venus
The Plot
Nine stories in this collection are part of Cordwainer Smiths future history, several involving the Instrumentality. The last five stories are not part of the common future history, although Smith pursues his usual themes in them.
“No, No, Not Rogov!” is set shortly after World War II. Rogov and his wife, both scientists and members of the Soviet elite, work on an espionage machine (often killing human test subjects) by which they will be able to tune in and confuse the thoughts of others. When Rogov tries the completed machine, a slight miscalculation...
[The entire page is 1074 words long]
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