Rastignac the Devil

Philip José FarmerProject Gutenberg · United StatesDec 2019

3.3

Word count: 108K words
Chapters: 11

Summary

Project Gutenberg was the first provider of free electronic books, or eBooks. Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg, invented eBooks in 1971 and his memory continues to inspire the creation of eBooks and related technologies today.Rastignac the Devil by Philip José FarmerAuthor: Farmer, Philip José, 1918-2009,Language: English, Class: PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature, Release Date: Feb 12, 2010

Editor's review

This is a work by science fiction writer Philip José Farmer, tinged with satire and speculation, using the name "Rastignac" and the image of the "devil" to explore human desire, moral boundaries, and social rules. Farmer excels at combining popular storytelling with bold imagination; his prose moves briskly, and the plot keeps raising ethical questions worth pondering. As a free Project Gutenberg eBook, it is easily accessible and serves as an introductory read for understanding the diverse landscape of twentieth-century science fiction. While reading, note how the author embeds satire and philosophical meaning within genre conventions, and how the characters waver between temptation and choice. For readers used to hard science fiction or lengthy world-building, this book is more like a compact fable; read it lightly and follow the plot, then reflect on its metaphors afterward.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers who enjoy science fiction short stories and satirical fables
Newcomers who want a low-cost introduction to Farmer's style
Readers interested in human desire and moral issues
Students who need English science fiction selections

Not a good fit for

Readers who prefer hard science fiction with technical detail and rigorous settings
Readers expecting lengthy world-building and complex subplots
Beginners unaccustomed to reading in English

Reading tips

Read through the plot first, then revisit the satire and double meanings in the dialogue.
Keep pen and paper handy to note each character's choices when tempted, and sort out the themes afterward.
Compare it with other Farmer short stories to observe his range of subjects.

About the publisher

Project Gutenberg United States · Founded in 1971

Project Gutenberg is a digital publishing project focused on public-domain ebooks. Its publishing direction centers on classic literary works whose copyright has expired, covering genres such as poetry, drama, fiction, and epic. Representative books include Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge, Proust's Du côté de chez Swann, Shakespeare's Macbeth and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Homer's The Iliad, Dante's La Divina Comèdia: Purgatòri, Cervantes's The History of Don Quixote, Volume 2, and Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. Its author resources consist mainly of classic Western writers such as Wordsworth, Proust, Shakespeare, Homer, Dante, Cervantes, Grahame, and Tolstoy. Its publishing feature is the provision of freely accessible ebooks in EPUB and Kindle formats; it is not a traditional publisher, and publicly available information is limited.

FAQ

Is this book suitable for science fiction beginners?

Yes. It is short, moves quickly, and is free, making it easy for beginners to experience the satirical tradition of twentieth-century science fiction. Basic English reading ability is needed, though; unfamiliar cultural allusions can be skipped at first—just follow the main thread.

Is "Rastignac" in the title related to Balzac?

The title borrows the name of Balzac's character Rastignac, carrying intertextual and satirical meaning. While reading, note how the author uses this literary symbol to discuss desire and ambition, but you do not need to have read Balzac first to understand the plot.

Do I need to know Farmer's work beforehand to read this book?

No. The book can be read independently, and familiarity with the author's background is not required to follow the main plot. If you are interested afterward, looking up Farmer's other works will give you a better sense of his experimental spirit and thematic range within science fiction.

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About the author

Philip José Farmer Author · American · 1918–2009

Philip José Farmer (1918–2009) was an American science fiction writer, born in North Terre Haute, Indiana, and long resident in Peoria, Illinois. In 1952 he broke taboos in science fiction with The Lovers, and he went on to win the Hugo Award three times. His major works include the Riverworld and World of Tiers series, as well as The Green Odyssey, and he pursued cross-genre writing through his “World Newton” universe. According to the library’s records, his fiction often blends adventure, myth, and philosophical reflection, with bold imagination that expanded the boundaries of science fiction; in 2000 he received the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award. The library holds three of his works, including They Twinkled Like Jewels and Rastignac the Devil.