Spaceman on a Spree

Reynolds, Mack, 1917-1983Project Gutenberg · United StatesDec 2019

2.8

Word count: 41K words
Chapters: 5

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.Spaceman on a Spree by Mack ReynoldsAuthor: Reynolds, Mack, 1917-1983,Language: English, Class: PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature, Release Date: Sep 6, 2016

Editor's review

This is an English-language work by the American science fiction writer Mack Reynolds, released free by Project Gutenberg and classified under American and Canadian literature. Reynolds wrote prolifically for the pulp science fiction magazines; his work is often satirical and absurdist, using space adventure as a shell for mocking commercial society, bureaucracy, and human foibles. The title points to a spree in space, and the book is best read as a light science fiction short story or novelette: the pace is brisk and the premise entertaining, so there is no need to look for a grand system—instead, notice how the author uses exaggerated plots to generate laughs and reflection. For readers curious about the flavor of mid-twentieth-century American pulp science fiction, this is an accessible sample; for those studying genre literature or public-domain electronic resources, it also has documentary value. While reading, pay attention to the humor in the dialogue and its swipes at social mores.

Who it's for

A good fit for

Readers who enjoy classic American pulp science fiction and satire
Fans who want to understand the style of mid-twentieth-century science fiction magazines
Learners who need light English reading material for practice
Enthusiasts and researchers studying public-domain science fiction e-texts

Not a good fit for

Readers who prefer hard science fiction with technical detail and rigorous worldbuilding
Readers expecting the deep character development of a full-length novel
Those not interested in the exaggerated style of early pulp science fiction

Reading tips

Read it as a short story in one sitting, noting the plot twists and humorous passages.
While reading, note the author's satire of business and bureaucracy and take brief notes.
English learners can read through the plot first, then revisit unfamiliar words and dialogue expressions.
Compare it with works from American science fiction magazines of the same period to see common pulp conventions.

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

What language is this book in?

The text is in English, released in electronic form by Project Gutenberg. It suits readers with some English reading ability and can also serve as practice material for reading science fiction in English.

Is the story a novel or a short story?

Judging by its form, it is a shorter science fiction work, suitable for reading in one sitting or over two or three sessions. For the exact length, refer to the electronic text; there is no need to pace yourself as you would with a novel.

Do I need to read other works first?

No. This is a standalone work that does not depend on prior reading. If you want to understand its satirical style, you might also look into the common themes of mid-twentieth-century American pulp science fiction magazines.

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About the author

Reynolds, Mack, 1917-1983 Author

Mack Reynolds (1917–1983) was an American science fiction writer, born Dallas McCord Reynolds. Because public information is limited, no speculation is made here about his early life or education. The collection holds twenty-five of his works, including I’m a Stranger Here Myself, The Common Man, Happy Ending, Dogfight—1973, Black Man’s Burden, Off Course, Summit, and Ultima Thule. These titles suggest that he excelled at short stories and novellas, often addressing social issues, race relations, political conflict, and future warfare. His titles are frequently blunt and ironic, his narratives tight, and he makes effective use of suspense and reversal to discuss real-world problems within the framework of popular science fiction. His work appeared mainly in mid-twentieth-century science fiction magazines and has had some influence on later socially engaged science fiction.