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Joseph Schwartz, a retired tailor, is mysteriously catapulted to a mysterious world between one step and the next. The mysterious world turns out to be the Earth 50,000 years into the future. He gets caught up in the politics of Earth versus the Galactic Empire and plot and counterplot to cause or stave off a war which will result in the deaths of quadrillions. It's a cracking good yarn with deliberate echoes of the relations between the Roman Empire and the Jews in Judaea. But the parallels, while close enough for recognition, are not close enough to make the course of the story predictable or to be certain whether there is any deeper message for the early 1950s, when Asimov wrote it.
Joseph Schwartz is an ordinary man, a retired tailor in the twentieth century. He is catapulted forward in time and winds up on a devastated radioactive Earth that is so poor every inhabitant who reaches the age of sixty is euthanized. This poses quite a problem for Schwartz, as he is sixty two. Unable to speak the language due to language drift, he is taken to be mentally defective by the first people he meets, and they send him in exchange for a bribe to a scientist working on enhancing mental abilities. As a result of the experiments Schwartz becomes much more intelligent and acquires telepathic abilities. Once able to communicate, Schwartz and the reader learn that Earth is a poverty stricken backwater in a Galactic Empire. Earth is also known for its rebelliousness and is discriminated against. Schwartz then becomes involved in a plot by pro Earth fanatics to kill everyone else in the Empire with a super virus, a plot he foils. The novel ends on an up note as the Imperial Procurator of Earth agrees to try to restore the planet by bringing in uncontaminated soil. Aside from the rather odd time travel element, this is a pretty straightforward story. Some things seem implausible the ability of humans to survive on the radioactive earth the improbability of which Asimov talks about in a later added afterward , the implausibility of the plan to restore Earth and so on, but the adventure in between holds up well.
If you liked Pebble in the Sky, here are the top 44 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Foundation and Empire, the second book in the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov, continues the saga with big ideas and central characters like Bayta and the mysterious enemy, the Mule. The plot revolves around the Foundation facing challenges from the remnants of the Galactic Empire and the unexpected foe, the Mule, who can manipulate people's emotions telepathically. The story is a mix of psychohistory predictions, charismatic leaders, and the struggle to maintain the Seldon Plan in a vast, science fiction universe.
But Bel Riose was young and energetic—energetic enough to be sent as near the end of the universe as possible by an unemotional and calculating court—and curious besides. Strange and improbable tales ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Foundation ) - #2
Save:Foundation and Earth is the final installment in the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov. The story follows Councilman Golan Trevize, historian Janov Pelorat, and a woman named Bliss on a quest to find the mythical planet Earth. Set centuries after the fall of the First Galactic Empire, the trio travels through various worlds, facing challenges and unraveling the mystery of Earth's location. Asimov weaves philosophical questions, science fiction elements, and ties to his other novels into the story, creating an intriguing narrative that explores themes of humanity, myths, and recorded history.
It wasn’t a new question. Since he had arrived at Gaia, he had asked it of himself frequently. He would wake up from a sound sleep in the pleasant coolness of the night and find the question sounding ...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Foundation ) - #3
Save:Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov is a prequel to the famous Foundation series, focusing on the early life of Hari Seldon as he develops his theory of psychohistory. The book follows Seldon's adventures as he navigates political intrigue, dodges attempts on his life, and tries to make his theoretical ideas a practical reality. The story is a blend of adventure, science fiction, and political commentary set in a futuristic Galactic Empire.
The book introduces readers to a young Hari Seldon who is first conceiving the concept of psychohistory and follows his journey through various sectors of the imperial capital planet Trantor. Along the way, Seldon faces challenges from different factions who seek to control him for their own ends, leading to a narrative filled with surprises, character development, and a focus on the complexities of developing psychohistory as a science.
Cleon had been Emperor for just over ten years and there were times at state occasions when, dressed in the necessary robes and regalia, he could manage to look stately. He did so, for instance, in th... - #4
Save:'Foundation's Edge' is the fourth installment in the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov. The story delves into the political games between the First and Second Foundations, with the protagonist Trevize embarking on a quest to find the elusive Second Foundation. As the plot unfolds, the book introduces the concept of other intelligences beyond the known universe and explores the manipulation of events by various factions. The writing style is described as a novel of ideas and concepts, focusing on the grand future history set out in the Seldon Plan.
Compor’s voice dropped and he said in a half-whisper, “Look, I don’t mind your talking like this to me, because I take it as just talk, but if you shout it out in crowds others will hear and, frankly,...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Foundation ) - #5
Save:'Forward the Foundation' by Isaac Asimov is a prequel to the Foundation series, chronicling the life of Hari Seldon from his famous flight through the founding of the Foundation and his death. The book covers about 30 years of Seldon's life on Trantor, as he tries to get psychohistory ready in time and establishes the first Foundation, using his granddaughter as the nucleus for the Second Foundation. The writing style is described as having short chapters and a less laborious style, with some chapters consisting almost entirely of dialogues.
Hari Seldon detected the sour note and ignored it. He looked up from his tricomputer and said, “I tell you again, Yugo, that that’s nonsense.” And then—with a trace of annoyance, just a trace—he added...
(Also, see 83 recommendations for the series Foundation: Prequel ) - #6
Save:"Robots and Empire" by Isaac Asimov serves as a bridge between the Robot series and the Foundation series, connecting the two universes through the characters and events. It follows the story of R. Daneel Olivaw and other characters from previous books as they navigate political intrigues and potential threats to humanity. The writing style incorporates elements of mystery and science fiction, with multiple storylines converging to reveal the interconnectedness of the different series. Asimov delves into themes of robotics, human nature, and the consequences of advanced technology in a futuristic setting.
Gladia felt the lawn lounge to make sure it wasn't too damp and then sat down. A touch at the control adjusted it in such a way as to allow her to be semirecumbent and another activated the diamagneti...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Robot ) - #7
Save:'The Robots of Dawn' by Isaac Asimov is the third installment in the Robot series, following the adventures of Earth detective Elijah Baley as he investigates a murder involving a humanoid robot on the planet Aurora. The book delves into themes of robot vs human exploration of space, societal contrasts between Earth and Spacer planets, and the implications of artificial intelligence. Asimov's writing style is described as a blend of classic science fiction with progressive elements, featuring engaging dialogue, rational conclusions, and masterful transitions of exposition.
The plot revolves around a complex mystery that challenges Baley's investigative skills, aided by robot companions R. Daneel and R. Giskard. The book explores societal issues, the concept of roboticide, and the application of Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics in a futuristic setting. Despite some readers finding elements of the book verbose or contrived, 'The Robots of Dawn' is praised for its engaging storyline, thought-provoking ideas, and the seamless integration of science fiction with detective elements.
One never perspired (unless one wished to, of course) in the City, where temperature and humidity were absolutely controlled and where it was never absolutely necessary for the body to perform in ways...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Robot ) - #8
Save:'The Naked Sun' by Isaac Asimov is a science fiction detective novel set on the Spacer world of Solaria, where a murder mystery unfolds in a society where humans live isolated lives and interact mainly through holograms. The story follows Detective Elijah Baley as he teams up with his robot partner R. Daneel Olivaw to investigate a murder that challenges the Three Laws of Robotics. Asimov's writing style combines elements of mystery, social commentary, and futuristic concepts, creating a compelling narrative that explores themes of fear, societal structures, and human-robot interactions.
The book delves into the complexities of a future world where robots outnumber humans, leading to a murder investigation that questions the fundamental laws governing their interactions. As the detectives navigate through the unusual society of Solaria, they confront personal fears, societal norms, and the implications of advanced technology on human behavior. Asimov weaves together a thought-provoking plot filled with twists and turns, blending detective elements with science fiction themes to create a captivating story that challenges readers to reflect on the nature of humanity and technological advancements.
Robots were, after all, nothing new in science fiction, not even in 1939. Mechanical human beings are to be found in ancient and medieval myths and legends, and the word “robot” originally appeared in...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Robot ) - #9
Save:'The Complete Robot' by Isaac Asimov is a comprehensive collection of robot short stories that delve into the relationship between humans and robots. The stories are known for their sharp writing, vast scope, and exploration of the Laws of Robotics. Asimov's work in this book is considered foundational in the science fiction genre, showcasing his imaginative world-building and thought-provoking narratives. The collection includes famous stories like 'The Bicentennial Man' and 'Robbie', offering a mix of clever, creative, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking tales that highlight the complexities of human-robot interactions.
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Robot ) - #10
Save:'The Bicentennial Man' by Isaac Asimov is a collection of science fiction stories, with the titular story focusing on a robot named Andrew Martin who aspires to become more human. The book delves into the themes of artificial intelligence, humanity, and the ethical implications of creating sentient beings. Asimov's writing style is praised for its ability to make readers question the boundaries between human and machine, while also exploring complex moral dilemmas in a futuristic setting.
