Graveyard of Dreams
by H. Beam Piper (1904–1964)
- Free to read
- 30 min read
- Reading level: 6th grade
"Graveyard of Dreams" by H. Beam Piper is a science fiction novel set in a future, possibly during the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the character Conn Maxwell, who returns to his home planet of Poictesme after five years of studying on Terra, only to find his hometown in decay and filled with unfulfilled hopes. The narrative explores themes of aspiration, disillusionment, and the quest for purpose in a world that has seen better days. The plot unfolds as Conn grapples with the reality of his homecoming against the backdrop of societal decline and the lingering dreams of his fellow townsfolk, who have been searching for a legendary computer referred to as the "Brain." Conn learns that this super-computer, thought to have been left behind after a devastating war, does not actually exist. He recognizes the need for tangible dreams and aspirations, rather than chasing after myths. As he engages with the townspeople and rekindles relationships, he proposes to create new industries and opportunities, igniting a vision that focuses on rebuilding and reinventing Poictesme while simultaneously addressing the expectations of its hopeful citizens. Through this journey, Piper presents a narrative about the importance of facing reality and creating a path towards a hopeful future.
- Science fiction
- Short stories
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Produced by Greg Weeks, Tom Owens, and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Transcriber's note: This etext was produced from Galaxy
Magazine February 1958. Extensive research did not uncover
any evidence that the copyright on this publication was
renewed.
_Despite Mr. Shakespeare,
wealth and name
are both dross compared with
the theft of hope—
and Maxwell had to rob
a whole planet of it!_
Standing at the armor-glass front of the observation deck and watching the mountains rise and grow on the horizon, Conn Maxwell gripped the metal hand-rail with painful intensity, as though trying to hold back the airship by force. Thirty minutes—twenty-six and a fraction of the Terran minutes he had become accustomed to—until he'd have to face it.
Then, realizing that he never, in his own thoughts, addressed himself as "sir," he turned.
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About this edition
This free edition of Graveyard of Dreams by H. Beam Piper comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #18109, released 2006-04-03. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Science-Fiction & Fantasy, Novels.
Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).
