Bøker av Philip K. Dick

The Captain peered into the eyepiece of the telescope. He adjusted the focus quickly. "It was an atomic fission we saw, all right," he said presently. He sighed and pushed the eyepiece away. "Any of you who wants to look may do so. But it's not a pretty sight." "Let me look," Tance the archeologist said. He bent down to look, squinting. "Good Lord!" He leaped violently back, knocking against Dorle, the Chief Navigator. But when they got there, nothing moved or stirred. Everything was silent, dead. Only the gun showed signs of life . . . and the trespassers had wrecked that for all time. The return journey to pick up the treasure would be a cinch . . .

The Terran system is growing and expanding all the time. But an old and corrupt Centaurian Empire is holding Terra down, as it encircles the Terran system and will not let the humans grow out of their current empire. For this reason Terra is at war with Proxima Centauri and is trying to find a way of breaking free from the Centaurian's hold upon them.

The story is set in the distant future, where humanity is at war with "Yuks", an alien life form which does not use mechanical spaceships nor constructions. Instead, it relies on life forms. The war has been going on for a long time, and humanity has not been able to come up with a solution against the life-form based ships and mines that the Yuks use. A human brain-controlled spacecraft would mean mechanical perfection. This was accomplished, and something unforeseen: a strange entity called . . . Mr. Spaceship!

"Well, Corporal Westerburg," Doctor Henry Harris said gently, "just why do you think you're a plant?" As he spoke, Harris glanced down again at the card on his desk. It was from the Base Commander himself, made out in Cox's heavy scrawl: Doc, this is the lad I told you about. Talk to him and try to find out how he got this delusion. He's from the new Garrison, the new check-station on Asteroid Y-3, and we don't want anything to go wrong there. Especially a silly damn thing like this!

The last spaceship to leave Mars headed for Earth is stopped and searched by Martian soldiers, who are looking for three saboteurs who destroyed a Martian city. "Attention, Inner-Flight ship! Attention! You are ordered to land at the Control Station on Deimos for inspection. Attention! You are to land at once!" The metallic rasp of the speaker echoed through the corridors of the great ship. The passengers glanced at each other uneasily, murmuring and peering out the port windows at the small speck below, the dot of rock that was the Martian checkpoint, Deimos. Stark terror ruled the Inner-Flight ship on that last Mars-Terra run. For the black-clad Leiters were on the prowl ... and the grim red planet was not far behind.

No weapon has ever been frightful enough to put a stop to war -- perhaps because we never before had any that thought for themselves! "They pasted Moscow again last night." Taylor nodded his head in approval. "Gave it a real pounding. One of those R-H bombs. It's about time." He sighed, drawing in the full comfort of the kitchen, the presence of his plump, attractive wife, the breakfast dishes and coffee. This was relaxation. And the war news was good, good and satisfying. He could feel a justifiable glow at the news, a sense of pride and personal accomplishment. After all, he was an integral part of the war program, not just another factory worker lugging a cart of scrap, but a technician, one of those who designed and planned the nerve-trunk of the war.

No weapon has ever been frightful enough to put a stop to war -- perhaps because we never before had any that thought for themselves! "They pasted Moscow again last night." Taylor nodded his head in approval. "Gave it a real pounding. One of those R-H bombs. It's about time." He sighed, drawing in the full comfort of the kitchen, the presence of his plump, attractive wife, the breakfast dishes and coffee. This was relaxation. And the war news was good, good and satisfying. He could feel a justifiable glow at the news, a sense of pride and personal accomplishment. After all, he was an integral part of the war program, not just another factory worker lugging a cart of scrap, but a technician, one of those who designed and planned the nerve-trunk of the war.

The story is set in the distant future, where humanity is at war with "Yuks", an alien life form which does not use mechanical spaceships nor constructions. Instead, it relies on life forms. The war has been going on for a long time, and humanity has not been able to come up with a solution against the life-form based ships and mines that the Yuks use. One day, a team of researchers led by Philip Kramer decide to build a spaceship which is powered by a human brain. They find the ideal candidate, Kramer's old professor, a dying man who volunteers to donate his brain to the project. A human brain-controlled spacecraft would mean mechanical perfection. This was accomplished, and something unforeseen: a strange entity called . . . Mr. Spaceship!

A philosophical science fiction novel from Hugo AwardΓÇôwinning author Philip K. Dick, Radio Free Albemuth is a visionary alternate history of a dystopian United States, full of the conspiracy theories and religious themes that became the foundation for his celebrated VALIS trilogy.It is the late 1960s, and a paranoid incompetent has schemed his way into the White House and convulsed America into a vicious war against imaginary, internal enemies. Philip K. Dick, a struggling science fiction writer, is trying to keep from becoming one of that war''s casualties.Meanwhile, Dick''s best friend, record executive Nicholas Brady, is receiving transmissions from an extraterrestrial entity that may also happen to be God—an entity that apparently wants him to overthrow the president. Suspenseful and darkly hilarious, Radio Free Albemuth cements Dick as the twentieth century''s greatest prankster-prophet. "An intense, often very moving book...touching on all the major Philip K. Dick themes."—Philadelphia Inquirer

Philip K. Dick is the bestselling author of MINORITY REPORT and BLADE RUNNER.

In the final act of Philip K. Dick's VALIS trilogy, we finally reach the conclusion--of a sort--to his search for the identity and nature of God. The Transmigration of Timothy Archer primarily concerns the eponymous priest and his daughter-in-law, Angel Archer, as they attempt to find their place in the world while dealing with what may or may not be divine possession.After Episcopalian Bishop Timothy Archer finds ancient scrolls bearing the words of Jesus from two centuries before his birth, he journeys to Israel in the hopes of finding more about Christ's true identity--and whether psychedelic mushrooms had anything to do with it. Haunted by the suicides of his son and mistress, Archer cannot prevent himself from falling deeper into the rabbit hole.This quiet, introspective book is one of Dick's most philosophical and literary, delving into the mysteries of religion and the mysteries of faith itself. As one of Dick's final works, it also provides unique insight into the mind of a genius, whose work was still in the process of maturing at the time of his death.

In The Man in the High Castle, Philip K. Dicks alternate history classic, the United States has lost World War II and subsequently been divided between the Germans in the east and the Japanese in the west.In this world, we meet characters like Frank Frink, a dealer of counterfeit Americana who is himself hiding his Jewish ancestry; Nobusuke Tagomi, the Japanese trade minister in San Francisco, unsure of his standing within the beauracracy and of Japans with Germany; and Juliana Frink, Franks ex-wife, who may be more important than she realizes. These seemingly disparate characters gradually realize their connections to one anotherother just as they realize that something is not quite right about their world. And it seems as though the answers might lie with Hawthorne Abendsen, a mysterious and reclusive author whose best-selling novel describes a world in which the U.S. won the war . . .The Man in the High Castle is Dick at his best, giving readers a harrowing vision of the world that almost was.

Bob Arctor is a junkie and a drug-dealer, both using and selling the mind-altering Substance D. Fred is a law enforcement agent, tasked with bringing Bob down. It sounds like a standard case. The only problem is that Bob and Fred are the same person. In order to infiltrate the drug ring he hopes to bring down, Fred has had to use Substance D, but Substance D, or "Slow Death," causes the consciousness to split in two, creating distinct personalities that are entirely unaware of the other's existence. Now, Bob must keep from being caught by Fred, while Fred must keep his suspicious superiors at bay. In this semi-autobiographical novel, Dick looks back on his own drug abuse and his own friends who he lost to drugs. By turns thrilling, mind-bending, laught-out-loud funny, and heart-wrenchingly sad, A Scanner Darkly is an award-winning book made into a cult film and may just be Dick's best novel.

From the legendary author Philip K. Dick, The Hanging Stranger is a chilling tale of an alien invasion that will leave you wrapped in suspense. Step back into the Golden Age of science fiction with this masterful work by the prolific short story author behind blockbuster films such as Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report. In this gripping short story, meet Ed Loyce, a store owner with a disturbing discovery: a stranger hanging from a lamppost. To his utter horror, the townspeople appear unbothered by the gruesome sight. As Ed investigates further, he uncovers evidence that alien insects have infiltrated and taken control of his once-idyllic town. As the web of deception deepens, Ed struggles to expose the real threat lurking behind every corner. With the danger increasing, he finds himself face-to-face with the authorities - but can they, too, be trusted? The Hanging Stranger is an irresistible descent into the heart-pounding world of alien invasion. With its unique twists and shocking conclusion, this suspense-filled classic will have you questioning who to trust and what's really lurking in the shadows. Prepare for a masterful study in paranoia and creepy suspense that sci-fi enthusiasts and fans of speculative fiction won't want to miss.

In a world torn apart by endless warfare between the Soviet Union and the United Nations, humanity struggles to survive amidst the desolation of a nuclear wasteland. Philip K. Dick's captivating short story, Second Variety, delves deep into the consequences of war and the relentless pursuit of power. Originally published in 1953, this chilling science fiction masterpiece has inspired blockbuster films like Screamers and its sequel Screamers: The Hunting. From the author that brought you timeless cinematic classics such as Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report, comes an unforgettable adventure that will leave you questioning the boundaries of trust and the cost of destruction. As Russia pushes the United States to the brink, the UN devises a last-ditch effort to win the war-- an arsenal of deadly, self-replicating assassin machines known as "claws". Equipped with the ability to evolve and the sole objective to exterminate all living organisms, the claws are programmed to recognize and spare those who wear designated badges. But when the machines begin to uncover unexpected ways to outsmart their creators, the very existence of life on Earth is threatened. Second Variety presents a gripping and thought-provoking story that challenges the nature of humanity and the ramifications of technology gone awry. With unforgettable characters, nail-biting suspense, and an unsettling take on a dystopian future, this is one book you won't be able to put down.

Enter the fascinating and uncanny world of Philip K. Dick with Upon the Dull Earth, a gripping and mind-bending science fiction and fantasy short story drawing inspiration from Shakespeare's "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." Venture into the unknown as you follow Silvia, who possesses an extraordinary ability to summon mysterious and powerful angel-like creatures. Desperate to confirm their true nature and their relation to her destiny, Silvia's journey challenges our notions of reality and our understanding of ancestral ties. As Silvia's strange talents disturb her family and her boyfriend, Rick, events quickly spiral out of control, leading to heart-wrenching consequences. Driven by loss and longing, Rick's obsessive quest to bring Silvia back from a higher realm scatters chaos, confusion, and transformation in his wake. Can they navigate the shifting landscape of this higher reality, or will their desires ultimately bring about the world's annihilation? From the visionary mind behind blockbuster films such as Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report, Upon the Dull Earth showcases Dick's favorite themes, while unraveling a unique and terrifying twist that will leave you questioning the very essence of reality. Don't miss this haunting classic that will linger with you long after the final page.

From the mind of celebrated science fiction master, Philip K. Dick, comes an exhilarating journey into a war-torn alien world: Tony and the Beetles. Venture into a universe where young Tony, the son of a human occupier, discovers the chilling truth about his extraterrestrial neighbors, the Pas-udenti. As the war takes an unexpected turn, Tony finds himself caught between two worlds, attempting to navigate his daily life and maintain friendships with creatures once considered enemies. But as tensions rise and everything crumbles around him, shocking revelations force Tony to question everything he once knew. Will Tony choose his humanity, or will he embrace the strange world that has become his home? Dive into this thrilling short story that is not only a gripping exploration of loyalty and identity but also a masterful study in paranoia and suspense. Tony and the Beetles is a testament to Philip K. Dick's unparalleled prowess in the world of speculative fiction, packed with the mind-bending concepts and atmospheric storytelling that made his work a staple in the sci-fi canon.

Dive into a thrilling adventure through space and time with The Variable Man, a captivating tale of humanity's struggle against a powerful and corrupt alien empire. From the legendary author, Philip K. Dick, who brought you unforgettable stories that inspired cinematic masterpieces like Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report, comes a timeless and extraordinary journey that explores the true potential of the human spirit. Set in a future where mankind has reached the stars but remains confined by the Centauran Empire, an ancient regime that stifles their expansion, The Variable Man follows the story of Thomas Cole-- a repairman from 1913, thrown into an unimaginable future by a freak accident. Discover how this "unknown variable" confounds futuristic calculative machines and turns the tide in an interstellar cold war. The human race faces insurmountable odds as they attempt to harness the power of Icarus, a faster-than-light (FTL) device that could either become their ultimate weapon or lead to their downfall. Unravel the mystery behind Cole's uncanny ability to sense and repair machines, and join him as he races against time to save humanity. A breathtaking fusion of science fiction, space travel, and military intrigue, The Variable Man is an electrifying short story that will leave you questioning the limits of technology and the indomitable resilience of mankind. Immerse yourself in a world filled with tension, twists, and turns. Can Cole overcome the challenges of his extraordinary situation and alter the course of history?

Discover a hidden gem from the mind of master storyteller Philip K. Dick, the prolific author behind blockbuster films like Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report. The Turning Wheel is an enthralling post-apocalyptic sci-fi short story that masterfully blends speculative fiction, dark humor, and psychological depth in a resoundingly unique narrative. In a world devastated by apocalyptic forces, society is rebuilt and governed by a karmic reincarnation-based hierarchy. Enter an alternate future where Caucasians are at the bottom, and Asians and Indians reign supreme under the rule of the enigmatic god-messiah, Bard "Elron Hu." Here, Dick presents a biting satire on L. Ron Hubbard's Dianetics, as "becoming clear" represents an essential step in this new-age spiritual quest. As the turning wheel of karma continues to spin, a diverse cast of characters-- a tormented priest, a rebellious Cauc, an opportunistic Indian official, and others-- navigates the complexities and chaos of a world founded on spiritual dogma. Driven by their desires, convictions, and instincts, they must explore the true nature of power, faith, and humanity. Will they break free from the constraints that bind them, or will the merciless turning wheel crush their dreams and aspirations? Unravel the mysteries in this gripping tale, and immerse yourself in the provocative and intentionally chaotic brilliance of Philip K. Dick's imagination.

From the visionary mind of Philip K. Dick, author of groundbreaking sci-fi classics that inspired blockbuster films like Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report, comes a mind-bending tale of time travel and personal destiny. The Skull transports you to a future where the world is locked in a struggle between progress and dogma, where one man's life-altering decision will affect history and the fate of humanity. Meet Conger, a prisoner granted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for freedom--if he can complete an impossible mission to assassinate a man who died 200 years ago. As he travels back in time to the turbulent 1960s, Conger must navigate an era fraught with distrust and political agendas while seeking out the elusive founder of the First Church, a man whose fateful speech launched a cult that would challenge scientific progress. Armed with the skull of his target and the knowledge that his own life hangs in the balance, Conger becomes ensnared in a web of suspicion and intrigue that threatens not only the mission, but his own identity. As the tension mounts and the clock ticks down, he uncovers a stunning revelation that forces him to question everything he believed about himself and the world. In The Skull, Philip K. Dick masterfully combines elements of science fiction, time travel, and humanity's search for meaning in a thrilling narrative that will keep you guessing until the very last page. With its unique premise and timeless themes, this extraordinary short story is sure to captivate fans of the genre and new readers alike.

From the legendary author of Blade Runner and Minority Report, Philip K. Dick presents The Last of the Masters-- an unrivalled science fiction classic that has gained prominence for its thought-provoking exploration of anarchism, statism, and the role of technology in a post-apocalyptic world. In the aftermath of a global anarchist revolution that brought down the world's governments, humanity finds itself lost in a wasteland of stagnation. Knowledge and industry have crumbled, leaving behind a society frozen in time. However, whispers of a surviving state concealed from the watchful eyes of the Anarchist League reach the ears of three intrepid agents, and the long-forgotten engines of war threaten to reignite. As the agents infiltrate this final stronghold of order, their fates become entwined in a precarious balance of power between those who seek freedom and the last custodians of the old world-- including the enigmatic government robot at its center. Through gripping dialogue and action-packed tension, Philip K. Dick masterfully transports readers into a heart-pounding race against time where the future of humanity hangs in the balance. Dive into this thrilling short story that sets itself apart in the realm of post-apocalyptic fiction, not only as a captivating tale of survival, but as a striking examination of the political and ethical implications of anarchism and the profound consequences of our technological creations.

From the legendary mind of Philip K. Dick, the author who inspired blockbuster films like Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report, comes The Gun,a gripping science fiction short story filled with riveting thrills, psychological depth, dark humor, and a touch of intentional chaos. Embark on a high-stakes voyage into the depths of space as our intrepid explorers seek connection with intelligent life among the stars. But when a mysterious bright light leads them to crash land on an eerie and desolate planet, this expedition becomes a dangerous game of survival. Our protagonists face lingering despair as they uncover the harrowing truth behind the planet's inhabitants and their ultimate demise. With their ship crippled by a deadly and persistent weapon, they brace for the challenge of outsmarting an enemy they cannot see.

From the mind of Philip K. Dick, the visionary author behind blockbuster films like Blade Runner, Total Recall and Minority Report, comes a gripping tale of humanity's future, The Golden Man. Dive into a post-apocalyptic world where powerful mutants, once hunted to near extinction, now threaten the human race itself. Meet Cris, the enigmatic golden-skinned mutant with a mind-bending talent for foresight, cornered by a relentless government agency whose sole purpose is to eradicate his kind. But as the agency's determined agent and his conflicted fiancée close in on their quarry, they'll discover that not everything in this world is black and white. As the alluring beauty of Cris' golden skin and extraordinary powers inspire unexpected desires, the line between hunter and prey begins to blur. In a desperate struggle for survival, where animal instinct challenges the very essence of humanity, the future hangs in the balance. But with great power comes great responsibility, and Cris' abilities set him on a path that could forever alter the trajectory of human evolution. In this thrilling, genre-defining classic by Philip K. Dick, experience a captivating tale that poses intriguing questions about the very nature of humanity and its destiny.

From the visionary mind of Philip K. Dick, The Defenders tells the story of a war-ravaged world, where humans have been forced to retreat miles underground, leaving robots called "leadys" to continue the deadly battle on the devastated surface-- a battlefield marked by lethal radiation and advanced weaponry. At the heart of the story is Taylor, an American war planner assigned to witness the interrogation of a leady and unravel the truth about the very nature of the war that has engulfed the planet. Surprises are in store as Taylor and his team venture onto the surface, discovering a reality entirely different from what they were led to believe. Faced with a radical rethinking of humanity's greatest conflict, they find themselves reliant on the very machines they fought against for their survival. The Defenders dares to explore both the destructive powers of war and the potential for unity in the face of adversity. This gripping short story showcases Philip K. Dick's exceptional craftsmanship and unyielding creativity, offering a unique journey into the depths of human potential and the transcendent power of cooperation. Immerse yourself in the visionary world of The Defenders, the compelling work of science fiction whose timely message will captivate your imagination and challenge your perspectives on war, society, and what it means to be human.

From the mastermind behind legendary sci-fi blockbusters like Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report, comes a thrilling short story that transports you into a treacherous world of interplanetary conflict. Prepare for a journey to the edge of human understanding in Philip K. Dick's exceptional tale: The Crystal Crypt. As the impending war between Earth and Mars looms on the horizon, the last spaceship en route from Mars to Earth is halted by Martian forces, searching for three elusive saboteurs responsible for the destruction of a Martian city. When the culprits are not found aboard the spacecraft, it continues its journey, only to reveal an enigmatic businessman, Thacher, who befriends a young woman and two men claiming to be the hunted saboteurs. But nothing is as it seems in this tale of wits and cunning. In a classic Philip K. Dick twist, a hidden device unveils the city's true fate --not obliterated, but shrunken and secreted away within a tiny crystal orb, now a high-stakes bargaining chip in the impending war. As deception unravels, allegiances are tested, and tensions run high, Thacher uncovers a shocking revelation that changes the course of the story and challenges the very nature of trust. A visionary exploration of psychological depth and intentional chaos, The Crystal Crypt offers a breathtaking journey of dark humor and speculative fiction that will captivate both die-hard Philip K. Dick enthusiasts and newcomers alike.