John Dickinson
autor
Humeccan
A collection of short stories exposing human nature as mechanistic. The backdrop of our evolution is first painted via a quixotic character’s mission to alert his neighbourhood to coming doom. Two stories then follow different trajectories from the same inflection point of our shifting culture. One has doom averted, another careers towards the prophesied doom. Intimate tales follow, evoking both unseemly and more humane aspects of our nature. The central story, the dark heart, turns, presenting pathological behaviours as seen from the gene’s eye view and as resulting from forces that created us to be the gene-serving ape-machines we are. Further elaborating stories lead deeper into our psychology, dissecting the assumptions we make about ourselves and others. Projections are reflected back. We are challenged to justify our beliefs, and to confront a seemingly bleak view: that of a deterministic universe in which we evolved not for our wellbeing, but to propagate immortal genes. The final story in the collection imagines a future in which an evolved culture helps us live better with our evolved natures. Mechanical devices and scientific concepts are embraced in story titles, anchoring the narratives in the mechanistic character of human nature. The natural world reverberates throughout what is, ultimately, a humane vision.
Lightstep
There was once no greater advocate for revolution than Michel Wery. No voice spoke louder, was more impassioned, on the need for a new order, for an end to disparity and injustice - not just in France but throughout the continent. Strange, then, that such a man should find himself in the employ of the Prince Bishop of Erzberg, as scout and spymaster for a regime at absolute odds with his ideals. But time has taught Wery harsh lessons: the Terror, the endless wrangling, the petty motivations of France's new ruling class, and the atrocities carried out in freedom's name - all have left their mark. Revolution has spawned a monster, and Wery has vowed to thwart its march.And with Paris' scheming now focused on the Prince Bishoprics, her armies poised to strike, it seems fate has thrown Wery his chance. But just what is he prepared to sacrifice? Himself? Surely. A city state? Perhaps. The life of the sister of his one true friend? The beautiful Maria Adelsheim who dances the Lightstep in mourning for a brother, and for a man whom might yet be saved...Set against a backdrop of political thrust and counter-thrust, of lavish balls and shadowy cults, and to the rhythm of incessant canon-fire, "The Lightstep" is an epic story of love and honour, and a stunningly realised account of one of the defining moments in modern European history.
Vypredané
5,00 €
