Pipe Dream by Fritz Leiber (1959)
Pipe Dream is a science fiction novel written by Fritz Leiber and published in 1959. The story follows the adventures of a man named Dan Gurney, who discovers that he has the ability to enter people's dreams and manipulate them. As he explores this newfound power, he becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of espionage and intrigue. Along the way, he must confront his own inner demons and come to terms with his past. The novel is known for its vivid imagery and fast-paced action, as well as its exploration of themes such as identity, power, and control.
By Fritz Leiber · First published 1959 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery · 5,990 words
First lines
_Simon Grue found a two-inch mermaid in his bathtub. It had arms, hips, a finny tail, and (here the real trouble began) a face that reminded him irresistibly of Grushenka Stulnikov-Gurevich._
It wasn't until the mermaid turned up in his bathtub that Simon Grue seriously began to wonder what the Russians were doing on the roof next door.
What this Textopian page supports
Pipe Dream is listed on Textopian as a novel by Fritz Leiber, dated 1959 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Fritz Leiber
- Date: 1959 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery, Satire, Humor
- Length: 5,990 words
- Structure: 1 section, 82 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Pipe Dream by Fritz Leiber
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Pipe Dream?
- How does this novel by Fritz Leiber fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Time In The Round by Fritz Leiber
- The Hour Of Battle by Robert Sheckley
- The Street That Wasnt There by Clifford D. Simak
- The Timeless Ones by Frank Belknap Long
- A Voyage To The Moon by Cyrano De Bergerac
- Spillthrough by Daniel F. Galouye
Genres
- Science Fiction — The story involves speculative scientific concepts such as embryonic development manipulation and the creation of miniature mermaids, which are central to the plot.
- Fantasy — The presence of a two-inch mermaid and the whimsical elements of the narrative contribute to a fantastical atmosphere.
- Mystery — The protagonist's curiosity about the Russians next door and the mysterious appearance of the mermaid drive the plot forward with investigative elements.
- Satire — The story includes satirical elements, such as the portrayal of eccentric characters and absurd situations, reflecting on societal and political themes.
Tags
science fiction · fantasy · urban fantasy · adventure · surrealism · dreams · reality · imagination · psychological · socio-political · dystopia · magic