Vocation by George O. Smith (1950)
"Vocation" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel that follows the story of Steve Randall, an engineer who discovers a way to travel through time and space using his invention called the "time-space converter." The book explores themes of identity, morality, and the consequences of one's actions.
By George O. Smith · First published 1950 · Genre: Science Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Speculative Fiction · 9,872 words
First lines
Gerd Lel Rayne stood in the arched doorway of the living room of his home and smiled at the Terran. Andrew Tremaine smiled up at his host with an almost microscopic feeling of annoyance. The Terran was a large man, well proportioned, but the other was somewhat larger and somewhat in better proportion. The annoyance was the usual jealousy of the better man.
Tremaine knew that Gerd was a better man, and he stifled his feeling of annoyance because hating Gerd was unjust. Besides, Tremaine wanted a favor and one does not irritate a favor-giver.
What this Textopian page supports
Vocation is listed on Textopian as a novel by George O. Smith, dated 1950 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: George O. Smith
- Date: 1950 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Drama, Adventure
- Length: 9,872 words
- Structure: 1 section, 305 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Vocation by George O. Smith
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Vocation?
- How does this novel by George O. Smith fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Fine Feathers by George O. Smith
- Circle Of Confusion by George O. Smith
- The Magnificent Possession by Isaac Asimov
- Troubled Star by George O. Smith
- Trouble by George O. Smith
- The Long Way by George O. Smith
Genres
- Science Fiction — The story revolves around interstellar travel, advanced technology, and interactions with an alien race, which are core elements of science fiction.
- Philosophical Fiction — The narrative explores deep philosophical questions about human evolution, intelligence, and the ethical implications of sharing advanced technology.
- Speculative Fiction — The plot speculates on the future of human evolution and the potential consequences of acquiring advanced alien technology.
- Drama — The story includes interpersonal conflicts and emotional exchanges, particularly between Andrew Tremaine and Gerd Lel Rayne, highlighting dramatic elements.
Tags
science fiction · space exploration · career choices · personal growth · adventure · technology · future society · human potential · self-discovery · interpersonal relationships · ambition · conflict