The Keeper by H. Beam Piper (1951)
In a post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity live underground, a group of survivors must navigate the dangers of the surface and confront their own dark pasts in order to rebuild society. The story follows a young man who emerges from the underground city into a harsh environment where he encounters various factions vying for power. He soon discovers that his own memories are false and that he is not who he thought he was. As he navigates this new world, he must confront the truth about his past and the secrets of the underground city. Along the way, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the very existence of humanity. The novel explores themes of identity, community, and the human condition in the face of catastrophic loss and rebirth.
By H. Beam Piper · First published 1951 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 11,457 words
First lines
Evil men had stolen his treasure, and Raud set out with his deer rifle and his great dog Brave to catch the thieves before they could reach the Starfolk. That the men had negatron pistols meant little -- Raud was the Keeper.
What this Textopian page supports
The Keeper is listed on Textopian as a novel by H. Beam Piper, dated 1951 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: H. Beam Piper
- Date: 1951 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic, Action
- Length: 11,457 words
- Structure: 1 section, 165 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Keeper by H. Beam Piper
- 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 The Keeper?
- How does this novel by H. Beam Piper fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Return by H. Beam Piper
- The Edge Of The Knife by H. Beam Piper
- Time Crime by H. Beam Piper
- The Time Snatcher by Randall Garrett
- The Fifth Dimension Tube by Murray Leinster
- The Dead Past by Isaac Asimov
Genres
- Science Fiction — The story involves elements of advanced technology, space travel, and interstellar visitors, which are central to the plot.
- Adventure — The narrative follows Raud's journey and quest to recover the stolen Crown, involving physical challenges and confrontations.
- Fantasy — The presence of a mystical Crown with historical significance and the setting in a world with ancient ruins contribute to a fantasy atmosphere.
- Post-Apocalyptic — The setting is a world that has experienced a significant decline, with remnants of a once-advanced civilization.
Tags
Science Fiction · Alternate History · Time Travel · Adventure · Fantasy · Alternate Reality · Historical Fiction · Speculative Fiction · Alternate Universe · Parallel Worlds · Temporal Paradox · Predestination