The Man who Staked the Stars
This novel explores a future where humanity has colonized other planets and formed a galactic government. The story follows a young man who becomes involved with an alien being from a distant planet. As their relationship deepens, the boundaries between human and non-human are blurred, raising questions about identity, culture, and the nature of consciousness.
By Katherine MacLean · First published 1953 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Drama · 9 chapters · 30,194 words
First lines
_Bryce Carter could afford a smug smile. For hadn't he risen gloriously from Thieves Row to director of famed U. T.? Was not Earth, Moon, and all the Belt, at this very moment awaiting his command for the grand coup? And wasn't his cousin-from-Montehedo a star-sent help? _
"What do I do for a living? " repeated the slim dark-skinned young man in the next seat of the Earth-Moon liner. "I'm a witch doctor," he answered with complete sincerity.
What this Textopian page supports
The Man who Staked the Stars is listed on Textopian as a novel by Katherine MacLean, dated 1953 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Katherine MacLean
- Date: 1953 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Speculative Fiction, Literary Fiction
- Length: 30,194 words
- Structure: 9 chapters, 588 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Man who Staked the Stars by Katherine MacLean
- 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 The Man who Staked the Stars?
- How does this novel by Katherine MacLean fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The plot revolves around futuristic concepts and explores themes of space exploration and human interaction with technology.
- Adventure — The narrative includes elements of exploration and the challenges faced by characters in uncharted territories.
- Drama — The story delves into the emotional and psychological struggles of the characters, highlighting their personal growth and conflicts.
- Speculative Fiction — The work speculates on potential future scenarios and the implications of scientific advancements.
Tags
Science Fiction · Space Opera · First Contact · Alien Invasion · Human Evolution · Social Commentary · Psychological Thriller · Existential Crisis · Philosophical Themes · Speculative Fiction · Interstellar Travel · Advanced Technology