Earthbound by Lester Del Rey (1947)
The novel is a science fiction story set on a planet where humans have colonized and formed a society that has evolved differently from Earth's. The protagonist is an outsider who struggles to adapt to this new world, leading to conflicts with the native inhabitants.
By Lester Del Rey · First published 1947 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 760 words
First lines
He wanted above anything else to go into space. He had been waiting for it -- a long time!
It was hours after the last official ceremony before Clifton could escape the crowd of planetlubbers with their babblings, their eligible daughters and their stupid self-admiration. They'd paid through the nose to get him here, and they meant to get their money's worth.
What this Textopian page supports
Earthbound is listed on Textopian as a short story by Lester Del Rey, dated 1947 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Lester Del Rey
- Date: 1947 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Drama, Speculative Fiction
- Length: 760 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Earthbound by Lester Del Rey
- 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 Earthbound?
- How does this short story by Lester Del Rey fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Earthman by Irvin E. Cox
- Peril Of The Starmen by Kris Neville
- The Pygmy Planet by Jack Williamson
- The Forgotten Planet by Murray Leinster
- The Red Dust by Murray Leinster
- Nightmare Planet by Murray Leinster
Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative explores themes of space travel, human aspiration, and the contrast between Earth and the cosmos.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey to space and the encounter with the old man create a sense of adventure and exploration.
- Fantasy — Elements of yearning for the stars and the poetic dialogue suggest a fantastical longing beyond the mundane.
- Drama — The emotional interactions between characters highlight personal struggles and aspirations.
Tags
Science Fiction · Space Exploration · Alien Invasion · Human Evolution · Planetary Colonization · Survival Story · Adventure Novel · Speculative Fiction · Future Society · Interplanetary Travel · Colonialism · First Contact