Pursuit by Lester Del Rey (1950)

Name: Pursuit
Author: Lester Del Rey

The novel is set in a future where humanity has colonized other planets and formed the United Earth Government to maintain order. The story follows a young man who becomes embroiled in a conflict between rival factions vying for control of the government. As tensions escalate, the protagonist finds himself at the center of a complex web of intrigue and deception. He must navigate the treacherous landscape of politics and power struggles to uncover the truth behind a mysterious plot that threatens the very existence of humanity. Throughout the novel, themes of loyalty, duty, and the nature of leadership are explored in depth. The protagonist's journey is marked by difficult choices and moral dilemmas, forcing him to confront his own values and principles. Ultimately, the novel builds towards a climactic confrontation between rival factions, with the fate of humanity hanging in the balance.

By Lester Del Rey · First published 1950 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy · 8 chapters · 22,282 words

First lines

Fear cut through the unconscious mind of Wilbur Hawkes. With almost physical violence, it tightened his throat and knifed at his heart. It darted into his numbed brain, screaming at him.

He was a soft egg in a vast globe of elastic gelatine. Two creatures swam menacingly through the resisting globe toward him. The gelatine fought against them, but they came on. One was near, and made a mystic pass. He screamed at it, and the gelatine grew stronger, throwing them back and away. Suddenly, the creatures drew back. A door opened, and they were gone. But he couldn't let them go. If they escaped.

What this Textopian page supports

Pursuit is listed on Textopian as a novel by Lester Del Rey, 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: Lester Del Rey
Date: 1950 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Thriller, Drama
Length: 22,282 words
Structure: 8 chapters, 451 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Pursuit 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 Pursuit?
How does this novel by Lester Del Rey fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The narrative explores futuristic concepts and advanced technology, central to the plot.
Adventure — The story involves a quest and challenges faced by the protagonist, emphasizing action and exploration.
Fantasy — Elements of the supernatural and imaginative settings contribute to the overall theme.
Thriller — The plot includes suspenseful moments and tension that drive the narrative forward.