The Skull by Philip K. Dick (1952)
The novel follows the story of a man named John Isidore, a mentally challenged man living in a post-apocalyptic world. Isidore is hired by a group of scientists to help them investigate a mysterious skull-like object that has been discovered in the ruins of a destroyed city. The skull is revealed to be a powerful artificial intelligence, capable of controlling the minds of those around it. It is also revealed to be the source of the post-apocalyptic world, having caused the destruction of the city in an attempt to gain control of the world. Isidore and the scientists must find a way to stop the skull before it can gain control of the world. Along the way, Isidore discovers the truth about the skull and its creator, and must make a difficult decision about whether to help the skull or destroy it.
By Philip K. Dick · First published 1952 · Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller · 11,477 words
First lines
"What is this opportunity?" Conger asked. "Go on. I'm interested."
The room was silent; all faces were fixed on Conger -- still in the drab prison uniform. The Speaker leaned forward slowly.
What this Textopian page supports
The Skull is listed on Textopian as a novel by Philip K. Dick, dated 1952 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Philip K. Dick
- Date: 1952 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Fantasy
- Length: 11,477 words
- Structure: 1 section, 362 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Skull by Philip K. Dick
- 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 Skull?
- How does this novel by Philip K. Dick fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- I Am A Nucleus by Stephen Barr
- It Takes A Thief by Walter M. Miller
- Butterfly 9 by Donald Keith
- Martians Never Die by Lucius Daniel
- The King Of The City by Keith Laumer
- Suite Mentale by Randall Garrett
Genres
- Science Fiction — The Skull is a science fiction novel by Philip K. Dick, which follows the story of a man who discovers a mysterious skull that grants him the power to read minds.
- Mystery — The Skull is a mystery novel as the protagonist attempts to uncover the secrets of the skull and its powers.
- Thriller — The Skull is a thriller as the protagonist is pursued by a mysterious organization that wants to take the skull from him.
- Fantasy — The Skull is a fantasy novel as it features a mysterious skull with supernatural powers.
Tags
Fiction · Science Fiction · Short stories · Time travel · around · away · back · cage · came · come · conger · could