A World by the Tale
In a future where Earth has made contact with a Galactic civilization, Professor John Hamish McLeod, a zoologist, becomes the first human to travel beyond the Solar System. He is hired to assist in transporting terrestrial animals to the planet Gelakin, where he faces challenges in educating the Galactics about animal care. Upon his return, he writes a book detailing his experiences, which unexpectedly becomes a bestseller among the Galactics. The story begins with McLeod being interrogated by agents from the Union Bureau of Investigation (U.B.I.), who are concerned about his interactions with the Galactics. McLeod is sarcastic and uncooperative, revealing his disdain for the U.B.I.'s heavy-handed approach. He explains that he was compensated for his work, but the Earth government confiscated most of his earnings, leaving him with little financial gain. As the narrative unfolds, McLeod grapples with the implications of his book's success. While it garners laughter and ridicule from the Galactic community, it also positions him as a valuable asset for Earth, which desperately needs Galactic credits to improve its economy. The Galactics view Earth as a primitive world with little to offer, and McLeod's book inadvertently highlights this disparity, leading to a backlash against him from his own people. Despite the initial ridicule, McLeod's book becomes a cultural phenomenon, selling billions of copies across the galaxy. The Galactic Resident informs him that he is now wealthy by Galactic standards, but McLeod faces challenges in accessing his funds due to bureaucratic regulations. He learns that his royalties are subject to validation by the Galactic Resident, which complicates his financial situation further. As McLeod navigates the complexities of Galactic society, he realizes that he holds a unique position as Earth's representative. He contemplates the future of his income and the potential for Earth to establish itself within the Galactic economy. However, he also recognizes the precariousness of his situation, as the U.B.I. continues to monitor him closely, viewing him as a liability rather than an asset. The story culminates in McLeod asserting his independence and negotiating his terms with the U.B.I. and the Galactic authorities. He understands that his survival and the financial future of Earth depend on his ability to leverage his newfound status. McLeod's journey reflects themes of cultural misunderstanding, the quest for identity, and the struggle for recognition in a vast and indifferent universe. Ultimately, McLeod's experiences serve as a commentary on the complexities of interstellar relations and the challenges faced by a civilization striving for relevance in a broader cosmic context. His character evolves from a reluctant participant in Galactic affairs to a proactive agent for change, determined to secure a better future for both himself and his planet.
By Randall Garrett · First published 1962 · Genre: Science Fiction, Satire, Adventure · 10,116 words
First lines
Exactly three minutes after the Galactic left the New York apartment of Professor John Hamish McLeod, Ph. D., Sc. D., a squad of U. B. I. men pushed their way into it.
McLeod heard the door chime, opened the door, and had to back up as eight men crowded in. The one in the lead flashed a fancily engraved ID card and said: "Union Bureau of Investigation. You're Professor Mac-Lee-Odd. " It was a statement, not a question.
What this Textopian page supports
A World by the Tale is listed on Textopian as a novel by Randall Garrett, dated 1962 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Randall Garrett
- Date: 1962 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Satire, Adventure, Humor, Political Fiction
- Length: 10,116 words
- Structure: 1 section, 246 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for A World by the Tale by Randall Garrett
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The book explores themes of interstellar travel, alien civilizations, and the implications of human interaction with extraterrestrial beings.
- Satire — The narrative critiques human society and its absurdities through humor and irony, particularly in the context of cultural misunderstandings between Earth and Galactic civilizations.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey involves exploration and encounters with alien species, embodying the classic adventure narrative structure.
- Humor — The dialogue and situations are infused with wit and comedic elements, highlighting the protagonist's sarcastic perspective on serious matters.
Tags
Science Fiction · Fantasy · Alternate History · Adventure · Humor · Satire · Social Commentary · Politics · Government · Power Struggle · Magic System · World Building