The Syndic (Illustrated) (Annotated)
Enriched Edition. Dystopian NovelsBy Cyril M. Kornbluth
Length6h 36m
About this audiobook
The Syndic (Illustrated) is a brisk, sardonic work of mid-century speculative fiction that inverts the familiar moral architecture of the crime story: organized crime has displaced the state and, paradoxically, made society more humane. Through intrigue, pursuit, and political satire, Kornbluth examines legitimacy, commerce, coercion, and civic myth. Its hard-edged prose, swift pacing, and ironic intelligence place it squarely within the Golden Age's more subversive current, anticipating later dystopian and libertarian debates while retaining pulp adventure's momentum. Cyril M. Kornbluth (1923–1958), a member of the influential Futurians, was among science fiction's sharpest satirists. His collaborations with Frederik Pohl, especially The Space Merchants, reveal a mind alert to propaganda, bureaucracy, capitalism, and social manipulation. Kornbluth's wartime experience and urban, politically aware milieu helped shape his distrust of official narratives and his fascination with systems that claim moral authority. This illustrated edition is recommended for readers who enjoy intellectually provocative science fiction that marries adventure to political irony. It will especially appeal to admirers of dystopian satire, alternate social orders, and classic SF that remains unsettlingly modern.
This enriched edition has been carefully crafted to add value to your reading experience.
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Audiobook details
GenreScience Fiction, Action and Adventure
Length6 hrs 36 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateFeb 26, 2020
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
17CHAPTER XI.
2Introduction
18CHAPTER XII.
3Synopsis
19CHAPTER XIII.
4Historical Context
20CHAPTER XIV.
5The Syndic (Illustrated)
21CHAPTER XV.
Show all chaptersShow less
6PART I.
22CHAPTER XVI.
7CHAPTER I.
23CHAPTER XVII.
8CHAPTER III.
24CHAPTER XVIII.
9CHAPTER IV.
25CHAPTER XIX.
10CHAPTER V.
26CHAPTER XX.
11CHAPTER VI.
27CHAPTER XXI.
12CHAPTER VII.
28CHAPTER XXII.
13CHAPTER VIII.
29Analysis
14CHAPTER IX.
30Reflection
15PART II.
31Memorable Quotes
16CHAPTER X.
Takeoff (Annotated)Cyril M. Kornbluth7h 13m$2 · $0.00
Two Dooms: Two Dystopian Novels (Illustrated) (Annotated)Cyril M. Kornbluth, Frederik Pohl10h 37m$2 · $0.00
Search the Sky (Annotated)Cyril M. Kornbluth, Frederik Pohl7h 6m3.4 (527)$2 · $0.00
Rocket Launch (Annotated)Cyril M. Kornbluth7h 48m$2 · $0.00
The Naked StormCyril M. Kornbluth7h 2m$2 · $0.00
Wolfbane (Illustrated) (Annotated)Cyril M. Kornbluth, Frederik Pohl5h 1m3.8 (741)$2 · $0.00
The Best Short Stories by Cyril M. Kornbluth (Illustrated Edition) (Annotated)Cyril M. Kornbluth12h 10m$2 · $0.00
TakeoffCyril M. Kornbluth6h 19m2.9 (30)$2 · $0.00
A Mile Beyond the MoonCyril M. Kornbluth6h 56m3.5 (332)$2 · $0.00
Takeoff (Sci-Fi Classic)Cyril M. Kornbluth7h 2m2.9 (30)$1 · $0.00
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Reap the Dark Tide (Annotated)Cyril M. Kornbluth2h 20m$2 · $0.00
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