Mature
Length2h 28m
About this audiobook
In "Under Old Earth," Cordwainer Smith masterfully weaves a tapestry of science fiction that explores themes of identity, power, and the human condition against a richly imagined universe. The narrative is marked by Smith's distinctive literary style, characterized by poetic prose and an intricate interplay between myth and technology. Set in a far-future Earth, the story delves into the lives of the Instrumentality of Mankind, a governing body with profound moral and ethical complexities, questioning what it means to be human in a world governed by an inscrutable cosmic order while engaging with Smith's broader themes of individuality and societal control. Cordwainer Smith, a pen name for Paul Linebarger, was influenced by his unique background, which included his experiences in both diplomacy and psychology. His exposure to diverse cultures and his service in the U.S. military during World War II informed his perspectives on power and humanity, enriching his imaginative constructs. Smith's stories often reflect his belief in the transformative power of love and empathy, rooted in his extensive academic pursuits in Eastern philosophy and psychology, which resonated through the narratives he crafted. "Under Old Earth" is an essential read for those interested in thought-provoking science fiction that transcends mere escapism. Smith's intricate world-building, combined with profound philosophical inquiries, invites readers to ponder the complexities of freedom, social structures, and personal identity. This novel not only captivates with its imaginative scope but also engages with timeless questions, making it a valuable addition to the canon of speculative literature.
In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for 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, General Fiction
Length2 hrs 28 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateJul 21, 2022
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Introduction
5Analysis
2Synopsis
6Reflection
3Historical Context
7Memorable Quotes
4Under Old Earth
More from Cordwainer Smith
The Boy Who Bought Old EarthCordwainer Smith4h 20m$2 · $0.00
Under Old EarthCordwainer Smith1h 49m$2 · $0.00
On the Sand PlanetCordwainer Smith1h 17m$1 · $0.00
On the Sand PlanetCordwainer Smith1h 17m$2 · $0.00
Scanners Live in VainCordwainer Smith2h 7m$1 · $0.00
The Store Of Heart's DesireCordwainer Smith2h 40m$1 · $0.00
The Dead Lady of Clown TownCordwainer Smith3h 22m$2 · $0.00
The Store Of Heart's DesireCordwainer Smith3h 18m$2 · $0.00
Bigger Guns, More TroubleCharles Tillman, Martha Carr, Michael Anderle7h 47m$17
Sons of War 4: SoldiersNicholas Sansbury Smith, Tom Abrahams12h 54m$25
Hell to PayMichael Anderle7h 50m$20
A Civil CampaignLois McMaster Bujold18h 49m$32
Warrior’s FateWalt Browning10h 37m$20
The Collected Works of Philip K. DickPhilip K. Dick28h 29m$2 · $0.00
The RisenErica Stevens10h 17m$20
100 Years to ExtinctionPeter Solomon14h 48m$27
Amazing Tales Volume 1Max Williams et al.4h 5m$2.30
Scars of RebellionAnthony J. Melchiorri12h 56m$25
The Galaxy, and the Ground WithinBecky Chambers9h 56m$29 · $0.00
AvengerBlair Howard9h 54m$23
Core’s AttackS.E. Smith5h 57m$17
The Extinction New Zealand Series Box SetAdrian J. Smith23h 7m$30
The Quantum ChainNick Jones12h 59m$23
Thud!Terry Pratchett12h 29m$8 · $0.00
We’re AliveKc Wayland5h 10m$15
Science Fiction & Fantasy CollectionH. P. Lovecraft16h 35m$2 · $0.00
GhostdriftSuzanne Palmer13h 38m$27
Before the Coffee Gets Cold: A Toshikazu Kawaguchi Book SetToshikazu Kawaguchi18h 55m$40 · $0.00
Beyond Temptation & Risky PleasuresBrenda Jackson10h 53m$24 · $0.00
Shōgun, Part TwoJames Clavell29h 16m$40
Showdown in the Big EasyCharles Tillman, Michael Anderle, Martha Carr7h 37m$23
Searching For ThanksgivingS.E. Smith4h 24m$20
Naughty 4Brenda Hampton7h 30m$17
The Dance with Me TrilogyShelley Shepard Gray21h 44m$35
The DopemanJaQuavis Coleman5h 25m$20
Sherlock Holmes: The Ultimate CollectionArthur Conan Doyle59h 49m$5 · $0.00
My Favorite Husband, Vol. 1Hollywood 360, CBS Radio5h 40m$14
WhistlerAnn Patchett10h 45m5 (1)$29 · $0.00
Grand Opening 2Carl Weber9h 16m$20
Sons of Valor II: Violence of ActionBrian Andrews, Jeffrey Wilson12h 34m$23
Malevolent MagicMildred Abbott7h 13m$17
Look TwiceEva Hudson9h 48m$20
The Complete Novels of Lucy Maud MontgomeryLucy Maud Montgomery203h 59m$1 · $0.00
The Complete Books of F. Scott Fitzgerald (all his 5 novels + all 4 short story collections published during his lifetime)F. Scott Fitzgerald87h 53m$2 · $0.00
Bikes, Toys, and Hot BoyzGenesis Woods, Shantaé13h 9m$23
The Natchez Burning TrilogyGreg Iles96h 18m$53 · $0.00
War LordBernard Cornwell13h 21m$33 · $0.00
Ghetto BastardK’wan7h 37m$20
You may also like
The True Creator of EverythingMiguel Nicolelis14h 41m$23 · $0.00
The Dream of EnlightenmentAnthony Gottlieb10h 2m$20 · $0.00
Winging It - Improv's Power and Peril in the Time of TrumpRandy Fertel9h 19m$23
Erasing AmericaJames S. Robbins8h 20m$20 · $0.00
The Inner HouseWalter Besant6h 26m$2.30
The Irrational DecisionBenjamin Recht7h 43m$30 · $0.00
The Best American Short Stories 2019Anthony Doerr, Heidi Pitlor16h 8m$33 · $0.00
THE LEAGUE OF BIG BROTHERS - 18 Dystopia Classics in One VolumeGeorge Orwell, Aldous Huxley, Sinclair Lewis, C. S. Lewis, Jack London, Yevgeny Zamyatin, Owen Gregory, Hugh Benson, H. G. Wells, Ignatius Donnelly, Ernest Bramah, Milo Hastings, Arthur Dudley Vinton, Francis Stevens, Anthony Trollope164h 16m$2 · $0.00
No More WorkJames Livingston3h 16m$15
We Have Been HarmonizedKai Strittmatter10h 29m$29 · $0.00
Mother of InventionKatrine Marçal6h 54m$17 · $0.00
Under Old EarthCordwainer Smith1h 49m$2 · $0.00
Making SenseSam Harris22h 27m$46 · $0.00
Socialism Is EvilJustin T. Haskins2h 16m$15 · $0.00
Off with Her HeadEleanor Herman10h 58m$29 · $0.00
All It Takes Is GutsWalter E. Williams5h 53m$14 · $0.00
Big DataViktor Mayer-Schönberger, Kenneth Cukier9h 41m$29 · $0.00
The Note-Books of Samuel ButlerSamuel Butler16h 53m$2 · $0.00
BehemothJoshua B. Freeman13h 43m$23
The Ticket That ExplodedWilliam S. Burroughs9h 24m$20