A World by the Tale: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
A World by the Tale: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

A World by the Tale is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Garrett, Randall (1927–1987).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"A World by the Tale" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around Professor John Hamish McLeod, a zoologist who becomes the first Earthman to leave the Solar System and embarks on an interstellar journey to a distant planet named Gelakin. Upon his return, McLeod is approached by the Union Bureau of Investigation (U.B.I.) regarding his experiences and a book he wrote about them, which unintentionally becomes a source of embarrassment for Earth and its inhabitants. In the narrative, McLeod navigates the complexities of Earth’s relationship with Galactic civilizations, particularly through the unfortunate reception of his book "Interstellar Ark," which is met with ridicule by Galactic readers. As he faces fallout from his perceived failures, McLeod grapples with the implications of trading with a technologically superior civilization, their views on authorship and wealth, and the need for Earth to secure interstellar credits. As he works to salvage his reputation and determine his responsibilities to his planet and its inhabitants, McLeod finds himself in a position of unexpected leverage that may shape Earth's future in the galaxy. Ultimately, the book explores themes of cultural misunderstanding, economic disparity, and the quest for identity in a rapidly changing universe.
Book and edition facts
- Title: A World by the Tale
- Author credits: Garrett, Randall (1927–1987)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Science fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Novels
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
- Science Fiction
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


