And there was light: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
And there was light: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
And there was light is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Del Rey, Lester (1915–1993).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"And There Was Light" by Lester Del Rey is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story explores the dark themes of morality and the dire consequences of technological advancements, specifically focusing on the use of a devastating new weapon that threatens to alter the future of humanity. It tackles the idea of making radical societal changes through control of population and the ethics surrounding such decisions. The plot centers around Johann Volcek, a scientist who has developed a revolutionary method of controlling nitrogen fission, which becomes a tool for enemy manipulation. As he prepares for a significant test, we are introduced to his wife, Stefanie, who is recovering from a recent loss and represents innocence amidst the chaos. When the test is executed, Volcek struggles with the implications of his work, which is designed to gradually sterilize the population in the West, effectively extinguishing a race. The Director of Centralia, who oversees this project, emphasizes the necessity of this action for achieving peace. However, as the test unfolds, a critical error occurs, leading to catastrophic consequences that force Volcek to confront the moral implications of his actions and the tragic loss of Stefanie's dream of motherhood, leaving readers to ponder the true meaning of progress and sacrifice in the name of peace.
Book and edition facts
- Title: And there was light
- Author credits: Del Rey, Lester (1915–1993)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Science fiction
- Short stories
- Weapons -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
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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.
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