Belly Laugh: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Belly Laugh: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Belly Laugh 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:
"Belly Laugh" by Ivar Jorgensen is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds during a futuristic war scenario where unconventional weapons are utilized. The story explores the theme of humor as a coping mechanism in dire circumstances, highlighting the absurdity of war through the experiences of soldiers interacting with unexpected situations. The plot follows a soldier who recounts a peculiar incident while trapped in a pit during a skirmish. He and his fellow soldier, a young man named Stillwell, encounter a Russian soldier, who turns out to be a robot disguised as a human. Stillwell, consumed by his longing for home, engages with the robot in a comedic and ultimately shocking way. As their bizarre interaction unfolds, it culminates in Stillwell's disillusionment when he realizes the truth about the supposed enemy combatant. The story mixes elements of science fiction with humor, illustrating how laughter can emerge even in the most absurd and chaotic moments of war.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Belly Laugh
- Author credits: Garrett, Randall (1927–1987)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Science fiction
- Short stories
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Humour
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
- Category: Short Stories
- Science Fiction
Read this edition
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.


