Citizen Jell: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Citizen Jell: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Citizen Jell is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Shaara, Michael (1928–1988).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Citizen Jell" by Michael Shaara is a science fiction novella written during the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Mr. Jell, an elderly man with a mysterious background, who is actually a retired spaceman from an advanced civilization. Unable to reveal his true identity due to the non-intervention laws of his people, Mr. Jell enjoys a peaceful life on Earth, but grapples with the ethical dilemmas that arise from his unique abilities and knowledge. The narrative follows Mr. Jell as he experiences both the joys and challenges of his secluded life by the riverbank, developing connections with local children while keeping his extraordinary powers a secret. He possesses a remarkable device known as the Box, capable of duplicating materials and items. As he faces various temptations to intervene in the lives of those around him—such as curing a sick child or eradicating pests—Mr. Jell struggles with the implications of his actions, knowing they could expose him to the authorities of his home planet. Ultimately, when faced with a choice to save a young girl’s life, he decides to use the Box, fully aware that this will reveal his existence to his own people, leading to his inevitable capture. The story contemplates themes of morality, isolation, and the responsibilities that come with power.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Citizen Jell
- Author credits: Shaara, Michael (1928–1988)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Extraterrestrial beings -- Fiction
- Florida -- Fiction
- Older men -- Fiction
- Science fiction
- Short stories
Gutenberg collections
- 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.
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