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

Communication is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Fontenay, Charles L. (1917–2007).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Communication" by Charles L. Fontenay is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores the first Earth expedition to Mars and examines the challenges and misunderstandings inherent in inter-species communication. The work invites readers to consider the possibility of intelligent life on Mars and the complexities of establishing contact. The story begins with Earth astronauts encountering Martians for the first time. As the Earthmen boldly attempt to communicate using mathematical representations, they fail to recognize the Martians' apparent hostility. Misinterpretations and assumptions lead to tragic consequences as communication breaks down completely. Ultimately, the Martians respond to the perceived threat from the Earthmen by eliminating them, illustrating the frailty of communication across vastly different cultures and species. Through this encounter, Fontenay prompts important questions about understanding and the potential dangers of miscommunication in an interstellar context.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Communication
- Author credits: Fontenay, Charles L. (1917–2007)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Human-alien encounters -- Fiction
- Mars (Planet) -- Fiction
- Martians -- Fiction
- Science fiction
- Short stories
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
- Category: Short Stories
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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.


