Later Than You Think: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Later Than You Think: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Later Than You Think is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Leiber, Fritz (1910–1992).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Later Than You Think" by Fritz Leiber is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of intelligence, extinction, and the nature of civilization through the interaction between an Explorer and an Archeologist who examines the remains of a previously unknown intelligent species that once inhabited Earth. The story contemplates the significance of their existence and the inevitability of cultural and species decline. In the story, the Explorer returns from an interstellar journey, disillusioned after failing to find intelligent life in space. Intrigued by the Archeologist's recent discovery of artifacts from an ancient, intelligent species, he becomes eager to learn more about them. The Archeologist describes the species as somewhat similar to humanity, highlighting their cultural achievements, technological advances, and eventual decline, potentially due to their inability to manage their emotions and aspirations. Throughout their conversation, the Explorer grapples with a sense of melancholy understanding as he recognizes the parallels between the lost species and humanity itself, culminating in a reflection on the impermanence of all civilizations. The story ends on a poignant note, emphasizing the shared fate of intelligent beings and the remnants they leave behind.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Later Than You Think
- Author credits: Leiber, Fritz (1910–1992)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Science fiction
- Short stories
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
- Category: Short Stories
- 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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