Master of Life and Death: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Master of Life and Death: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Master of Life and Death is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Silverberg, Robert (1935–?).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Master of Life and Death" by Robert Silverberg is a science fiction novel written in the late 20th century. The story is set in the 23rd century and follows Roy Walton, an assistant administrator for the Bureau of Population Equalization—a dystopian organization responsible for managing Earth's overpopulation crisis through cruel measures like euthanasia and forced relocation. As Roy grapples with the moral implications of his job, he faces mounting public backlash and personal dilemmas that force him to confront the darker side of humanity’s struggle for survival. The opening of the novel establishes a society on the brink due to extreme overpopulation, with Walton tasked to enforce population control measures that involve determining who is fit to live and who isn't. As he navigates his responsibilities, he encounters a grieving father, Lyle Prior, whose newborn son is marked for euthanasia due to a perceived genetic flaw. Walton's inner turmoil is intensified as he contemplates sparing Prior's child, an act of rebellion that compromises his career and pits him against the rigid bureaucratic system. The narrative sets the stage for Walton’s moral conflict and the far-reaching consequences of his choices, suggesting a broader commentary on humanity's capacity for compassion amid dire circumstances.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Master of Life and Death
- Author credits: Silverberg, Robert (1935–?)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Overpopulation -- Fiction
- Science fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Novels
- 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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