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

Point of Departure is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Shelton, Vaughan.
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Point of Departure" by Vaughan Shelton is a science fiction novella that was likely written in the mid-20th century, specifically during the 1950s. This work intricately weaves themes of exploration, technological innovation, and ethical dilemmas surrounding scientific advancements. The narrative centers around the mysterious activities of a research foundation and an unauthorized experiment involving ancient artifacts and a groundbreaking power source. The story unfolds as Raymond Donner, the administrative officer of a research foundation, recounts a troubling series of events involving a missing colleague, Porter Hays, and a mysterious figure named Simon Kane. Initially, Kane presents himself as a persuasive figure with grand visions of launching a spacecraft powered by a solar energy device derived from ancient Poseidon tablets. As tensions rise, Donner discovers that Kane's motivations are sinister, rooted in deception and murder. The tale escalates with the revelation of Donner's struggles against Kane's manipulative control over both the technology and the people involved. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a tragedy when Hays disappears during the spacecraft's maiden flight, leaving behind tragic implications for all involved, including Kane's wife, Nalja, who holds the key to understanding the true nature of the tablets.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Point of Departure
- Author credits: Shelton, Vaughan
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Science fiction
- Short stories
- Space ships -- Fiction
- Test pilots -- 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.


