Probability: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Probability: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Probability is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Trimble, Louis (1917–1988).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Probability" by Louis Trimble is a science fiction short story written during the early 1950s. The narrative explores the life of Mike Murphy, a bartender, and his interactions with a peculiar customer named Rabelais Pettis, who seems to lead a mundane life yet harbors a secret involving time travel and probability. The story blends humor and speculative elements, particularly focusing on the impacts of small choices on future outcomes. The plot unfolds as Mike Murphy develops a friendship with Rabelais, witnessing his transformation from a timid regular into a wealthy man who can manipulate time. After a series of raucous events, they embark on adventures through the near future, experiencing changes in wealth, status, and even potential fame for Mike. However, the tale pivots when Mike learns that their previous timeline may lead to catastrophic consequences, and Rabelais wants to guide him towards a path of political influence to avert disaster. The story culminates as Mike navigates the challenges of this new trajectory, maintaining a sense of uncertainty about the impact of their actions on future history while ultimately embracing the changes ahead.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Probability
- Author credits: Trimble, Louis (1917–1988)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Science fiction
- Short stories
- Time travel -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Humour
- 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.
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