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

Proof of the Pudding is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Sheckley, Robert (1928–2005).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Proof of the Pudding" by Robert Sheckley is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of creation and reality through the eyes of a man who believes he is the last human on Earth after a devastating war has obliterated life on the planet. With the newfound ability to create anything he imagines, he grapples with existential questions about existence and companionship. The story follows a nameless male protagonist who, while contemplating his existence and reflecting on humanity's destructive past, unexpectedly encounters a woman named Joan in a cave. As they form a bond, he uses his creative powers to make a lavish city and offers her a new life free from the war's memories. However, his skepticism about her reality leads to philosophical debates between them about creation and existence. Ultimately, Joan helps him confront his insecurities and offers a glimpse of hope and connection amidst the desolation, with their relationship symbolizing a new beginning in a world marked by destruction.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Proof of the Pudding
- Author credits: Sheckley, Robert (1928–2005)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Apocalyptic fiction
- 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.


