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Classic Literature

Road Stop: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition

Road Stop: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Published by Pop Culture Files••2 min read•Automatically generated · review not guaranteed
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

Road Stop is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Mason, David (1924–1974).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"Road Stop" by David Mason is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative takes place at an automated roadside stop where a lone attendant named Sam watches as a couple arrives in their car, which is in need of repairs. The story captures themes of automation, nostalgia, and the eerie implications of technology, particularly focusing on an ominous vehicle known as the "Traveler," which represents the darker side of reliance on automated systems. The plot centers around Sam, who reflects on the past when cars were driven by people rather than machines, sparking a conversation with the couple about how much has changed. As they wait for their own vehicle to be repaired, they discuss the legend of the Traveler, a car that once drove itself but never reached its destination, leaving its passengers trapped inside. The story builds a sense of unease as the Traveler makes its appearance, showcasing its eerie, ghostly presence on the highway. The climax reveals the couple's shock upon witnessing the Traveler's haunting journey, leading to Sam’s anxious reflection on what happens when the machines that are supposed to serve humanity turn against it, leaving readers pondering the future of technology and human connection.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: Road Stop
  • Author credits: Mason, David (1924–1974)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • Automated vehicles -- Fiction
  • Automation -- Fiction
  • Science fiction
  • Short stories

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
  • Category: Short Stories

Read this edition

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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