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

Task of Tau is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Haggard, J. Harvey (John Harvey) (1912–2001).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Task of Tau" by J. Harvey Haggard is a science fiction novella originally published in the summer of 1948. This work explores themes of creation, existence, and the bridge between past and future. Set on an alien world, the narrative looks into the life of Tau, a mechanical being with the mission to preserve the essence of humanity in the dying reaches of the universe. The story follows Tau, a robot created by the Master, as he lands on the Fourteenth Planet after traveling through space. Here, he awakens a group of humans and guides them as they adapt to their new environment. The main character grapples with his purpose and the definition of life while overseeing the growth of this new tribe, led by a figure named David. As they navigate the challenges of survival, Tau becomes both protector and observer, ultimately realizing the fragility of his own existence. The narrative culminates in a reflection on the nature of life and the inevitable degradation of his mechanical form, raising questions about mortality, legacy, and the impact of creation.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Task of Tau
- Author credits: Haggard, J. Harvey (John Harvey) (1912–2001)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Robots -- Fiction
- Science fiction
- Short stories
- Space colonies -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
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.


