Tea Tray in the Sky: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Tea Tray in the Sky: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Tea Tray in the Sky is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Smith, Evelyn E. (1922–2000).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Tea Tray in the Sky" by Evelyn E. Smith is a science fiction novella written during the early 1950s. The story explores themes of societal norms and cultural taboos through the experiences of a young man named Michael Frey, who embarks on a journey from the secluded life of a Brotherhood to the bustling and diverse society of Portyork, Earth, within a cosmopolitan United Universe. It critiques the rigid conventions governing interaction and relationships among various alien races and humans. Michael Frey, having grown up in a Brotherhood away from society, is eager to explore the outer world after years of isolation. As he arrives in Portyork, he is quickly encumbered by the myriad taboos and expectations of the diverse population he encounters. With the help of a salesman named Pierce B. Carpenter, Michael navigates the complexities of social customs—from the absurdities of etiquette to the restrictions on personal relationships. Despite the initial thrill of freedom, he finds himself increasingly uncomfortable with the idea of mandatory sharing of relationships and the superficial nature of societal interactions. Ultimately, Michael concludes that the structured yet simple life of the Brotherhood is preferable to the chaotic and impersonal world outside, leading him to return home, embracing his origins over the confusing complexities of civilization.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Tea Tray in the Sky
- Author credits: Smith, Evelyn E. (1922–2000)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Manners and customs -- Fiction
- Science fiction
- Short stories
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.
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