The Fifty-Fourth of July: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Fifty-Fourth of July: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
The Fifty-Fourth of July is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Nourse, Alan Edward (1928–1992).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Fifty-Fourth of July" by Alan Edward Nourse is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book is centered around a post-apocalyptic scenario where society has collapsed due to an economic disaster linked to failed rocket launches. The main theme explores the consequences of humanity's relentless pursuit of technological advancement, symbolized by the titular Rocket that becomes a focal point for the characters' struggles and decisions in a chaotic world. The story follows Matt Matthews, who is part of a group encamped near a military installation guarding a rocket. Tensions arise as they are on the brink of launching an assault on the fortification, led by Colonel Gorham, who refuses to surrender the rocket despite the dire circumstances outside. An outsider named Loevy arrives, claiming he can negotiate a truce, which leads to unearthing grim truths about the government and the state of the world beyond. Throughout the novel, Matt grapples with his hatred for the rockets and what they represent, especially after learning of personal tragedies that have befallen his family. As desperation mounts, Matt ultimately decides to blow up the rocket, hoping to destroy the symbol of the old world's ambitions, while also realizing the importance of preserving the blueprints for a future that might allow humanity to explore the stars once again, without the same catastrophic consequences.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Fifty-Fourth of July
- Author credits: Nourse, Alan Edward (1928–1992)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Apocalyptic fiction
- Science fiction
- Short stories
- Sieges -- Fiction
- Space ships -- Fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Novels
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
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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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