The Rag and Bone Men: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Rag and Bone Men: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Rag and Bone Men is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Budrys, Algis (1931–2008).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Rag and Bone Men" by Algis Budrys is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The narrative is set in a distant future where two characters, Maurer and Charpantier, interact with a mysterious being known as the Veld, who is attempting to create a new transporter to return to his home. The story explores themes of existential struggle, the search for identity, and the limitations of human knowledge when confronted with the unknown. The plot centers on Maurer and Charpantier as they navigate their relationship with the Veld, a powerful entity marooned on Earth who tries to replicate Veldish technology using Earthly materials. The story is steeped in metaphysics as Maurer fears the implications of the Veld's attempt to create something fundamentally different from what is possible with available resources. As the Veld works on his transporter, Maurer grapples with feelings of inadequacy and the existential dread of a world that is distanced from true understanding. The tale delves into the fragile boundaries between creation and destruction, and the tension between aspiration and reality, raising profound questions about what it means to seek one's heart's desire in a seemingly indifferent universe.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Rag and Bone Men
- Author credits: Budrys, Algis (1931–2008)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Science fiction
- Short stories
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
- Science Fiction
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.



