Waste Not, Want: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Waste Not, Want: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.
Waste Not, Want is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Dryfoos, Dave (1915–2003).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Waste Not, Want" by Dave Dryfoos is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The book explores themes of consumption and societal expectations, set in a dystopian future where personal choice and individuality are sacrificed for the sake of consumption and economic stability. The narrative follows an elderly mechanical engineer, Fred Lubway, as he grapples with the pressures of a consumerist society that mandates he utilize every resource available, even after the loss of his life partner, Tillie. The story centers on Fred’s struggle against a mechanical and emotionless world that enforces strict consumption habits through the intervention of what are referred to as "ration-cops." After coping with the grief of losing Tillie, Fred is forced to adapt to the demands of a society that values productivity and consumption over personal happiness or contentment. His frustration builds as he confronts the absurdity of his existence: constantly producing technology just to be required to consume it and facing penalties for underconsumption. The narrative culminates in a confrontation with authority as the ration-cops attempt to "correct" Fred’s dissatisfaction through brain surgery, symbolizing the ultimate loss of personal autonomy in a society that prioritizes economic output over individual well-being.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Waste Not, Want
- Author credits: Dryfoos, Dave (1915–2003)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- 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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