The Variable Man

Philip K. Dick

Jan 2016 · Read Books Ltd

About this ebook

Dive into a thrilling adventure through space and time with The Variable Man, a captivating tale of humanity's struggle against a powerful and corrupt alien empire.

From the legendary author, Philip K. Dick, who brought you unforgettable stories that inspired cinematic masterpieces like Blade Runner, Total Recall, and Minority Report, comes a timeless and extraordinary journey that explores the true potential of the human spirit.

Set in a future where mankind has reached the stars but remains confined by the Centauran Empire, an ancient regime that stifles their expansion, The Variable Man follows the story of Thomas Cole-- a repairman from 1913, thrown into an unimaginable future by a freak accident. Discover how this "unknown variable" confounds futuristic calculative machines and turns the tide in an interstellar cold war. The human race faces insurmountable odds as they attempt to harness the power of Icarus, a faster-than-light (FTL) device that could either become their ultimate weapon or lead to their downfall. Unravel the mystery behind Cole's uncanny ability to sense and repair machines, and join him as he races against time to save humanity.

A breathtaking fusion of science fiction, space travel, and military intrigue, The Variable Man is an electrifying short story that will leave you questioning the limits of technology and the indomitable resilience of mankind. Immerse yourself in a world filled with tension, twists, and turns. Can Cole overcome the challenges of his extraordinary situation and alter the course of history?

About the author

Phillip Kindred Dick was an American science fiction writer best known for his psychological portrayals of characters trapped in illusory environments. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 16, 1928, Dick worked in radio and studied briefly at the University of California at Berkeley before embarking on his writing career. His first novel, Solar Lottery, was published in 1955. In 1963, Dick won the Hugo Award for his novel, The Man in the High Castle. He also wrote a series of futuristic tales about artificial creatures on the loose; notable of these was Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, which was later adapted into film as Blade Runner. Dick also published several collections of short stories. He died of a stroke in Santa Ana, California, in 1982.