Cover of The Machine Stops [Classic Tales Edition]

The Machine Stops [Classic Tales Edition]

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The Machine Stops [Classic Tales Edition]

By: E. M. Forster
Narrated by: B. J. Harrison
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The earth's surface is no longer habitable. All humanity is sequestered beneath the ground, couched in isolation and contentment. The Machine provides the needs of humanity. Mankind becomes subservient drones to the life-supporting Machine. But what happens when the Machine stops?

Public Domain (P)2018 B.J. Harrison Anthologies & Short Stories Classics Science Fiction
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This science fiction short story was written in 1909 by E. M. Forster and is very different from the works for which he is generally known. It anticipates mechanized ventilation, heating and air conditioning, what allows all humans to live in individual underground cells. Very uncannily, it also foresees videoconferencing and what we call the Internet. The result is a shattered society that strangely mirrors our Covid-19 lockdowns.

Sadly, the story inserted in this context by Forster is a bit bland and quite predictable.

Still, this brief work is fascinating and warmly recommended.

Eerie!

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