The Cosmic Computer [Paperback]

H. Beam Piper (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Ace Books; First Edition edition (1963)
• ASIN: B002JAD3AS
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent mix of adventure and suspense!, August 9, 2002

By 

Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Cosmic Computer (Junkyard Planet) (Paperback)

Conn Maxwell was raised on the planet of Poictesme, home base of the Third Fleet-Army Force during the System States War. After the war, the soldiers went home, leaving the planet dotted with abandoned bases and equipment. However, one piece of equipment has yet to have been found: Merlin, the military's rumored super-computer--a computer so powerful that it could solve any problem. Life will be good once Merlin is found.

And so, Conn is sent to Terra to study computers and learn the location of Merlin. Well, Conn's back with the knowledge: Merlin only ever did exist in rumor. But Poictesme is rotting away, its inhabitants apathetic, sitting and waiting for Merlin to come along and solve their problems for them. So, Conn needs something to get Poictesme moving again, he need's Merlin!

This book is another masterpiece by that under appreciated master of science fiction, H. Beam Piper. The story is great, with an excellent mix of adventure and suspense. In fact, the surprise ending will throw anyone for a loop. I really loved this book, and I highly recommend it to everyone!

I must admit one thing, though. The author did somewhat date the book, with computers that only communicate in taped-in machine code, and scientists who use slide-rules. But, if you are willing to suspend disbelief a little extra, you will be rewarded with a great read. So, get this book!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars H, Beam Piper was a fantastic story teller., August 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cosmic Computer (Junkyard Planet) (Paperback)

One of the best SF works I've ever read. The only one I reread and enjoy every time. I think I've read the book 4 or 5 time. Good story background, unique story line, and a narative that moves along at a good clip. You can really escape into this story.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My personal favorite, May 14, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cosmic Computer (Junkyard Planet) (Paperback)

This is obviously one of the best works that Piper ever wrote, with his classic beliefs on both government and self defense. In addition, it offers an in-depth look at the basis of the Terran Federation economy, and explains a good bit of the technology in use throughout Piper's works. All this commentary is mixed with a heroic story, tense battles and a bittersweet ending.