The Cosmic Computer [Paperback]

Henry Beam Piper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 21, 2008

Kindle edition of Piper's work with an active table of contents.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Editorial Reviews

Review

H. BEAM PIPER is rather enigmatic where his personal statistics are concerned. It may be stated that he lived in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, that he was an expert on the history and use of hand weapons, that he has been writing and selling science-fiction for many years to the leading magazines, and that he is highly rated among readers for his skill and imagination.

His previous appearances in our collection includes a novel written in collaboration with John J. McGuire: A Planet for Texans and a longer entirely self-authored novel Space Vikings.

--This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Echo Library (April 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1406866474
• ISBN-13: 978-1406866476
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,226,218 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 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.

8 of 9 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.