 Cover of the first edition. | |
| Author | Frederik Pohl |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Nik Puspurica |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Publisher | Ballantine Books |
| Publication date | November 28, 1960 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| Pages | 142 |
Drunkard's Walk is a science fiction novel by American writer Frederik Pohl. It was originally published in paperback by Ballantine Books in 1960 and early in 1961 by Gnome Press in a hardback edition of 3,000 copies. The novel was originally serialized in the magazine Galaxy Science Fiction.
Plot
The novel tells the story of a math professor who struggles against urges to commit suicide. His life seemed so successful. He was a well-liked college-on-TV lecturer who offered the public a way to improve their meager living standards in the crowded future world of 2200. He has a lovely young wife, which would seem to be a protective factor. Doctors have ruled out depression, and they cannot figure out his problem. Yet in a suicidal attempt he tries to hurl himself from a high balcony. During one TV lecture he cuts his neck on live broadcast, and he takes an overdose of pills. In fact, a mysterious foe is trying to cause the professor to die, and this villain plans to increase the death toll into the millions.
References
- Chalker, Jack L.; Mark Owings (1998). The Science-Fantasy Publishers: A Bibliographic History, 1923-1998. Westminster, MD and Baltimore: Mirage Press, Ltd. p. 308.
- "Books Today". The New York Times: 28. November 28, 1960.
External links
- Drunkard's Walk title listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database
- Drunkard's Walk parts 1 and 2 at the Internet Archive
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