The Last Starship from Earth
The Last Starship from Earth by John Boyd is a science fiction novel published by Penguin Books in 1978. This edition spans 182 pages and is presented in English. The story unfolds in a dystopian society set in the near future, where the central character, Haldane IV, a mathematician, navigates a caste-based system while forming a forbidden relationship with a poet named Helix. As he delves into the life of Fairweather, a notable mathematician from the past, Haldane uncovers a history of rebellion and political intrigue that shapes his own fate.
Readers will find a narrative that intertwines alternate history with themes of love, rebellion, and societal structure. The plot explores Haldane’s journey as he faces a show trial and subsequent deportation to another planet, where he encounters Fairweather II. This alternate world presents a unique twist on historical events, depicting a version of Jesus Christ as a revolutionary figure who challenged the Roman Empire, leading to a lasting theocracy. The novel invites readers to reflect on the implications of history and the nature of power within a richly imagined setting.
Official synopsis Publisher
The novel is set in a dystopian society in the very near future. Although it is not obvious at first, this is also an alternate history story. The central character is Haldane IV, a mathematician, in a caste-based society. He forms a forbidden relationship with Helix, a poet. He also becomes interested in investigating Fairweather, a famous mathematician who lived shortly before his time, and his son Fairweather II, whom he discovers led a rebellion, which was defeated. Eventually he is given a show trial and deported to another planet, where he meets Fairweather II. In this world, Jesus Christ became a revolutionary agitator and was never subjected to crucifixion. He assembled an army to overthrow the Roman Empire, and established a theocracy that has lasted until the twentieth century. He was killed by a crossbow while entering Rome, so the crossbow becomes a religious symbol similar to the cross in our time-line.
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