The Cosmic Computer
Publisher: Standard Ebooks
Published: 2017
Language: eng
Subjects: Science fiction
Description: <p><i>The Cosmic Computer</i> is a 1963 science fiction novel by <a href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/h-beam-piper"><abbr>H.</abbr> Beam Piper</a> based on his short story “Graveyard of Dreams,” which was published in the February 1958 issue of <i>Galaxy Magazine</i>.</p>
			<p>The action largely takes place on the planet Poictesme, which is full of abandoned military installations and equipment—hence the novel’s original name, <i>Junkyard Planet</i>. Young Conn Maxwell returns from Earth with long-awaited news about Merlin, a military computer with god-like abilities long rumored to be hidden somewhere on Poictesme. Though convinced that the story is just a myth, Conn and his father use the purported search for Merlin to drive the revitalization of the planet’s economy. In the process, they discover far more than they expected.</p>
			<p>As was typical for science fiction novels of the pulp era, there is little character development and women play a minor role, with romance given only a token treatment. The emphasis is on the conflicts over the spoils of the planet and the fiercely competitive search for the titular “cosmic computer.”</p>