{"product_id":"the-absolute-at-large-9780486834085","title":"The Absolute at Large","description":"\u003cp\u003e\"One of the genuine masterpieces of sci-fi.\" -- R. D. Mullen \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn this satirical and enduringly relevant work of science fiction, the acclaimed Czech author Karel Čapek offers a prescient fable of the benefits and dangers of atomic power. Originally published in 1922, the story is set in a then-futuristic Czechoslovakia of 1943, in which an inventor develops the Karburator, a device with the potential to provide abundant low-cost energy. But the reactor's exciting possibilities are shadowed by its dangerous side effect: instead of carbon dioxide, it emits the Absolute, a spiritual essence that inspires a powerful religious fervor. Greed triumphs over ethics as the inventor and his business partner proceed with mass production of the Karburator, resulting in simmering religious strife that ignites a world war.\u003cbr\u003eKarel Čapek is best known for popularizing the term \"robot\" in his play \u003ci\u003eR.U.R., \u003c\/i\u003e a seminal work of science fiction in which the robots are metaphors for a world dehumanized by social organization and technology. He offers another strikingly foresighted vision in \u003ci\u003eThe Absolute at Large, \u003c\/i\u003ewritten decades before global warming awareness yet predicting the catastrophic consequences of the unchecked pursuit of profit by business and industry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCzech writer Karel Čapek (1890-1938) is best known as the author of \u003ci\u003eR.U.R., \u003c\/i\u003e the play that popularized the term robot and a seminal work of science fiction. Ardently opposed to fascism and communism, Čapek was an active journalist as well as a versatile writer whose works encompassed novels, modern fairy tales, detective stories, and translations of French poetry.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Dover Publications","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50412565332242,"sku":"9780486834085","price":9.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_412bbe21-78e9-4c68-b36e-a5f7e4a432c0.jpg?v=1729317076","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/the-absolute-at-large-9780486834085","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}