The Edge of the Knife

The Terro-Human Future History is Piper's detailed account of the next 6000 years of human history. 1942, the year the first fission reactor was constructed, is defined as the year 1 A.E. (Atomic Era). In 1973, a nuclear war devastates the planet, eventually laying the groundwork for the emergence of a Terran Federation, once humanity goes into space and develops antigravity technology.

The story "The Edge of the Knife" (collected in Empire) occurs slightly before the war, and involves a man who sees flashes of the future. It links many key elements of Piper's series. (Summary from Wikipedia) (1 hr 48 min)

Chapters

Part 01	18:57	Read by jfmarchini
Part 02	18:27	Read by jfmarchini
Part 03	15:04	Read by jfmarchini
Part 04	16:00	Read by jfmarchini
Part 05	21:58	Read by jfmarchini
Part 06	17:56	Read by jfmarchini

Reviews

Edge of the Knife

(4 stars)

jollyrogered

I really enjoyed the ending, although, as with most of H. Beam Piper's books I wish it could've been longer. The reading was well done, but it would have been better if the sound had been amplified a bit. It was hard to play it loudly over my laptop speakers.

Rod Sterling eat your heart out

(4.5 stars)

Juan Morris

Ended kind of like a Twilight Zone episode. Leaves you wanting for more. But for that, it'd merit 5★s. Were it not that Mr Piper is gone, Someone should have gone all 'Misery' on him, and make him finish.

great story, interesting concept

(4 stars)

Akku

I very much enjoyed this story, I guess the reader is maybe a little new to this as the first part seemed stilted and the audio quality wasn’t great. I nearly gave it up but I am glad I didn’t as the reading gets into its stride and the audio is better as the story moves on. It’s quite a gripping tale

I like this story

(4 stars)

mikezane

Imagine if you could see the future. What would you do with that knowledge? What if no one believed you? These questions are examined (briefly!) in this short story. I'd like to see it made into a movie, its very compelling. Reading was also very good.

(4.5 stars)

Enjoyed the story and the reading!

Enjoyed the story and the reading!!! Yes, the quality is not the best but the reader does voices masterfully! The story itself is unusual, allows you to put yourself into the main heroes shoes. Like others I wish it continued.

fascinating

(4 stars)

DougJ

A historian who sees the future, what a great twist. So interesting this could be one chapter in a larger book. The reader's speaking is fine, but the recording quality diminishes his performance.