Project Gutenberg
2016-03-11
Public domain in the USA.
200
Newman, Louis
Newmann, Louis
Wood, Wallace
1927
1981
Wood, Wally
License to Steal
Produced from Galaxy Magazine August 1959
Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
"License to Steal" by Louis Newman is a satirical science fiction tale published in the late 1950s. The narrative explores the humorous complications of intergalactic law through the story of Skrrgck, a native of a planet where theft is deemed honorable, as he navigates the legalities of doing business on Earth, where the same actions are criminal. The book cleverly examines themes of cultural differences, legal absurdities, and the ramifications of actions influenced by societal norms. The plot centers around Skrrgck's request for a "license to steal" in Chicago, which leads to a series of absurd legal proceedings after he mistakenly believes he has the right to steal according to local customs. Following a convoluted journey that includes theft of a major building and its occupants, the story unfolds to showcase the chaos that ensues in both legal and social spheres. Through his escapades, Skrrgck inadvertently becomes a hero in his home planet of Altair after stealing the Altairian Crown Jewels, ultimately navigating the complexities of interstellar law and politics. His rise to power as Premier leads to a striking conclusion where he enacts legislation against theft, humorously flipping the script on his origins and the very nature of his character. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Reading ease score: 54.0 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
en
Science fiction
Short stories
Extraterrestrial beings -- Fiction
Chicago (Ill.) -- Fiction
Legal stories
Human-alien encounters -- Fiction
Theft -- Fiction
PS
Text
Science Fiction
Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
Category: Humour
Category: Novels
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