WeRead Powered by ReaderPub
The Big Idea cover

The Big Idea

By Ray Cummings
Open in WeRead

About This Book

A young coal miner struggles between inherited, demanding labor and a private imagination of larger achievements. During a workday he anticipates and takes a walk with his girlfriend, reflecting on the claustrophobic routine of the shaft, the silence that fuels his dreams, and the contrast of open countryside. He reads about industry and invention and confides these ambitions to the woman who encourages him. The narrative contrasts physical toil and limited prospects with youthful aspiration, exploring longing, domestic ties, and the desire to translate private dreams into public success.

About the Author

Cummings, Ray portrait

Ray Cummings

Ray Cummings was an American science fiction writer known for his imaginative storytelling and pioneering contributions to the genre. Active primarily in the early to mid-20th century, he produced a significant body of work that includes notable titles such as "A Brand New World" and "Brigands of the Moon." Cummings often explored themes of space travel and the future, reflecting the technological optimism of his time. His works frequently featured adventurous plots and inventive concepts, making him a prominent figure in early science fiction literature. Cummings' stories continue to resonate with fans of the genre, showcasing his creativity and vision.

More Books by This Author

6 picks
A brand new world cover A brand new world by Ray Cummings An Art Shop in Greenwich Village cover An Art Shop in Greenwich Village by Ray Cummings Beyond the stars cover Beyond the stars by Ray Cummings Beyond the Vanishing Point cover Beyond the Vanishing Point by Ray Cummings Brigands of the Moon cover Brigands of the Moon by Ray Cummings Explorers into infinity cover Explorers into infinity by Ray Cummings