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(35.9 M)64Kbps MP3 ZIP
![[Public Domain]](http://creativecommons.org/images/public/norights.gif "[Public Domain]")
LibriVox recording of The Machine Stops, by E.M. Forster. Read by Jerome Lawsen.
Published in 1909, this science fiction short story takes place in a future where mankind, seemingly no longer able to survive on earth's surface, exists in a vast underground civilization known as "The Machine". Each individual lives in an isolated, fully-automated cell-like room, connected to global information and communication systems, but cut off from all direct experience. The narrative focuses on Vashti, an "advanced" mother whose total dependence upon The Machine has led her (like most others) to increasingly reverence and even worship it; and her "untechnological" son, Kuno, who has begun to deny The Machine's omnipotence and even seeks to escape if possible. Kuno's radical views are validated as the The Machine's systems begin to malfunction and eventually fail completely.
The story has proved to be far ahead of its time, with remarkably accurate predictions of modern technologies, and paints a chilling picture of over-dependence on them. This recording marks the 100th anniversary of the original publishing. (Summary by Jerome Lawsen)
M4B audiobook of complete book
For more free audio books or to become a volunteer reader, visit LibriVox.org.
This audio is part of the collection: The LibriVox Free Audiobook Collection
It also belongs to collections: Audio Books & Poetry; Community Audio
Artist/Composer: E. M. Forster
Date: 2009-04-25
Source: Librivox recording of a public-domain text
Keywords: Science fiction; sci-fi; short stories; literature; Librivox; audiobook; E. M. Forster
Creative Commons license: Public Domain
| Whole Item | Format | Size |
| machine_stops_0904_librivox_128kb.m3u | 128kbps M3U | Stream |
| machine_stops_0904_librivox_64kb_mp3.zip | 64Kbps MP3 ZIP | 35.9 MB |
| Audio Files | 128Kbps MP3 | Ogg Vorbis | 64Kbps MP3 |
| 01 - The Air-Ship |
26.6 MB
|
18.2 MB
|
13.3 MB
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| 02 - The Mending Apparatus |
23.1 MB
|
15.6 MB
|
11.5 MB
|
| 03 - The Homeless |
22.1 MB
|
15.1 MB
|
11.1 MB
|
| Information | Format | Size |
| machine_stops_0904_librivox_files.xml | Metadata | [file] |
| machine_stops_0904_librivox_meta.xml | Metadata | 2.4 KB |
| machine_stops_0904_librivox_reviews.xml | Metadata | 1.8 KB |
| Other Files | Unknown | ItemBitTorrent |
| machine_stops_0904_librivox.json |
3.5 KB
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| machine_stops_0904_librivox_files.xml |
3.0 KB
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Reviewer:
mikezane -
Subject:
Interesting story
Humans have become dependent on technology and have given themselves completely to it. What happens when that technology ceases to function?
Thought provoking and sad, I had to listen to a humorous story after this one, but it was still good. Reader is excellent.
Reviewer:
Granita To Go -
Subject:
Is this my life?
In the beginning there is a little (maybe at the most 5 feet tall) lady sitting in front of a machine (computer). She is pale and hardly ever communicates with anyone outside her cell.
!!!
I enjoyed hearing this story very much. The read is 5 star!
Reviewer:
notmyname -
Subject:
Interesting story, good recording
An odd little cautionary tale about a mechanized world where everyone is constantly in communication, but no one ever talks face to face or uses their bodies. In a way it feels like it could have been written yesterday by a cranky technophobe. I found it a little slow and occasionally preachy, but a few bits of biting satire made up for that. Well read, with good sound quality.
