The Truth and Other Stories

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This collection features twelve stories by science fiction master Stanisław Lem, with nine never before published in English. Only three of these stories have appeared in English previously, marking the first new fiction by Lem since the late 1980s. The stories showcase Lem's intense curiosity about scientific concepts and his sardonic view of human nature, presenting a diverse array of mad scientists. Many stories delve into themes of artificial intelligence and life forms, reflecting Lem's longstanding interests, while others explore eccentric theories of cosmology and evolution. All are thought-provoking and humorously incisive. Written between 1956 and 1993, the stories are arranged chronologically. In one tale, a scientist in an asylum theorizes that the sun is alive; another presents an account by an omnipotent being that ultimately reveals a surprising twist. Other narratives include a computer predicting the future by 137 seconds, matter-destroying spores, a hunt for a robot, and an electronic brain eager to escape. These stories epitomize Lem's exploration of ideas and themes that resonate throughout his work.