The Sling and the Stone

"The Sling and the Stone" by Michael Shaara is a science fiction narrative likely written in the early 1950s. The book explores themes of warfare, space exploration, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in the context of military power. It delves into the psyche of a scientist caught in a high-stakes situation where his expertise could potentially lead to cataclysmic events. In the story, we follow Pyotr Diavilev, a Russian scientist brought aboard a new space station, where he discovers his role in a frightening plan involving the manipulation of a newly identified moonlet. As he grapples with the implications of turning this celestial body into a weapon of mass destruction against America, he experiences a transformation in his understanding of power and morality. Ultimately, Diavilev's internal struggle culminates in a fateful choice, leading to a dramatic confrontation with the ruthless intentions of the military leadership. The narrative juxtaposes the vastness of space with the destructive potential of human ambition, presenting a thought-provoking commentary on the consequences of scientific advancement and militarism. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Michael Shaara was an American author of science fiction, sports fiction, and historical fiction. He was born to an Italian immigrant father in Jersey City, New Jersey, graduated in 1951 from Rutgers University, where he joined Theta Chi, and served as a sergeant in the 82nd Airborne Division prior to the Korean War.