In the year 2114, Allen Purcell heads his own private research agency in Newer York. Ever since the late 20th century revolution headed by Major Jules Streiter, society has been run by the principles of "Morec" (Moral Reclamation). Most of Allen's work supports Telemedia, the government agency that controls all media communications, according to Morec. When the director of Telemedia announces his retirement, Allen is tapped as the replacement, but Allen has discovered gaps in his memory and evidence that he has been "japing" (which in his industry's terms means parodying, or making fun of a stale theme) some of the pillars of his society, such as Streiter and Telemedia itself. He may be turning into a "noose" (neuro-psychiatric case), so he seeks treatment while trying to keep it a secret from his new bosses. This is one of Dick's simpler but better early novels, first published in 1956.
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The review of this Book prepared by David Loftus
Allen Purcell is comfortably placed in a strict, humourless, bland, extremely moralistic society. Everything seems to be going his way; a long-term lease, the head of a successful company, a promotion in the works. Deep in his subconcious, however, a sense of humour is struggling to break free.
The review of this Book prepared by Robert Hadley