The Unlearned By: Raymond F. Jones (1915-1994)
Raymond F. Jones weaves a fascinating tale in "The Unlearned," a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores humanity's relationship with knowledge and the consequences of an information-dependent society. The story is set in a distant future where a select few individuals hold access to all accumulated knowledge, granting them immense power and influence. The protagonist, Dr. Kip Cameron, is a gifted archaeologist burdened with a mysterious secret. As he tries to find his place in this knowledge-driven world, he becomes entangled in a web of intrigue and discovers shocking truths about the nature of knowledge itself. Jones excels at crafting a well-rounded and relatable protagonist in Dr. Cameron. His journey from disillusionment to self-discovery is engaging, as he grapples with the weight of his secret and questions the true value of knowledge. The author develops Cameron's character skilfully, portraying his emotional struggles and growth throughout the narrative. This connection with the protagonist adds depth and substance to the story, making it easy for readers to invest themselves in his journey. The world-building in "The Unlearned" is commendable, as Jones paints a vivid and intricate picture of a society entirely dependent on accumulated knowledge. The author's attention to detail immerses the reader in this dystopian future, where knowledge is both a source of power and a tool for oppression. The concept of an exclusive group controlling all knowledge raises ethical questions, highlighting the dangers of intellectual elitism and the potential for abuse. Jones explores these themes thoughtfully, prompting readers to reflect on the role of information in their own lives. Furthermore, the pacing of the plot is well-executed, with a balance between action-packed sequences and introspective moments. The story moves forward steadily, peppered with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged. Each revelation builds upon the previous one, culminating in a satisfying climax that ties up loose ends while leaving room for interpretation. "The Unlearned" is not without its flaws, however. Certain aspects of the book, particularly the dialogue and secondary characters, could have been more fully developed. While the primary focus is on Dr. Cameron and his personal journey, some interactions and relationships feel rushed and lack the depth found in the protagonist's arc. Despite these minor shortcomings, "The Unlearned" is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of knowledge, power, and the human condition. Raymond F. Jones demonstrates his skill as a storyteller, blending scientific concepts with philosophical ponderings to create a narrative that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Fans of dystopian science fiction and those who enjoy pondering the nature of knowledge will find themselves engrossed in this captivating tale. First Page: THE UNLEARNED By Raymond F. Jones Illustrated by Ed Emsh [Transcriber Note: This etext was produced from IF Worlds of Science Fiction August 1954. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.] [Sidenote: The scientists of Rykeman III were conceded by all the galactic members to be supreme in scientific achievement. Now the Rykes were going to share their vast knowledge with the scientists of Earth. To any question they would supply an answer for a price. And Hockley, of all Earth's scientists, was the stubborn one who wanted to weigh the answers with the costs.... ] The Chief Officer of Scientific Services, Information and Coordination was a somewhat misleading and obscure title, and Dr. Sherman Hockley who held it was not the least of those whom the title misled and sometimes obscured. He told himself he was not a mere library administrator, although he was proud of the information files built up under his direction. They contained the essence of accumulated knowledge found to date on Earth and the extraterrestrial planets so far contacted. He didn't feel justified in claiming to be strictly a research supervisor, either, in spite of duties as top level administrator for all divisions of the National Standardization and Research Laboratories and their subsidiaries in government, industry, and education... Continue reading book >>

The Unlearned By: Raymond F. Jones (1915-1994)

Raymond F. Jones weaves a fascinating tale in "The Unlearned," a thought-provoking science fiction novel that explores humanity's relationship with knowledge and the consequences of an information-dependent society.

The story is set in a distant future where a select few individuals hold access to all accumulated knowledge, granting them immense power and influence. The protagonist, Dr. Kip Cameron, is a gifted archaeologist burdened with a mysterious secret. As he tries to find his place in this knowledge-driven world, he becomes entangled in a web of intrigue and discovers shocking truths about the nature of knowledge itself.

Jones excels at crafting a well-rounded and relatable protagonist in Dr. Cameron. His journey from disillusionment to self-discovery is engaging, as he grapples with the weight of his secret and questions the true value of knowledge. The author develops Cameron's character skilfully, portraying his emotional struggles and growth throughout the narrative. This connection with the protagonist adds depth and substance to the story, making it easy for readers to invest themselves in his journey.

The world-building in "The Unlearned" is commendable, as Jones paints a vivid and intricate picture of a society entirely dependent on accumulated knowledge. The author's attention to detail immerses the reader in this dystopian future, where knowledge is both a source of power and a tool for oppression. The concept of an exclusive group controlling all knowledge raises ethical questions, highlighting the dangers of intellectual elitism and the potential for abuse. Jones explores these themes thoughtfully, prompting readers to reflect on the role of information in their own lives.

Furthermore, the pacing of the plot is well-executed, with a balance between action-packed sequences and introspective moments. The story moves forward steadily, peppered with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged. Each revelation builds upon the previous one, culminating in a satisfying climax that ties up loose ends while leaving room for interpretation.

"The Unlearned" is not without its flaws, however. Certain aspects of the book, particularly the dialogue and secondary characters, could have been more fully developed. While the primary focus is on Dr. Cameron and his personal journey, some interactions and relationships feel rushed and lack the depth found in the protagonist's arc.

Despite these minor shortcomings, "The Unlearned" is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of knowledge, power, and the human condition. Raymond F. Jones demonstrates his skill as a storyteller, blending scientific concepts with philosophical ponderings to create a narrative that lingers in the mind long after the final page. Fans of dystopian science fiction and those who enjoy pondering the nature of knowledge will find themselves engrossed in this captivating tale.

First Page:

THE UNLEARNED

By Raymond F. Jones

Illustrated by Ed Emsh

[Transcriber Note: This etext was produced from IF Worlds of Science Fiction August 1954. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.]

[Sidenote: The scientists of Rykeman III were conceded by all the galactic members to be supreme in scientific achievement. Now the Rykes were going to share their vast knowledge with the scientists of Earth. To any question they would supply an answer for a price. And Hockley, of all Earth's scientists, was the stubborn one who wanted to weigh the answers with the costs.... ]

The Chief Officer of Scientific Services, Information and Coordination was a somewhat misleading and obscure title, and Dr. Sherman Hockley who held it was not the least of those whom the title misled and sometimes obscured.

He told himself he was not a mere library administrator, although he was proud of the information files built up under his direction. They contained the essence of accumulated knowledge found to date on Earth and the extraterrestrial planets so far contacted. He didn't feel justified in claiming to be strictly a research supervisor, either, in spite of duties as top level administrator for all divisions of the National Standardization and Research Laboratories and their subsidiaries in government, industry, and education... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Literature
Science

eBook links
Wikipedia – Raymond F. Jones
Wikipedia – The Unlearned

eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook • iBooks for iPhone and iPad • Nook • Sony Reader	Kindle eBook • Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook • Load eBook in browser	Text File eBook • Computers • Windows • Mac