The Amateurs by Alan Cogan

Read now or download (free!)

Choose how to read this book Url Size
Read online (web) https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51081.html.images 43 kB
EPUB3 (E-readers incl. Send-to-Kindle) https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51081.epub3.images 232 kB
EPUB (older E-readers) https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51081.epub.images 231 kB
EPUB (no images, older E-readers) https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51081.epub.noimages 83 kB
Kindle https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51081.kf8.images 265 kB
older Kindles https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51081.kindle.images 259 kB
Plain Text UTF-8 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51081.txt.utf-8 37 kB
Download HTML (zip) https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/51081/pg51081-h.zip 210 kB
There may be more files related to this item.

About this eBook

Author Cogan, Alan
Illustrator Diehl
Title The Amateurs
Note Reading ease score: 85.5 (6th grade). Easy to read.
Credits Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
Summary "The Amateurs" by Alan Cogan is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century. Set in a future speculative society, the narrative delves into the controversial concept of euthanasia within a luxurious facility known as Sunnylands Palace, where guests can choose how they want to die. The story explores themes of choice, dignity, and the darker aspects of human nature. The plot centers on Mr. Sims, a man forced into the Sunnylands program by his doctor due to a supposed heart condition that renders him a burden to society. As he meets with the director, Mr. Hoode, he learns about various extravagant and theatrical methods available for ending one's life—options that range from dying in battle to facing wild animals. However, Mr. Sims's choice is simple: he opts for a dignified death reminiscent of Socrates. The story takes a dark turn when Mr. Sims discovers his family’s ulterior motives, ultimately leading to a violent betrayal by his envious relatives. The narrative culminates in a stark commentary on the nature of humanity and the concept of a "proper" death, leaving readers to ponder the ethical implications buried within the facade of choice. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PS: Language and Literatures: American and Canadian literature
Subject Science fiction
Subject Short stories
Subject Death -- Fiction
Category Text
EBook-No. 51081
Release Date
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
Downloads 88 downloads in the last 30 days.
Project Gutenberg eBooks are always free!