영어로 읽는 고전 _ 할런 엘리슨의 피터 머튼의 비밀 조폐소
할런 엘리슨의 "피터 머튼의 비밀 조폐소"는 20세기 중반을 배경으로 한 과학소설입니다. 이 작품은 사무실 금고에서 상당한 금액이 도난당한 후 재정적 파탄에 직면한 젊은 임원 피터 머튼을 중심으로 전개됩니다. 이야기는 행운, 발견, 그리고 야심의 결과라는 주제들을 탐구하며, 시간여행과 역사적 문서를 현대 화폐와 교환하는 반전을 포함합니다.
줄거리에서 피터 머튼은 30세기 지구 역사조사국의 일원인 롤라스 구엘프가 미래에서 보낸 이상한 통신문을 발견합니다. 이 메시지는 역사적 유물과 교환하여 시간을 통해 물건들을 전송하는 방법을 밝혀줍니다. 머튼이 이러한 교환에 참여하면서 그의 재산은 급속히 늘어나지만, 부정행위를 의심하는 미국 재무부의 주의를 의도치 않게 끌게 됩니다. 머튼이 화폐 위조 계획으로 보이는 일로 심각한 결과에 직면하려는 순간, 혼란스러운 사건의 전개는 진실이 소설보다 더 기이하다는 것을 드러내며, 도난당한 돈과 물건들이 원래의 시대로 돌아가는 혼선을 포함합니다. 궁극적으로 이 이야기는 탐욕과 기회가 가져오는 복잡성과 함께 유머, 흥미진진함, 그리고 복잡함의 균형을 맞춥니다.
Classics Read in English _ Peter Merton's private mint by Harlan Ellison
Harlan Ellison's "Peter Merton's Private Mint" is a science fiction story set during the mid-20th century. The narrative centers on Peter Merton, a young corporate executive who confronts financial catastrophe after a significant amount of money is stolen from his office safe. The story examines themes of fortune, discovery, and the ramifications of ambition, featuring a twist that involves time travel and the trading of historical documents for contemporary currency.
In the storyline, Peter Merton stumbles upon an unusual communication from the future, transmitted by Rolath Guelph, a member of the Thirtieth Century's Terrestrial Bureau of Historical Investigation. The message discloses a technique for transporting objects through time in exchange for historical artifacts. As Merton participates in these exchanges, his wealth accumulates rapidly, but this inadvertently draws the scrutiny of the U.S. Treasury, who suspect fraudulent activity. Just when Merton appears destined to face severe repercussions for what seems to be a currency counterfeiting operation, a tumultuous series of events reveals that reality surpasses fiction in its strangeness, involving confusion with stolen funds and items being restored to their proper temporal origins. The story ultimately achieves a balance of humor, suspense, and the intricate complications that arise from avarice and opportunity.
Among the contents
Peter Merton sat at his desk after the District Attorney's men left, and put his head in his hands. He was still sitting that way when Miss Irene Simmons came in.
"Here's the rest of the morning's mail, Mr. Merton," she said.
Merton didn't even look up. He was a young, good looking man in his late twenties, the type known as a "rising young executive"?possibly because that's exactly what he was. But he did not look young this morning. His interview with the D.A. had added years to his appearance. He felt old and haggard.
"Just put them on the desk," he said. His voice sounded tired.
She put the letters on the desk, but when she didn't leave immediately, Peter Merton looked up.
Irene Simmons was an average-sized girl with golden-brown hair, large blue eyes, a full, red mouth, and a lush figure.
