About the book
Player Piano is the debut novel from one of history's most innovative authors, published on Vonnegut's 100th birthday.
In Player Piano, the first of Vonnegut's wildly funny and deadly serious novels, automata have dramatically reduced the need for America's work force. Ten years after the introduction of these robot labourers, the only people still working are the engineers and their managers, who live in Ilium; everyone else lives in Homestead, an impoverished part of town characterised by purposelessness and mass produced houses.
Paul Proteus is the manager of Ilium Works. While grateful to be held in high regard, Paul begins to feel uneasy about his position - especially after a trip to Homestead. Eventually, Paul makes the decision to rebel against all he's been given, inciting seismic repercussions...
'His black logic...gives us something to laugh about and much to fear' New York Times Book Review
Watch the documentary about his life - Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time - on Prime
Editions of Player Piano
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781784876715
- EBook
- ISBN 9781473582392
Read an Excerpt
Player Piano is the debut novel from one of history's most innovative authors, published on Vonnegut's 100th birthday.
In Player Piano, the first of Vonnegut's wildly funny and deadly serious novels, automata have dramatically reduced the need for America's work force. Ten years after the introduction of these robot labourers, the only people still working are the engineers and their managers, who live in Ilium; everyone else lives in Homestead, an impoverished part of town characterised by purposelessness and mass produced houses.
Paul Proteus is the manager of Ilium Works. While grateful to be held in high regard, Paul begins to feel uneasy about his position - especially after a trip to Homestead. Eventually, Paul makes the decision to rebel against all he's been given, inciting seismic repercussions...
'His black logic...gives us something to laugh about and much to fear' New York Times Book Review
Watch the documentary about his life - Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time - on Prime
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Player Piano about?
Player Piano is the debut novel from one of history's most innovative authors, published on Vonnegut's 100th birthday.
In Player Piano, the first of Vonnegut's wildly funny and deadly serious novels, automata have dramatically reduced the need for America's work force. Ten years after the introduction of these robot labourers, the only people still working are the engineers and their managers, who live in Ilium; everyone else lives in Homestead, an impoverished part of town characterised by purposelessness and mass produced houses.
Paul Proteus is the manager of Ilium Works. While grateful to be held in high regard, Paul begins to feel uneasy about his position - especially after a trip to Homestead. Eventually, Paul makes the decision to rebel against all he's been given, inciting seismic repercussions...
'His black logic...gives us something to laugh about and much to fear' New York Times Book Review
Watch the documentary about his life - Kurt Vonnegut: Unstuck in Time - on Prime
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Player Piano?
Fiction > Science fiction > Science fiction: near future > Science fiction: cyberpunk / biopunk
Where can I read a sample of Player Piano?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781784876715
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Player Piano?
Kurt Vonnegut
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Player Piano is available as paperback(ISBN 9781784876715) and ebook(ISBN 9781473582392)
Where can I buy Player Piano online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Player Piano from below
Where can I buy Player Piano?