"The Shrines of Earth"
by Robert Silverberg
Form: Short story
Year: 1957
ID: 1020
Publication history:
- 1957: Astounding Science Fiction November 1957, Magazine
- 1972: The Reality Trip and Other Implausibilities, Ballantine Mass market paperback, ISBN 345-02548-2, 210 pp.
- 1979: Needle in a Timestack [2nd Version], Sphere Mass market paperback, 149 pp.
- 1985: Needle in a Timestack [2nd Version], Ace Mass market paperback, ISBN 0-441-56872-6, 180 pp.
Other resources:
[None on record]
Comments:
Earth has spawned three colonies on distant planets: Columbia (founded by Americans), Novaya Ruthenya (founded by Russians), and New Gallia (founded by the French). The motherworld has degenerated into a powerless planet of poets, musicians, and scientists, completely unable to defend itself from the impending invasion by the ruthless Hrossai. But one ancient skill the Earthmen have not lost is that of intrigue, and therein lies their hope.