The Far Side of Evil - Softcover
Please note: Although this book has the same heroine as the author's Newbery Honor book Enchantress from the Stars, it is completely independent and is intended for older readers, high school age and adults. The 2003 reissue is an updated edition and should be read in preference to earlier editions.
On completion of her training as an agent of the interstellar federation's Anthropological Service, Elana is sent to a world whose people may soon destroy their civilization. Since not enough is understood about the situation to justify any interference with their evolution, the Service has no power to act; its agents must go as helpless observers, posing as natives, in the hope of gaining knowledge that may help to save other worlds. This passive role proves intolerable to the young, inexperienced agent assigned to the same city as Elana, a city under totalitarian rule. After falling in love with a local girl who has become Elana's closest friend, he identifies too completely with the natives and unwittingly endangers the entire world by a well-meant but ill-advised attempt to intervene. Forced to assume responsibility for undoing the damage, Elana finds that only she--at great cost--can prevent an immediate war of annihilation.
On completion of her training as an agent of the interstellar federation's Anthropological Service, Elana is sent to a world whose people may soon destroy their civilization. Since not enough is understood about the situation to justify any interference with their evolution, the Service has no power to act; its agents must go as helpless observers, posing as natives, in the hope of gaining knowledge that may help to save other worlds. This passive role proves intolerable to the young, inexperienced agent assigned to the same city as Elana, a city under totalitarian rule. After falling in love with a local girl who has become Elana's closest friend, he identifies too completely with the natives and unwittingly endangers the entire world by a well-meant but ill-advised attempt to intervene. Forced to assume responsibility for undoing the damage, Elana finds that only she--at great cost--can prevent an immediate war of annihilation.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From the Author:
A new hardcover edition of this novel was published in 2003, with a paperback in 2005. Though it's related to Enchantress from the Stars because it has the same heroine, it's a completely different story and is not intended for readers below teenage. Some minor revisions were made, mainly to bring its comments about space up to date, and these have a significant effect on its timeliness--so if you want to read it be sure to get the new edition.
About the Author:
Sylvia Louise Engdahl is the author of six novels published between 1970 and 1981, of which Enchantress from the Stars was the first. It was awarded a Newbery Honor in 1971, and the "Phoenix Award" in 1990. Ms. Engdahl currently resides in Eugene, Oregon.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherCollier Books
- Publication date1989
- ISBN 10 0020430418
- ISBN 13 9780020430414
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages288
- Rating
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The Far Side of Evil
Published by
Collier Books
(1989)
ISBN 10: 0020430418
ISBN 13: 9780020430414
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Paperback
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Book Description Paperback. Condition: Very Good. Unmarked paperback drawings by Richard Cuffari. Seller Inventory # 080216
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