The Maiden Voyage of Petrus van Stijn: A Novel

by Michael Charles Tobias

Overview

Petrus van Stijn’s world is besieged by two prime engines of destruction: massive geomagnetic storms caused by unprecedented solar storms – protracted coronal mass ejections (CME), and climate change wreaking unprecedented, but predictable collapse of the Antarctic ice shelves. Petrus has other problems to contend with, like surviving on a floating archipelago of ice, and then walking 2200 kilometers through a post-Apocalyptic world. At the same time, Petrus will discover something of a true social and biological paradise. Herein lies the paradox of a world where one species – ours – is facing extinction, while others – many genetically re-engineered – are enjoying a biodiversity renaissance.

With a Foreword by William Shatner, this provocative, lyrical, deeply philosophical work of fiction explores the ethical limits of science and technology, and the future of all life on earth.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9783030976859
Publisher:	Springer International Publishing
Publication date:	05/05/2022
Edition description:	1st ed. 2022
Pages:	197
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.25(h) x (d)

About the Author

Michael Charles Tobias is a global ecologist, anthropologist, historian, explorer, prolific author and filmmaker. He obtained his Ph.D.in the Department of History of Consciousness from the University of California-Santa Cruz, and has conducted ecological field research in some 100 countries, on every continent. The author of over 60 books (both non-fiction and fiction) and hundreds of papers, he has in addition written, directed and/or produced countless films - TV series, documentaries, and dramas mostly pertaining to environmental, cultural or scientific issues and themes. His works have been translated and/or viewed throughout the world. Tobias has been a professor on numerous faculties - from Dartmouth College to the University of California-Santa Barbara. Recipient of many awards, he received in 1996 the "Courage of Conscience" prize for his commitment to nature and non-violence. Dr. Tobias is the long-time President of the Dancing Star Foundation, which focuses on animalrights, biodiversity conservation and environmental education throughout the world.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1:doomsday shelfs.- Chapter 2:incoming storms.- Chapter 3:the beryllium-10 factor.- Chapter 4:absentis diebus quattuor.- Chapter 5:a clou within the frozen eyewall.- Chapter 6:doomed logistics.- Chapter 7:the evacuation attempt.- Chapter 8:lone.- Chapter 9:salvaging.- Chapter 10:the plight of the emperors.- Chapter 11:journeying.- Chapter 12:as the last continent vanishes.- Chapter 13:a floating archipelago.- Chapter 14:quantum ecodynamic substrates.- Chapter 15:looming equations for lost and found.- Chapter 16:gardens in the fog.- Chapter 17:the legacy of Thomas ralph merton.- Chapter 18:petrus discovers wonderland.- Chapter 19:in the morning.- Chapter 20:1400 miles to bruges.- Chapter 21:adventure in Extremadura.- Chapter 22:the French.- Chapter 23:affable landscapes.- Chapter 24:coming into focus.- Chapter 25:going home.- Chapter 26:a new life.- Chapter 27:rights of passage.- Chapter 28:the state of the world, cont..- Chapter 29:a stroll through town.- Chapter 30:the castle.- Chapter 31:acclimation.- Chapter 32:basics.- Chapter 33:the codex stefanus.- Chapter 34:the emergency beacon.- Chapter 35:the science of restraint.- Chapter 36:ethical choices and fine wine.- Chapter 37:something not human.- Chapter 38:and that night.- Chapter 39:that day.- Chapter 40:miracles.- Chapter 41:town crier.- Chapter 42:genes and molecules awry.- Chapter 44:leviathans.- Chapter 45:dinner with hans.- Chapter 46:the radio.- Chapter 47:the search for dulce.- Chapter 48:stranger memories.- Chapter 49:new world.- Chapter 50:coda.