The Sentimental Agents in the Volyen Empire
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| The Sentimental Agents in the Volyen Empire | |
 US first edition cover (Alfred A. Knopf) |
|
| Author | Doris Lessing |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | Canopus in Argos |
| Genre(s) | Science fiction novel |
| Publisher | Alfred A. Knopf |
| Publication date | 1983 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover) |
| Pages | 178 |
| ISBN | 0-394-52968-5 |
| Preceded by | The Making of the Representative for Planet 8 |
| Followed by | – |
The Sentimental Agents in the Volyen Empire is one of a set of unconventional science fiction novels written by Nobel Prize-winner Doris Lessing. They are linked by the name Canopus in Argos, but each is a story in its own right and separate from the others. Themes and principles are very different from typical space opera.[citation needed]
[edit] Plot summary
This story takes place in the Volyen Empire, a relatively weak interstellar empire that is being culturally influenced by the benevolent Canopeans. It is only loosely connected with the other Canopus in Argos tales. There is a brief appearance by evil inhabitants of Shammat, seen in Shikasta as the main source of Earth's sufferings. Nothing decisive occurs, but historical determinist political rhetoric is greatly satirized, and it is suggested that the Canopeans can in time convert even Shammat to their way of thinking.
