Welcome to Urban Monad 116. Reaching nearly two miles into the sky, the one thousand stories of this building are home to more than eight hundred thousand people living in peace and harmony. In the year 2381, with a world population of over seventy-five billion souls, the massive Urbmon system is high regulated; life is cherished, and the culture of procreation is seen as the highest pinnacle of god's plan. Conflict is abhorred, and any who disturb the peace face harsh punishment -- even being sent "down the chute" to be recycled as fertilizer. Jason Quevedo, a historian, searches records of the twentieth century hoping to find the root of his discontent with the perfection of Urbmon life. Siegmund Kluver, a young and ambitious administrator, strives to reach the top levels of the Urbmon's government and discovers the civilization's dark truths. Mark Statler, a computer engineer, harbors a forbidden desire. He dreams of leaving the building -- of walking in the open air and visiting the far-off sea. This is a dream he must keep secret. If anyone were to find out, he'd face the worst punishment imaginable. The World Inside is a fascinating exploration of society and what makes us human, told by a master of speculative fiction. 6th place, 1972 Locus Poll Award, Best SF Novel. This novel consists of a number of shorter works linked together. Fixup of the following stories: All the Way Up, All the Way Down (1971), We Are Well Organized (1970). The Throwbacks (1970), The World Outside (1970), A Happy Day in 2381 (1970), and In the Beginning (1970). Exclusive hardcover reprint of Orb trade paperback., ISBN13: 9781616644093 ISBN10: 1616644095 Material Type: hardcover

Robert Silverberg