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The Shockwave Rider

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description The Shockwave Rider Overview

The Shockwave Rider is a 1975 science fiction novel by British author John Brunner. The title references Alvin Toffler's nonfiction work Future Shock, and the narrative follows a fugitive in a near-future society where individuals are tracked through pervasive networked data systems. The novel is widely credited with anticipating the concept of self-propagating computer programs, later known as computer worms, years before they appeared in reality. It explores themes of social stratification, corporate and governmental control, and individual resistance within an interconnected society.

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Who wrote the novel 'The Shockwave Rider'?

'The Shockwave Rider' is a 1975 science fiction novel written by British author John Brunner. It is widely considered a foundational text in the cyberpunk genre. Brunner was heavily influenced by sociological trends and non-fiction works of the era.

What famous nonfiction book inspired the title of 'The Shockwave Rider'?

The title is a direct reference to Alvin Toffler's nonfiction book 'Future Shock', which was published in 1970. Brunner incorporated Toffler's concepts of rapid technological change into his novel's narrative. The protagonist uses a computer network to stay ahead of this societal 'shockwave.'

What year was 'The Shockwave Rider' published?

The novel was published in 1975. It predates the internet as we know it, yet remarkably predicts concepts like computer hacking, viruses, and networked data systems. It won the British Science Fiction Award.

What is the main character in 'The Shockwave Rider' trying to escape?

The narrative follows a fugitive living in a near-future society where individuals are tracked through pervasive networked data systems. The protagonist constantly changes his identity to evade government surveillance. He uses his hacking skills to survive in a corporate-controlled dystopia.

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