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Lost Sci-Fi Series
Referent
Referent by Bradbury, Ray, 1920-2012; Napoli, Vincent, 1907-1981 [Illustrator] "Rediscover This Timeless Classic - The Ultimate MP3 Audiobook CD Experience!" Journey back in time and immerse yourself in a world of timeless stories with our classic MP3 Audiobook series. Why Dive into Our Classic Title MP3 Audiobook CDS? Historical This masterwork, has shaped literature, inspired countless adaptations, and touched the hearts of generations. Authentic Faithfully reproduced to capture the essence of the original publication. High Quality Narrated by a cutting-edge AI voice. Consistent AI narration ensures a consistent tone and pace throughout the book. There's no risk of the narrator becoming fatigued or any variations happening in the audio quality. Universal This MP3 CD is compatible with any device that supports MP3 playback - from vintage CD players to modern car stereos and computers Made in the Meticulously produced in a specialized duplication facility right here in the USA. Reacquaint yourself with the tales that have withstood the test of time and embark on a audible journey through literature's golden age! The text of this book is deemed to be in the public domain in the United States. Any use or redistribution of this item outside the United States is done at the user's own risk and liability.Listed
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First published January 1, 1948
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About the author
Ray Bradbury
2,559 books25.4k followersRay Douglas Bradbury was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.
Bradbury is best known for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950), The Illustrated Man (1951), and The October Country (1955). Other notable works include the coming of age novel Dandelion Wine (1957), the dark fantasy Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962) and the fictionalized memoir Green Shadows, White Whale (1992). He also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books. Bradbury also wrote poetry which has been published in several collections, such as They Have Not Seen the Stars (2001).
The New York Times called Bradbury "An author whose fanciful imagination, poetic prose, and mature understanding of human character have won him an international reputation" and "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream".
Bradbury is best known for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950), The Illustrated Man (1951), and The October Country (1955). Other notable works include the coming of age novel Dandelion Wine (1957), the dark fantasy Something Wicked This Way Comes (1962) and the fictionalized memoir Green Shadows, White Whale (1992). He also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books. Bradbury also wrote poetry which has been published in several collections, such as They Have Not Seen the Stars (2001).
The New York Times called Bradbury "An author whose fanciful imagination, poetic prose, and mature understanding of human character have won him an international reputation" and "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream".
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 13, 2025
Well it seems I have a minor degree in Semiotics. So I more or less understand part of the idea Ray Bradbury is making here.
To name an object, is to bring it into being.
Think John 1:1 and you will realize how old, and prevalent this idea is in the mythologies of many cultures.
So boy genius Roby is trying to escape the restrictions of his world, and escape into one of his own creation. One where the referents will cater to his own liking.
So he creates a simulacrum of himself, to take his place on the island, while he escapes into the freedom of space.
And thus he lives happily ever after.
I could be wrong here, but it's my theory, and I'm sticking with it.
My favorite lines in the story:
"...they were sucked down vacuum tubes halfway across the island....and...he was blown back underground and released through a seal in the wall..."
What a weird world boy genius Roby lives in.
To name an object, is to bring it into being.
Think John 1:1 and you will realize how old, and prevalent this idea is in the mythologies of many cultures.
So boy genius Roby is trying to escape the restrictions of his world, and escape into one of his own creation. One where the referents will cater to his own liking.
So he creates a simulacrum of himself, to take his place on the island, while he escapes into the freedom of space.
And thus he lives happily ever after.
I could be wrong here, but it's my theory, and I'm sticking with it.
My favorite lines in the story:
"...they were sucked down vacuum tubes halfway across the island....and...he was blown back underground and released through a seal in the wall..."
What a weird world boy genius Roby lives in.
June 1, 2025
An entertaining Ray Bradbury short story.
I’ve listened to several of Ray Bradbury’s short stories, when I saw Referent was available in Audible, I decided to give it a listen. I won’t say Referent is my favorite Ray Bradbury short story, but I will say it was entertaining, and it introduced me to Mark Bowen’s narration. I think Mr. Bowen’s story telling is what kept me engaged in the story.
I’ve listened to several of Ray Bradbury’s short stories, when I saw Referent was available in Audible, I decided to give it a listen. I won’t say Referent is my favorite Ray Bradbury short story, but I will say it was entertaining, and it introduced me to Mark Bowen’s narration. I think Mr. Bowen’s story telling is what kept me engaged in the story.
March 10, 2024
I like Ray Bradbury. One of my favorite authors. The beginning had an Enders Game kind of feel, but then got a little twist on it. I thought the boy was quite clever and (for a superior bring) the referent was pretty stupid. It was a fun short read.
March 30, 2024
Very good little twisty story. Narrated by BJ Harrison.
May 8, 2024
A prison-age boy tries to escape school.
January 3, 2025
Great narration. A thought-provoking tale of the lengths to which one will go to find freedom. There is some swearing. Reminiscent of his short story, All Summer in a Day.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews