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Piper in the Woods: A Collection of Science Fiction
Philip Kindred Dick was an American novelist, short story writer, and essayist in the science fiction genre. Dick explored sociological, political and metaphysical themes in novels dominated by monopolistic corporations, authoritarian governments, and altered states.
In his later works, Dick's thematic focus strongly reflected his personal interest in metaphysics and theology. He often drew upon his own life experiences and addressed the nature of drug abuse, paranoia and schizophrenia, and transcendental experiences in both his short fiction and novels.
This collection brings together 11 rare short stories and novellas culled from premier editions of such classic magazines as "Amazing Stories," "If," "Galaxy" and "Planets."
Piper in the Woods
The Variable Man
Beyond the Door
The Crystal Crypt
The Defenders
The Gun
The Skull
The Eyes Have It
Second Variety
Beyond Lies the Wub
Mr. Spaceship
In his later works, Dick's thematic focus strongly reflected his personal interest in metaphysics and theology. He often drew upon his own life experiences and addressed the nature of drug abuse, paranoia and schizophrenia, and transcendental experiences in both his short fiction and novels.
This collection brings together 11 rare short stories and novellas culled from premier editions of such classic magazines as "Amazing Stories," "If," "Galaxy" and "Planets."
Piper in the Woods
The Variable Man
Beyond the Door
The Crystal Crypt
The Defenders
The Gun
The Skull
The Eyes Have It
Second Variety
Beyond Lies the Wub
Mr. Spaceship
Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1953
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393 people want to read
About the author
Philip K. Dick
1,996 books22.6k followersPhilip Kindred Dick was a prolific American science fiction author whose work has had a lasting impact on literature, cinema, and popular culture. Known for his imaginative narratives and profound philosophical themes, Dick explored the nature of reality, the boundaries of human identity, and the impact of technology and authoritarianism on society. His stories often blurred the line between the real and the artificial, challenging readers to question their perceptions and beliefs.
Raised in California, Dick began writing professionally in the early 1950s, publishing short stories in various science fiction magazines. He quickly developed a distinctive voice within the genre, marked by a fusion of science fiction concepts with deep existential and psychological inquiry. Over his career, he authored 44 novels and more than 100 short stories, many of which have become classics in the field.
Recurring themes in Dick's work include alternate realities, simulations, corporate and government control, mental illness, and the nature of consciousness. His protagonists are frequently everyday individuals—often paranoid, uncertain, or troubled—caught in surreal and often dangerous circumstances that force them to question their environment and themselves. Works such as Ubik, The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch, and A Scanner Darkly reflect his fascination with perception and altered states of consciousness, often drawing from his own experiences with mental health struggles and drug use.
One of Dick’s most influential novels is Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, which served as the basis for Ridley Scott’s iconic film Blade Runner. The novel deals with the distinction between humans and artificial beings and asks profound questions about empathy, identity, and what it means to be alive. Other adaptations of his work include Total Recall, Minority Report, A Scanner Darkly, and The Man in the High Castle, each reflecting key elements of his storytelling—uncertain realities, oppressive systems, and the search for truth. These adaptations have introduced his complex ideas to audiences well beyond the traditional readership of science fiction.
In the 1970s, Dick underwent a series of visionary and mystical experiences that had a significant influence on his later writings. He described receiving profound knowledge from an external, possibly divine, source and documented these events extensively in what became known as The Exegesis, a massive and often fragmented journal. These experiences inspired his later novels, most notably the VALIS trilogy, which mixes autobiography, theology, and metaphysics in a narrative that defies conventional structure and genre boundaries.
Throughout his life, Dick faced financial instability, health issues, and periods of personal turmoil, yet he remained a dedicated and relentless writer. Despite limited commercial success during his lifetime, his reputation grew steadily, and he came to be regarded as one of the most original voices in speculative fiction. His work has been celebrated for its ability to fuse philosophical depth with gripping storytelling and has influenced not only science fiction writers but also philosophers, filmmakers, and futurists.
Dick’s legacy continues to thrive in both literary and cinematic spheres. The themes he explored remain urgently relevant in the modern world, particularly as technology increasingly intersects with human identity and governance. The Philip K. Dick Award, named in his honor, is presented annually to distinguished works of science fiction published in paperback original form in the United States. His writings have also inspired television series, academic studies, and countless homages across media.
Through his vivid imagination and unflinching inquiry into the nature of existence, Philip K. Dick redefined what science fiction could achieve. His work continues to challenge and inspire, offering timeless insights into the human condition a
Raised in California, Dick began writing professionally in the early 1950s, publishing short stories in various science fiction magazines. He quickly developed a distinctive voice within the genre, marked by a fusion of science fiction concepts with deep existential and psychological inquiry. Over his career, he authored 44 novels and more than 100 short stories, many of which have become classics in the field.
Recurring themes in Dick's work include alternate realities, simulations, corporate and government control, mental illness, and the nature of consciousness. His protagonists are frequently everyday individuals—often paranoid, uncertain, or troubled—caught in surreal and often dangerous circumstances that force them to question their environment and themselves. Works such as Ubik, The Three Stigmata of Palmer Eldritch, and A Scanner Darkly reflect his fascination with perception and altered states of consciousness, often drawing from his own experiences with mental health struggles and drug use.
One of Dick’s most influential novels is Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, which served as the basis for Ridley Scott’s iconic film Blade Runner. The novel deals with the distinction between humans and artificial beings and asks profound questions about empathy, identity, and what it means to be alive. Other adaptations of his work include Total Recall, Minority Report, A Scanner Darkly, and The Man in the High Castle, each reflecting key elements of his storytelling—uncertain realities, oppressive systems, and the search for truth. These adaptations have introduced his complex ideas to audiences well beyond the traditional readership of science fiction.
In the 1970s, Dick underwent a series of visionary and mystical experiences that had a significant influence on his later writings. He described receiving profound knowledge from an external, possibly divine, source and documented these events extensively in what became known as The Exegesis, a massive and often fragmented journal. These experiences inspired his later novels, most notably the VALIS trilogy, which mixes autobiography, theology, and metaphysics in a narrative that defies conventional structure and genre boundaries.
Throughout his life, Dick faced financial instability, health issues, and periods of personal turmoil, yet he remained a dedicated and relentless writer. Despite limited commercial success during his lifetime, his reputation grew steadily, and he came to be regarded as one of the most original voices in speculative fiction. His work has been celebrated for its ability to fuse philosophical depth with gripping storytelling and has influenced not only science fiction writers but also philosophers, filmmakers, and futurists.
Dick’s legacy continues to thrive in both literary and cinematic spheres. The themes he explored remain urgently relevant in the modern world, particularly as technology increasingly intersects with human identity and governance. The Philip K. Dick Award, named in his honor, is presented annually to distinguished works of science fiction published in paperback original form in the United States. His writings have also inspired television series, academic studies, and countless homages across media.
Through his vivid imagination and unflinching inquiry into the nature of existence, Philip K. Dick redefined what science fiction could achieve. His work continues to challenge and inspire, offering timeless insights into the human condition a
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
October 5, 2022
Brilliant collection containing three of Dick's short stories.
Fast and easy to read, but not easy on the mind; an example of his writing skills for certain.
I particularly enjoyed the title story: Piper in the Woods. Though published 70 years ago, this resonated with me even more strongly today. "I'm a plant." Brilliant.
If you've considered this author, I'd suggest this is an interesting, very fast, place to begin. You won't find the stories to be too time consuming, and yet will have a flavor of his work, his approach, and why sci-fi spans quite a large spectrum. These are definitely Sci-Fi, but you might also find them to be borderline Speculative Fiction in the broadest sense.
Fast and easy to read, but not easy on the mind; an example of his writing skills for certain.
I particularly enjoyed the title story: Piper in the Woods. Though published 70 years ago, this resonated with me even more strongly today. "I'm a plant." Brilliant.
If you've considered this author, I'd suggest this is an interesting, very fast, place to begin. You won't find the stories to be too time consuming, and yet will have a flavor of his work, his approach, and why sci-fi spans quite a large spectrum. These are definitely Sci-Fi, but you might also find them to be borderline Speculative Fiction in the broadest sense.
February 14, 2020
This was a most excellent tale from PKD, in one sense you had a feel of what was going to happen, and yet in another it was still leaving you in wonder, it guided you through a beautiful science fiction tale and like a good story left you wanting more.
PKD #8
PKD #8
May 18, 2020
PKD
Piper in the Woods is a short story by master science fiction writer Philip K.Dick. Written early in his career, it possesses that “existence out of SYNCH” element that seems to be a hallmark of PkD’s story-telling.
Piper in the Woods is a short story by master science fiction writer Philip K.Dick. Written early in his career, it possesses that “existence out of SYNCH” element that seems to be a hallmark of PkD’s story-telling.
December 23, 2020
Entertaining 😀 reading
An excellently written Science Fiction novella with interesting will developed characters. The story line is fast moving towards the unexpected conclusion. I would recommend to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy ☺️ reading 2020
An excellently written Science Fiction novella with interesting will developed characters. The story line is fast moving towards the unexpected conclusion. I would recommend to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy ☺️ reading 2020
April 26, 2024
En un futuro remoto, un grupo de humanos comienzan a percibirse y comportarse como plantas luego de una excursión a un planeta en exploración. Muy interesante idea filosófica sobre las responsabilidades, el trabajo, la socialización, las ambiciones y las imposiciones sociales.
July 31, 2025
a nice little set of short stories!! piper in the woods was funny and absurdist, an EXCELLENT short story. the gun was fine, but maybe only 3 stars. i enjoyed the skull, but it started too slowly. definitely a nice little reading amuse bouche
April 26, 2018
Any PKD short-story collection is worth reading.
July 13, 2024
Brilliant!
April 29, 2025
Great story fun
September 10, 2025
4.5 Stars
This is one of the best Science Fiction Short Story collections I have ever come across.
This is one of the best Science Fiction Short Story collections I have ever come across.
July 26, 2012
Henry Harris, an army doctor on Earth, receive a patient who, after returning from a mission on asteroid Y-3, claims to be a plant. Harris’ diagnosis of post-traumatic stress syndrome was dispelled when a several more soldiers returning from asteroid Y-3 exhibit the same symptoms—the soldiers claim they are plants, they sit in basking in the sun during daylight hours, remain in a catatonic state at nighttime hours, and refuse to perform any kind of work.
Harris travels to asteroid Y-3 and investigates for a cause of the soldier’s conditions and learns from the soldiers of an indigenous people living in the woods called “Pipers”, and that it was the “Pipers” who made the soldiers realize they were plants.
Harris ventures out to the woods and meets an indigene woman. The woman seems gracefully beautiful yet mysterious. She leads him deeper into the wood with promise of a meeting with the Piper.
Harris returns to earth and decides that the “Pipers” were created by the soldiers to cope with their high-pressured military jobs; allowing them to simply “tune out” and relax by turning into plants. Harris contemplates all the work that lies ahead of him as he unpacks his suitcases, which, rather than contain clothes, contain soil from Asteroid Y-3. Harris spreads the soil on the floor, sat squarely in the middle like a plant, and goes to sleep.
This science fiction short story seems fairly straight forward. The characters were relatively well developed given the number of pages. I can see this story as a basis of a Twilight Zone or Outer Limits television episode. I surely would recommend adding this to your reading list of short stories.
My rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)
http://shortbookreview.blogspot.com/2...
Here is a link to the full story:
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Piper_i...
Harris travels to asteroid Y-3 and investigates for a cause of the soldier’s conditions and learns from the soldiers of an indigenous people living in the woods called “Pipers”, and that it was the “Pipers” who made the soldiers realize they were plants.
Harris ventures out to the woods and meets an indigene woman. The woman seems gracefully beautiful yet mysterious. She leads him deeper into the wood with promise of a meeting with the Piper.
Harris returns to earth and decides that the “Pipers” were created by the soldiers to cope with their high-pressured military jobs; allowing them to simply “tune out” and relax by turning into plants. Harris contemplates all the work that lies ahead of him as he unpacks his suitcases, which, rather than contain clothes, contain soil from Asteroid Y-3. Harris spreads the soil on the floor, sat squarely in the middle like a plant, and goes to sleep.
This science fiction short story seems fairly straight forward. The characters were relatively well developed given the number of pages. I can see this story as a basis of a Twilight Zone or Outer Limits television episode. I surely would recommend adding this to your reading list of short stories.
My rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars)
http://shortbookreview.blogspot.com/2...
Here is a link to the full story:
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Piper_i...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2016
I've always liked Dick's books. He crafts a simple story, but with enough detail to draw you in and keep you engaged. His stories are edgy sci-fi that typically have a twist. Often, at the conclusion there is an unknown factor of what happens next, leaving the rest of the story to the reader's imagination. His shorter stories are especially nice because they set up and resolve so quickly with all of the creativity of his longer works.
Piper in the Woods is no different. A base on an asteroid is having trouble with people believing they are plants. It is an interesting twist as you never really find out what is causing it, but the ending is still really good. Definitely worth a quick read.
Piper in the Woods is no different. A base on an asteroid is having trouble with people believing they are plants. It is an interesting twist as you never really find out what is causing it, but the ending is still really good. Definitely worth a quick read.
March 24, 2021
This story was a little weird and quite predictable. It was also humorous.
The story: Doctor Harris has been assigned to find out why soldiers sent to an army base on a far-flung asteroid are coming back believing that they are flowers that must sit in the sunshine soaking up the rays.
Any problems with this story? It got a little weird when the author spent a lot of time describing the lithe figure of a girl he found in the woods, apparently bathing. It wasn't anything lewd... just weird.
Any modesty problems? Not really.
I found the story interesting, humorous, but too predictable. I doubt I will read this story again.
The story: Doctor Harris has been assigned to find out why soldiers sent to an army base on a far-flung asteroid are coming back believing that they are flowers that must sit in the sunshine soaking up the rays.
Any problems with this story? It got a little weird when the author spent a lot of time describing the lithe figure of a girl he found in the woods, apparently bathing. It wasn't anything lewd... just weird.
Any modesty problems? Not really.
I found the story interesting, humorous, but too predictable. I doubt I will read this story again.
June 24, 2012
I've recently read a bunch of Philip K. Dick's short stories and love how, although they are all dealing with similar situations (cold war turned into hot war, terra uninhabitable due to radiation, underground factories, robot wars, humans forced to live underground; OR interstellar wars (Terra-Centauri)/other interstellar situations), they still can't be compared to each other, they still differ enough to be enjoyed one after another (without getting bored by repetition).
Sparks ideas about war, modern warfare, is war an innate reaction in man or is it learned behaviour?
Sparks ideas about war, modern warfare, is war an innate reaction in man or is it learned behaviour?
April 26, 2018
"Piper in the Woods" (1953): Earth maintained an important garrison on Asteroid Y-3. Now suddenly it was imperiled with a biological impossibility -- men becoming plants!
"The Gun" (1953): Nothing moved or stirred. Everything was silent, dead. Only the gun showed signs of life ... and the trespassers had wrecked that for all time. The return journey to pick up the treasure would be a cinch ... they smiled.
"The Skull" (1953): Conger agreed to kill a stranger he had never seen. But he would make no mistakes because he had the stranger's skull under his arm.
"The Gun" (1953): Nothing moved or stirred. Everything was silent, dead. Only the gun showed signs of life ... and the trespassers had wrecked that for all time. The return journey to pick up the treasure would be a cinch ... they smiled.
"The Skull" (1953): Conger agreed to kill a stranger he had never seen. But he would make no mistakes because he had the stranger's skull under his arm.
January 27, 2014
Imagine an asteroid (near Jupiter in this part of its orbit around the sun), with a heavy core and therefore an earth-like gravity, atmosphere, water, and even biology. Vines, ferns, eucalyptus-like trees, and native (aborigines) of humanoid form. It may be classic science fiction, but it wasn't very plausible.
June 21, 2012
This short story is an intriguing read and bears some surprising similarities to the movie Avatar . The premise is not fully developed here but the insinuation is of an alien race capable of transforming the nature of humanity, through some connection to living forces.
December 15, 2012
Good read, and more accessible than some of PKD's other works. I imagine the "shocking twist" was a bit more shocking years ago, but I always it coming. Such are the perils of reading derivative works for years and then finally reading the source material.
Overall, a quick and fun read.
Overall, a quick and fun read.
January 7, 2011
So what if someone suddenly told you that they no longer needed to live an average life because they now believed (and insisted) that they were a plant.....
March 1, 2011
Not bad ,although easy to guess the end:The self-confident scientist who thought he could handle the mysterious disorder,is finally defeated by the unknown
September 10, 2016
A very intriguing start to the story is defeated in the end by a vague ending.
August 4, 2012
Bland and predictable.
August 8, 2012
A story of a mysterious asteroid turning all the soldiers into plants psychologically. ultimately the ending was predictable but then again PKD is always a good read regardless.
November 20, 2012
Not one of Phillip K Dick's best stories, but still amusing.
April 4, 2013
An interesting and perplexing storyline, humans who believe they are plants. A satisfying read.
August 2, 2014
Good stuff.
January 28, 2015
The stories were very predictable. But I liked it well enough. Probably closer to 2 1/2 stars. Library e-books are great.
May 27, 2015
Enjoyable read
Yes it's short, yes it's slightly prodictable, but it's still a fun read. If your into sci-fi give it a shot.
Yes it's short, yes it's slightly prodictable, but it's still a fun read. If your into sci-fi give it a shot.
August 30, 2015
Piper is a fun ironic read.
Like all of Philip Rock's books it would be a great Twilight Zone episode. Well worth your time to read.
Like all of Philip Rock's books it would be a great Twilight Zone episode. Well worth your time to read.
October 23, 2021
This story tries to hard to do what would be easier to accomplish. As most of his work goes the premise is brilliant but the story itself could use more finesse.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews