Venus on the Half-Shell

Venus on the Half-Shell, first published in 1975, is a science fiction novel attributed to the fictional author Kilgore Trout but actually written by Philip José Farmer.

Related Topics:
1975 - Science fiction - Kilgore Trout - Philip José Farmer

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Kilgore Trout is a recurring character of many of the novels of Kurt Vonnegut. It is said the Vonnegut was "not amused" by Venus on the Half-Shell. This may be due to the book's questionable, and in some places erotic, content. Vonnegut was definitely upset by the popular belief that he was the author of the book, which he was not. This problem was solved by the book being reprinted under the Philip Jose Farmer by-line.

Related Topics:
Kurt Vonnegut - Erotic

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The book begins with a major factual error, a claim that "the Bible" falsely accuses Merneptah, king of Egypt, of being the Pharaoh of the Exodus. This is itself a false accusation, since the name "Merneptah" is not in the Bible, and the ruler of Egypt during the Exodus is called simply and only "Pharaoh."

Related Topics:
Merneptah - Egypt - Pharaoh - Exodus

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The book ends with its hero (or anti-hero) Simon Wagstaff, the "Space Wanderer," in much pain, both mental and physical. He is plagued by the consciousness of all his ancestors. He is suffering from the unhealed mutilation of his tail, and the loss of one eye. Will he ever find relief from these troubles? The answer, which is presented at the very beginning of the narrative, is yes. We are told explicitly that Simon Wagstaff, upon discovering the 'answer', commits suicide.

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