The Shrouded Planet
Three linked stories about Earthmen's impact on the planet Nidor.
The Shrouded Planet, a 1957 science fiction novel, was written by the American duo Robert Silverberg and Randall Garrett under the joint pseudonym "Robert Randall." The book collects three stories that first appeared separately in *Astounding Science Fiction*, with new linking chapters added for the novel edition. The initial hardcover release from Gnome Press in New York was a small print run that sold poorly. Both this book and its sequel, *The Dawning Light*, were reprinted a quarter-century later.
The original stories are "The Chosen People" (June 1956), "The Promised Land" (August 1956), and "False Prophet" (December 1956, which also provided the front cover art). All three concern the fictional planet Nidor and the impact of arriving Earthmen—humans with advanced technology who appear benevolent. The narrative follows a single family: Kiv peGanz Brajjyd, his daughter Sindi, and her son Norvis. Each character contributes to the gradual collapse of Nidorian society, which seems to be the Earthmen’s true goal.
The three stories are framed by additional narrative that sets up their events and explains the time gaps between them.
In the introduction, Elder Grandfather Kinis peCharnok Yorgen is abducted by beings calling themselves Earthmen. They take him above the clouds and claim to have come from the Great Light to improve Nidor. Kinis peCharnok is ordered to establish a new School of Divine Law, where Earthmen will teach Nidorians law, scripture, science, and engineering. Only the most intelligent, fit, and favored will be admitted.
Forty-eight years (three Cycles of Nidor) later, Kiv peGanz Brajjyd enters the school on his path to the priesthood. He marries the irreverent Narla geFulda Sesom and studies biology, focusing on the insect pest called the hugl. A new type of hugl appears, stripping crops and even dead animals of flesh. The traditional method of spreading Edris powder fails against these insects. Kiv realizes the hugl breed in ponds; they leave the water to feed for the next cycle, but their hard shells resist Edris powder on land. In water, the larvae are vulnerable.
Kiv tries to convince the priesthood—who are also the authorities—to mandate a new use of Edris, but faces millennia of tradition. The old Way demands more Edris, but if it fails, none will remain for untouched crops. Using more Edris only poisons the harvest. With encourag
- published
- 1957
- authors
- Robert Silverberg and Randall Garrett (as 'Robert Randall')
- genre
- Science fiction novel
- original publisher
- Gnome Press, New York
- sequel
- The Dawning Light
Lore & Background
In the introduction, Elder Grandfather Kinis peCharnok Yorgen is abducted by Earthmen, who tell him they have come from the Great Light to improve Nidor. They instruct him to build a new School of Divine Law, where Earthmen will teach Nidorians the Law, Scripture, science, and engineering. The first story, 'The Chosen People,' follows Kiv peGanz Brajjyd, who studies biology and discovers a new way to combat the hugl pest, violating tradition. The second story, 'The Promised Land,' focuses on his daughter Sindi, who falls in love within her clan and witnesses Earthmen's secret activities. The third story, 'False Prophet,' follows Norvis, who develops a growth hormone, is expelled, and eventually forms the first political party on Nidor to oppose the Earthmen.
Reader's Guide
The Shrouded Planet is significant as an early example of American science fiction moving from 'juvenile escapism' to 'thoughtful social science fiction.' It explores themes of cultural disruption, tradition versus innovation, and the unintended consequences of intervention. The novel's reception was mixed: Damon Knight dismissed it as badly plotted, while Floyd C. Gale noted its unusual depiction of Earth as sponsor of a heartless program that replaces happiness with its pursuit. The first book printing by Gnome Press was small and did not sell well, but the novel and its sequel were reprinted 25 years later. The story's focus on a family's role in societal breakdown and the Earthmen's ambiguous motives gives it a lasting place in discussions of colonial and post-colonial themes in science fiction.
Did You Know?
- The novel was written under the joint pseudonym 'Robert Randall' by Robert Silverberg and Randall Garrett.
- The three original stories were published in Astounding Science Fiction in 1956, with 'False Prophet' featured on the front cover.
- The first book printing by Gnome Press was small and did not sell well.
- The sequel novel, The Dawning Light, continues the saga of Nidor.
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