The Houses of Iszm by Jack Vance:
Science Fiction Inventions, Technology and Ideas

Splendid novel by Vance is both a mystery story and an introduction to an unforgettable world. Iszm, a planet in the Xi Aurigae system, offers amazing houses that consist of living trees with attached pods for living space. The Iszic guard constantly against the possibility that an offworlder would steal a female plant - one that could provide millions of tree-seeds, breaking their monopoly. Very accessible example of Jack Vance, one of sf's great stylists, in perfect form. Select an invention:

Boat-Tree

Feeler-Planes - sensors for 3D models

House Trees - ultimate tree houses

Pod-Chair

Radiant - just like RFID

Radiant Shield

Sentry Trees

Tri-Type Record - 3D reduced to two

 

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Science Fiction
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