The Stainless Steel Rat

By Harry Harrison

Book Overview

The original short story introducing science fiction's most charming criminal antihero.

In The Stainless Steel Rat, Harry Harrison unveils "Slippery Jim" diGriz, master thief, con artist, and reluctant recruit to interstellar law enforcement. In a future where crime has been nearly eliminated through social engineering and surveillance, Jim survives by being smarter, faster, and more adaptable than the system designed to stop him. When he is finally captured, however, he is offered a choice: prison-or employment.

The original short story that launched the celebrated series, this brisk and ironic tale blends satire with adventure, setting the tone for one of science fiction's most enduring rogues. Harrison's clean prose and sharp humor elevate the caper format into social commentary, exploring the tension between individual cunning and institutional control.

Explore other exciting Positronic Books devoted to classic science fiction, fantasy, and mystery.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1515460622
• ISBN13: 9781515460626
• Release Date: April 2023
• Publisher: Positronic Publishing
• Length: 26 Pages
• Weight: 0.11 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Simply one of the best "fun" sci-fi series

The Stainless Steel Rat is simply one of the best sci-fi series ever. It combines a loveable criminal, and beautiful psychopath, and lots of fun technology in a light-hearted package. Can't recommend it enough, one of those books I go back and read over and over again.

Much, Much Fun

The Stainless Steel Rat is the first tale of Slippery Jim DiGriz, interstellar thief, conman, and general scoundrel, and tells how he is unwillingly coopted onto the side of the angels to hunt down the builders of a vastly powerful starship. The early Rat books should really occupy a higher position in the science-fiction strata than they do; they are unique, frequently brilliant, and very funny. Slippery Jim is a narrator of wit and considerable charm, but is nevertheless a convincing and likeable character. Harrison's future now looks a little out of date (hardly his fault), but is only the more charming for that. This book is great entertainment written with pace, style, and brio rarely found in science-fiction, and I recommend it to everyone.

Supercool scamartist

The stainless steel rat is such a good nickname for the main character of this story. I loved the fact that even though it is set in the future the scams that Harry Harrison writes about in the very beginning of the story are so believable. The characters, places and ideas are what make this book a winner how could I give it something less than 5 stars.

Duck and over, James Bond. Slippery Jim DiGriz is here.

James Bolivar DiGriz (aka Slippery Jim) is one of my altime favorite characters. Set in the future, this tale of a criminal mastermind loose in an artificially pacified universe will not let you put it down. Great wit mixed with masterful writing, as has come to be expected from a legend of Harry Harrison's calibur, leaves you chuckling and invigorated. The great hook in the first paragraph leads into an unforgettable story of suspense, daring, intelligence, and humor. Get a copy today.

Special Corps Analysis: Slick Criminal/Good Cop - Great Read

"He's the slickest criminal in the Universe - and the toughest cop..." The Stainless Steel Rat is a unique and creative look at Slippery Jim diGriz (indeed a look at any human mind that has ever pondered dishonesty) in the grand adventurous tradition of Haldeman and Heinlein. If you've read and enjoyed All My Sins Remembered as much as I have, this is a book for you to pick up and read on your lunch break. Its message of respect is imparted w/o being preachy and is coated in a neat layer of thought, violence, obsession, and rebellion. Truly an excellent read