The Snail on the Slope

The original novel was published 1966–68 (it was written 1965).

Boris and Arkady Strugatsky, the most famous and succesful Russian science fiction writers living today are now in disfavor with the Soviet government for the bold,outspoken ideas expressed in this novel. In the West, where they are ranked with Dick, Disch and Ellison, they have won a devoted following with such masterworks as Prisoners of Power, Definitely Maybe, Far Rainbow and The Second Invasion from Mars - works of awesome vision and narrative force.

The action of The Snail on the Slope untolds in two planes, in a fantasy institution run by a stupid, mindless bureaucracy who's aim is to govern the fantasy forest that lives its own fear-ridden shadowy life ruled by neither people nor fate.