"This tiny, outlying corner of the galaxy which Technic civilization has slightly explored is that big and various." (p. 149)
The largest Borthudian nation:
"'...had modernized technologically with extreme rapidity, aided by certain irresponsible elements in this civilization who helped it for high pay.'" (p. 150)
These are two recurring themes of the Technic History. For the first, see here. The second theme is expressed in the stories, "A Little Knowledge" and "Lodestar." The two sentences quoted above were added when "Margin of Profit" was revised.
Also, in the original text, when Mjambo suggests blasting Borthu, van Rijn replies that it would be too expensive whereas, in the revised texts, he replies that it would be morally unacceptable. He then gives the expensiveness objection when Firmage suggests limited action.
1 comment:
Kaor, Paul!
I admire the detailed attention you are giving to "Margin of Profit," showing where the original text differed from Anderson's later revisions, which were more extensive than I had thought. And these changes and expansions improved the story.
Ad astra! Sean
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