The Cosmic Puppets

About “The Cosmic Puppets”

The Cosmic Puppets is a 1957 novel by Philip K. Dick, originally published as a novella titled "A Glass of Darkness" in 1956. It was later expanded into a full-length book and remained out of print for over 25 years before being re-published in 1983. The story follows Ted Barton, who returns to his hometown of Millgate, Virginia, only to find it unrecognizable. He learns that he died there as a child and becomes trapped, unable to leave. The novel explores themes of reality and identity as Ted uncovers a struggle between good and evil. It won the Hugo and John W. Campbell awards for best novel.