and George Clayton Johnson
. Published in 1967, it depicts a dystopic
ageist future society in which both population and the consumption of resources are maintained in equilibrium by requiring the death of everyone reaching a particular age. The story follows the actions of Logan, a Sandman charged with enforcing the rule, as he tracks down and kills citizens who "run" from society's lethal demand—only to end up "running" himself.
The introduction to the book states:
- "The seeds of the Little War were planted in a restless summer during the mid-1960s, with sit-inSit-inA sit-in or sit-down is a form of protest that involves occupying seats or sitting down on the floor of an establishment.-Process:In a sit-in, protesters remain until they are evicted, usually by force, or arrested, or until their requests have been met...
s and student demonstrations as youth tested its strength.
"I've never killed in my life. Sandmen terminate runners."
On the Old Man outside: "That sweet madman. How could he come to exist?"
Regarding the myth of Sanctuary: "Just so many people want it to exist, so many people who don't want to die... They want it so much that a place called Sanctuary becomes real. But it doesn't exist. It never existed. Just... just the hope."
"You know, Logan, you wonder a lot. Too much for a Sandman."
"You know, when you question, it slows you down."
"It's crazy. He could have renewed on Carrousel. Now he's finished forever. Why do they run?"
"Logan! Listen to me! I'm your friend. I understand. We all go crazy once in a while. Nobody knows except me. I won't tell. I could have turned you in. I didn't. But she's a runner. But it's over. Terminate her! Now! You're a Sandman! Now, Logan! Now!"
Upon finding Jessica: "You thought I wouldn't find you, didn't you? You thought I'd quit, huh? What did you do to him? You know what he was? He was a Sandman. He was happy. You ruined him. You killed him."