TheCityAndTheStars

A novel by ArthurClarke.

The original, and its many reprints, are out of print. There is, however, a new reprint scheduled for September 2001, which is a duo-book of TheCityAndTheStars and TheSandsOfMars ISBN 0446677965

CategoryBook

I have a faint memory of a science fiction book I read back in the '80s, it depicted a CityState totally closed off to its surrounds, governed by a PhilosopherKing computer. It was apparently a paradise garden ...

One of the main characters was a CourtJester type of character, generated (given birth) by the PhilosopherKing (reproduction was no longer a biological process). He acted as a kind of teacher to the other main character, who was the reader's POV. The CourtJester fellow explained the city to our protagonist, showing how the PhilosopherKing was responsible for all construction and maintenance…pointing out that in some remote out of the way places the PK would actually let the maintenance lapse (the example was a mosaic where some tiles had come loose), and also explained that the appearance in society of a character like himself (a trouble maker) was driven by the PK who understood some necessity to shake things up occasionally (once a century?). Another image I remember is the CJ took the protagonist to a massive open air coliseum, and then explained that the majority of the audience were not actually there, being holographic constructs of remote viewers. The CJ made a point of explaining the value of having a sense of a crowed presence.

At some point the story took the protagonist out of this CityState, and they explored the country side, something no one had apparently done for untold centuries. On these journeys they encountered outsiders, and then discovered another genetic manipulation of the PK — their penises were designed to retract when not in use, rather than dangling about.

I don't remember who wrote the book, I don't remember the title, and there are probably some massively mangled memories above. I'm hoping this rings a bell to someone…I'd like to revisit it in light of meatball.

This sounds like "The City and the Stars" by Arthur C Clarke -- EmmaHibling

[googling]…

Khedron: A man with the rare role of "Jester." He has unparalleled access to the inner workings of Diaspar, which on occasion he uses to create elaborate pranks. His role was designed by the city's founders to prevent stagnation in society. Alvin feels an affinity to him, while at the same time finding him annoying and cryptic. Despite the Jester's birthright, he ends up proving himself a coward incapable of facing the very dramatic changes brought by Alvin. http://www.adherents.com/lit/bk_Clarke_CityStars.html

Not that that cowardice was a failure. Perhaps it was a BalancingForce put in place by the city's founders, to prevent this powerful character from taking over.