Virtual Nightmare

, first published as “ ” in 1955, is a science fiction short novel that explores the theme of simulated reality and the simulation hypothesis. The proposes that reality is in fact a simulation (most likely a computer simulation). Some versions rely on the development of a simulated reality, a proposed technology that would seem realistic enough to convince its inhabitants. The hypothesis has been a central plot device of many science fiction stories and films. The novel follows the life of who wake up from a terrible nightmares in his house in Tylerton on June 15. dismisses the dream and goes to work as usual, the downtown offices of Contro Chemicals, which operates a highly automated and robot-staffed petrochemicals plant. But something is not right; he is surrounded everywhere by loud and all-pervasive advertising jingles for everything from cigarettes to freezers. begins to question the nature of his reality when strange events occur to him and it becomes apparent that there are many things about his world, and indeed his life, that do not hold up to close scrutiny. The novel has been adapted for several media including “ ”, a made-for-TV horror film produced in 2000, and appeared in a 1956 radio broadcast episode of . It was also produced by the BBC as a 1966 series 2 episode of the anthology series . The novel inspired the screen script of the " " episode of and the development of the spec script of the 1998 American satirical comedy-drama film . It also offered inspiration for the 1999 virtual reality movie and the classic cyberpunk movie This print edition contains other 's short stories from that era, including (The Day Of The Boomer Dukes), , and