Birds of a Feather

"Birds of a Feather" by Robert Silverberg is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The book centers around J. F. Corrigan, the proprietor of the Corrigan Institute of Morphological Science, a sort of interstellar zoo on Earth where extraterrestrial beings are displayed as specimens. The narrative explores themes of exploitation, deception, and the interactions between humans and various alien species, highlighting the complexities of interstellar tourism and the ethics of exhibiting life forms. The story unfolds as Corrigan travels to the planet Ghryne to recruit new specimens for his institute. He encounters a host of bizarre and unique alien applicants, from a globular Terraphile to a Kallerian seeking revenge for an insult to his clan. Amidst the chaos of recruitment, a peculiar Earthman named Ildwar Gorb enters, claiming to be a representative from a distant planet. As the day progresses, misunderstandings, comedy, and tension mount, culminating in a series of crises involving suicide attempts, police confrontations, and contract negotiations. Ultimately, Corrigan's interactions with Gorb lead to unexpected twists, putting his own business acumen and ethics to the test while navigating a universe filled with tricksters and con artists.