The brilliant scientist, who once took part in the creation of the atomic bomb, in his declining years presented humanity with another "gift" – a miracle substance codenamed ice-nine. One tiny fragment is enough to trigger an uncontrollable freezing reaction of water, even in the summer heat. The military department considers the invention to be very promising, because now heavy machinery can easily move through the swampy soils of the jungle. And everything would be fine if the Earth wasn't in danger of turning into an ice ball.... One of the most famous works of the author of the books "Slaughterhouse number five", "Breakfast for Champions" and "Sirens of Titan". — Kurt Vonnegut, an American writer, journalist and artist, is a cult figure in twentieth—century literature. His creative style combined caustic satire, philosophy, fiction, grotesque and black humor. — The novel "Cat's Cradle" is a Hugo Award nominee. — In this edition, the novel is published in a classic translation by the famous translator Rita Wright-Kovaleva. — The edition in the "Neoclassic prose" series has a stylish design and high—quality paper.