In this classic sci-fi murder mystery, Earth's billions of inhabitants live completely crammed into sprawling, underground, domed metropolises (the titular "caves"). Because all available outside land is fiercely needed to grow food, humans rarely step out into the open, developing severe agoraphobia. [1, 2, 3]
Key details of this densely packed future:
- The "Caves": Humanity lives in massive, subterranean cities like New York City, which span miles and house millions of people. [1, 2]
- The Culture: Resources are scarce and heavily rationed. The society is completely dependent on recycled water, synthetic yeast food, and high-speed moving walkways to transport the crushing crowds. [1, 2, 3]
- The Theme: Asimov, who admitted to a personal love for small, enclosed spaces, explores the conflict between crowded "Earthmen" (who fear robots will take their jobs) and the uncrowded, wealthy "Spacer" worlds (who rely heavily on robots). [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
