Another excellent short story by Parker, which makes me pleased that I ordered two books from this author since reading "A Small Price to Pay for Birdsong." This is similar in feel There are really two parts to this story - the first explores academic competition and one-upmanship, taken to a disturbing level. The second, following from the results of the first, probes literal exploration, and the consequences of obsession - with a heaping dose of irony. ( )