Summary

Chapter 1: Johor Reports

Johor, Canopean emissary, gives a report on his job, tending to the order of the Canopean Colonies. He notes that the rule of Canopus is Love generally speaking. He introduces us to Shikasta, one of his worst experiences. Shikasta is a particularly chaotic place.

Chapter 2: Notes on Planet Shikasta for Guidance of Colonial Servants

Chapter 2 is a guide for colonial servants on Shikasta. Shikasta is a world of extremes and that it is unusual in that all life preys on other life. Its nature is to be in tension. The guide notes that Shikasta contains six concentric sheels. Zone Six is the shell that concerns human history.

Chapter 3: Johor Reports

Johor notes that he did not expect to spend much time in Zone Six, until Taufiq, his brother who was another emissary, was captured. Sometimes emissaries incarnate as beings of the planets...