"The Sirian Experiments" relates directly to the first book in this series, "Shikasta", which is the history of the planet Shikasta (an allegorical Earth) under the influence of three galactic empires, Canopus, Sirius and their mutual enemy, Puttiora. "Shikasta" is told from the Canopean viewpoint. "The Sirian Experiments" (subtitled "The Report by Ambien II, of the Five") tells the story of Shikasta from the Sirian point of view and describes the activities of Sirians on the planet and the strained relations of Sirius with Canopus.