Author
Nelson S. Bond
1908-2006
Nelson S. Bond (1908-2006) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Nelson S. Bond
When freemen shall stand
"When Freemen Shall Stand" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins during a time of conflict where Earth has been conquered by the inhabitants of Venus. Central to this tale are Stephen Duane and his assistant Chuck Lafferty, who are involved in an experiment with a gas that they hope will end World War II. However, their scientific ambitions are interrupted when they encounter a Nazi spy, leading to unexpected consequences that transport them into a radically altered future. The opening of the narrative captures the tension and urgency of war while introducing the primary characters and their respective roles. Stephen Duane, a chemist turned soldier, is determined to test his new anesthetic that he believes could turn the tide of the war. Just as they are about to proceed, an unexpected spy incident unfolds, resulting in a malfunction that sends them thousands of years into the future. Awakening in a strange, dystopian world, Duane and Lafferty find themselves revered as "Slumberers," and are forced to grapple with the implications of their unexpected status amidst a society that worships them, prompting questions about identity, power, and the role of men and women in this newfound civilization.
Gods of the jungle
"Gods of the Jungle" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of World War II, featuring aviator Ramey Winters and his co-pilot, Red Barrett, as they navigate a perilous situation above the war-torn jungles of Southeast Asia. The narrative explores themes of adventure, the mysteries of ancient civilizations, and the intersection of the past with the present. At the start of the story, Ramey Winters and Red Barrett are flying their military aircraft over the jungles of Southeast Asia, tasked with reconnaissance missions against Japanese forces. The beauty of the nighttime landscape captivates them, but soon they become embroiled in a dangerous dogfight with enemy planes. Ramey's desperation escalates when he witnesses his friend Red being struck by enemy fire. As the story unfolds, they crash land near an ancient temple, sparking a series of mysterious encounters and adventures that connect them with the enigmatic history of Angkor. Ultimately, their survival hinges on their ability to navigate the ancient ruins and discover the secrets tied to their current predicament.
Colossus of Chaos
"Colossus of Chaos" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1940s as it was initially published in a science fiction magazine. The story unfolds on Titan, Saturn's largest moon, where a growing, malevolent entity, referred to as the Colossus, poses a significant threat to human colonists and introduces themes of survival against overwhelming odds. The main characters include Captain Rocky Russell, a secret agent of the Solar Investigation Department, who is determined to uncover the dark secrets of the enigmatic Humboldt Grossman and protect the young Lynn Graham. At the start of the narrative, a mysterious object arrives on Titan, growing larger and building strength from the environment around it. Meanwhile, a group of characters, including Captain Burke, the young Lynn Graham, and various passengers aboard the space-cruiser "Gaea", engage in a dialogue that highlights the perils of Titan, including hazardous geological conditions and bizarre native species. As the tension builds, Grossman discusses the dangers with a sense of foreboding, while Lynn's spirited determination to make Titan her home adds a layer of personal stakes. The opening culminates in the revelation of the Colossus, a gigantic creature that emerges as a formidable threat, signaling a clash between humanity and the unknown powers of the universe.
The judging of the priestess
"The Judging of the Priestess" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction story written during the early 20th century. Set in the 35th century, the narrative follows Meg, a priestess of the matriarchal clan of Jinnia, as she returns home with Daiv, a man from a different tribe, after her pilgrimage to the "Place of the Gods." The book explores themes of gender roles and societal norms, focusing on Meg's dual judgment and the acceptance of her partner in a world where the roles of men and women are sharply defined. The plot unfolds as Meg and Daiv encounter various challenges, including the hostile reception from Meg's clan and the arrival of the Japcans, invaders with advanced weaponry. As tensions rise, Meg must reconcile her love for Daiv with her loyalty to her tribe and navigate the conflicts that arise from their differing beliefs. The story culminates in battles and personal revelations, leading to the eventual acceptance of a new order where men and women can coexist as equals, contrasting with the oppressively matriarchal society Meg initially inhabited. Ultimately, this tale is a testament to the evolution of societal norms and the potential for unity across gender divides.
The Ballad of Blaster Bill
"The Ballad of Blaster Bill" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction poem published in the early 1940s. This narrative verse explores themes of heroism, adventure, and the challenges of space travel, centering on a crew aboard a spaceship as they navigate through the dangers of outer space. The poem blends humor and drama, highlighting the relationship dynamics among the crew, particularly focusing on the titular character, Blaster Bill. The story unfolds aboard the freighter "Dotty Sue", where crew member Blaster Bill is portrayed as clumsy yet strong, often at odds with the Chief Engineer, McNeer. As they journey through the asteroids, a critical situation arises when a rogue asteroid threatens the ship. In a moment of tension, despite his previous incompetence, Bill decides to heroically take control of the ship's steering wheel to avoid disaster, sacrificing himself in the process. Ultimately, the crew commends Bill's bravery and determination, raising their arms in salute to honor his memory as they see a light in space—a testament to his heroic actions that saved them all.
The ordeal of Lancelot Biggs
"The Ordeal of Lancelot Biggs" by Nelson S. Bond is a humorous science fiction story first published in 1943. It features the misadventures of Lancelot Biggs, a spaceman whose exploits blend Wild West conventions with Space Age settings. The story is one of fourteen tales in Bond's comedic series, later collected in a 1950 volume. Reviewers noted Bond's shameless use of storytelling tricks and pseudo-scientific language, creating adventures that translate frontier tales into interstellar escapades.
The scientific pioneer returns
"The Scientific Pioneer Returns" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction narrative written in the early 20th century. The story features a mix of humor and adventure as it follows the character Lancelot Biggs, who, alongside his friend Horse-sense Hank Cleaver, navigates the perplexities of time travel and strange disappearances at Midland University. The book engages with themes of fate, the potential of scientific discovery, and the intertwining of past and future. The plot unfolds from a series of mysterious vanishings of university faculty members, leading to a frantic search by Blakeson, a publicity expert. He ultimately recruits Hank Cleaver, a seemingly simple yet remarkably insightful farmer with an uncanny knack for fixing problems. As they delve into the mystery, they face unexpected phenomena that propel them into the future aboard the space freighter, the Saturn. Characters from both the present and future clash, and they discover a malfunctioning speed accelerator has hurled them into a bizarre universe where normal physical laws are inverted. The narrative culminates in a race against time and fate as Hank devises a clever solution, ultimately saving all involved and revealing connections to future generations.
F.O.B. Venus
"F.O.B. Venus" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction story published in the late 1930s. The narrative revolves around the misadventures of Lancelot Biggs, a hapless and clumsy second mate, serving on a cargo ship called the Saturn, which is making a run from Venus to Earth. Overall, the book likely explores themes of incompetence, space travel, and unexpected outcomes in the midst of cosmic operations. The tale follows Captain Hanson and his crew as they deal with the blundering antics of Biggs, whose actions lead to disastrous consequences for the cargo they are transporting. Initially tasked with overseeing valuable cargo, Biggs inadvertently ruins it due to his ignorance and lack of experience. However, through a series of fortunate events and a scientific twist, it is revealed that the ruined cargo of vegetables has transformed into pure gold due to exposure to cosmic rays. In the end, Biggs unexpectedly saves the day, and the crew prepares to take off again for Venus in search of more Forenzi jars, hinting at further adventures in the transmutation business.
The ghost of Lancelot Biggs
"The Ghost of Lancelot Biggs" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction tale written in the early 20th century. This narrative blends elements of adventure and the supernatural, revolving around the titular character, Lancelot Biggs, who, after sacrificing himself in space to save his crew, appears as a ghost to convey critical information to his surviving shipmates. The book presents an intriguing exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the boundaries of life and death through a futuristic lens. In this story, the main character, Bert Donovan, along with Captain Hanson and his daughter Diane, grapples with the reality of losing their friend Lancelot Biggs during a space mission. After receiving inexplicable news from their corporation and being compelled to embark on a new mission to Jupiter, they experience haunting apparitions of Biggs, sparking a mix of fear and hope. As they navigate through these mysterious occurrences, they uncover that Biggs has not perished but has found a way to communicate with them from the surface of Jupiter, where he has discovered a valuable resource called polarium. The crew must race against time and the gravitational threat of Jupiter to rescue their friend, relying on Biggs' clever ingenuity and their teamwork to survive and succeed in their mission.
The Lorelei Death
"The Lorelei Death" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. The book explores the intriguing concept of a space siren, a Lorelei, who lures spacemen to their doom with her beauty and an irresistible call. Set against the backdrop of space travel, the story delves into themes of adventure, danger, and morality as the characters navigate treacherous encounters in the cosmos. The plot follows Chip Warren and his companions, Syd Palmer and Salvation Smith, aboard the spaceship "Chickadee II" as they celebrate their discovery of a valuable new element, ekalastron. Their festive plans are abruptly interrupted when they learn of a notorious space siren, the Lorelei, who has been causing havoc in the asteroid belt by luring ships to her hidden lair. After a shocking encounter where Chip's friend is murdered, he finds himself framed for the crime and must uncover the truth while pursuing the Lorelei. The trio's adventure leads them to confront both the Lorelei and her pirate gang, culminating in a gripping climax where they must outsmart their enemies in a battle of wits and courage. The novel combines elements of suspense and action with a hint of romance, making it an engaging read for fans of speculative fiction.
Mr. Biggs goes to town
"Mr. Biggs Goes to Town" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novella originally published in 1942. Set in a futuristic universe, the story follows the quirky adventures of Lancelot Biggs, an inventive and resourceful first officer on the space freighter "Saturn". The narrative revolves around the crew's mission to the planetoid Iris, where they aim to outsmart criminal privateers, discover new resources, and establish a foothold against a corrupt regime. The plot unfolds as Lancelot Biggs and his crew, led by Captain Hanson, are unexpectedly given a mission to Iris, where they aim to exploit a legal loophole concerning natural resources in order to confront the unscrupulous Otto Steichner and his pirate crew. Despite initial challenges in uncovering pumice necessary for soap production, the crew ultimately stumbles upon a valuable oil reserve. With cleverness and resilience, Biggs navigates through various obstacles to protect his ship and crew, ultimately challenging Steichner and reclaiming the rights of the oppressed Irisians. Throughout the story, humor and camaraderie shine as Biggs copes with his unexpected medical report that declares him unfit for space travel, only to learn that it was a mix-up regarding his uncle's health. The novella combines adventure, wit, and a touch of social commentary, making it a delightful read for fans of science fiction.
"Shadrach"
"Shadrach" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novella written during the early 20th century. It reimagines the biblical story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, presenting a narrative set on Titania, a moon of Uranus. The tale explores themes of survival and morality in confrontations with danger and the unknown. The story follows Chip Warren, a free-lance prospector who intervenes to save a drunken miner, who unknowingly possesses a precious and rare metal called ekalastron, from a group of criminals led by Blaze Amborg. When Amborg and his crew aim to steal the ekalastron, chaos erupts, drawing the attention of Salvation Smith, a legendary missionary figure. After a violent confrontation in a bar, Chip, Salvation, and the miner find themselves in peril on Titania, where they are captured by the native Titanians. As they face a trial by fire, reminiscent of the biblical Shadrach's ordeal, they soon discover that the flames are not what they seem. The trio must navigate the challenges of survival, the true nature of courage, and the morality of their actions as they confront Amborg and the potential of ekalastron, leading to an unexpected resolution.
The downfall of Lancelot Biggs
"The Downfall of Lancelot Biggs" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novella that was likely written in the early 1940s. The story takes place in a future where space travel is common, highlighting the adventures aboard the spaceship "Saturn". It primarily explores themes of ambition, camaraderie, and the challenges of pursuing one’s dreams within the framework of space exploration. The narrative follows Lieutenant Lancelot Biggs as he approaches a pivotal moment in his career, where he faces the possibility of being promoted to captain. Throughout the journey, Biggs encounters various challenges that test his skills and resourcefulness. However, unbeknownst to him, he is being observed by an inspector from the Space Safety Control Board. When Biggs's attempts to demonstrate his capabilities lead to a series of chaotic incidents aboard the ship, the pressure mounts, ultimately culminating in his failure to secure the captaincy. The story concludes with a display of friendship and support among the crew, with a poignant shift in focus on Biggs's growth and character rather than just his ambition, emphasizing the value of teamwork and mentorship amid personal setbacks.
Lancelot Biggs cooks a pirate
"Lancelot Biggs cooks a pirate" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction short story published in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1940s. This whimsical tale revolves around the theme of cooking in outer space, presenting a unique blend of adventure and humor as the protagonist, Lancelot Biggs, discovers he has a knack for culinary science under duress. The story mixes elements of space travel, pirate lore, and an unusual focus on chemistry as it relates to cooking. In the narrative, the crew of the spacecraft "Saturn" finds itself in a dire predicament when their cook, affectionately known as Slops, is fired due to his exclusive tapioca diet. Unable to find a replacement in port, the first mate, Lancelot Biggs, is reluctantly appointed as the new cook. When they receive word of the notorious pirate Runt Hake on their trajectory, Biggs devises a clever plan to use a rare hormone, prolactin, in their meals to alter the pirates' personalities during a sumptuous dinner. The approach causes Hake and his crew to become overly affectionate, allowing the crew of the "Saturn" to outsmart them and save themselves. With humor, cleverness, and a touch of science, Bond crafts an entertaining exploration of the unexpected prowess of an unlikely protagonist in extreme circumstances.
Honeymoon in bedlam
"Honeymoon in Bedlam" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. This whimsical tale follows the misadventures aboard the spaceship "Pegasus" as the crew, including newlywed Lieutenant Johnny Larkin and his bride Lorraine, embark on a perilous mission to investigate the mysterious cosmic newcomer Caltech VI. The book blends elements of humor, space exploration, and the challenges of commitment in marriage within the backdrop of interstellar travel. In the story, the crew of the "Pegasus" is interrupted from their honeymoon activities when they are assigned to investigate Caltech VI, a recently discovered planet that has caused chaos in the solar system. Despite initial reluctance from Captain Bowman, the ship lands only to get trapped in a sticky mass of alien matter. Through Johnny's ingenuity—and an unexpected twist involving fermentation that results from a shipment meant for Mars—the crew ultimately escapes the clutches of this sticky predicament. Amidst this chaos, the dynamics of the newlyweds play out humorously, providing a light-hearted contrast to their dangerous situation and leaving readers with a memorable exploration of love and adventure in the cosmos.
The love song of Lancelot Biggs
"The Love Song of Lancelot Biggs" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novella written in the early 1940s. The story follows Lt. Lancelot Biggs and his crew aboard the space-freighter "Saturn" as they embark on an unusual mission delivering flower seeds to the moon of Iapetus. The tale combines elements of humor, adventure, and romance, presenting Lancelot Biggs as a well-meaning but eccentric character whose unconventional ideas lead to unforeseen complications. In the narrative, Lt. Biggs is excited to surprise his wife Diane with fresh flowers on the anniversary of their wedding, but his plans spiral out of control when an experiment to hasten the growth of the seeds results in unexpected mutations. The crew races against time and a competing corporation, as they attempt to reach Iapetus before their rivals. Amidst the chaos, Biggs' determination leads to the discovery of a unique blue rose, which ultimately provides a twist to the mission that holds the potential for great fortune. The story explores themes of love, ingenuity, and the clash between ambition and reality set against a whimsical space opera backdrop.
Dictator of Time
"Dictator of Time" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Larry Wilson and Sandra Day, who unexpectedly find themselves transported to the year 25,983 A.D. after a mysterious temporal shift. They become entangled in a conflict against the precarious society ruled by a small, powerful intellect named Harg-Ofortu, who aims to exploit them for scientific knowledge. The opening of the novel introduces us to Larry, who is rushing to catch his train in Philadelphia when things take a bizarre turn. He unexpectedly tumbles into a gray void, awakening on a strange grassy plain alongside Sandra, with no idea of where they are. As they attempt to comprehend their situation, they encounter Harg, a diminutive scientist who reveals their transportation to a distant future. As events unfold, Larry and Sandra rapidly realize they are not merely trapped in time but are being hunted by Harg, who intends to use them for his experiments. Their plight leads to introspection and action as they organize a rebellion with the help of an unexpected ally against Harg's oppressive rule for survival and freedom.
Beyond Light
"Beyond Light" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction tale written in the early 20th century. The story is set on the planet Venus and explores themes of survival, human emotions, and the encounter with alien life. It illustrates the dire circumstances faced by the main characters after a spaceship crashes on the planet, forcing them to confront both the harsh realities of their environment and the unknown threats that lurk within. The narrative follows Tim Mallory, an engineer, and his fiancée, Dorothy Lane, as they are caught in a catastrophic crash of their spaceship, the Orestes, commanded by Dorothy's father, Captain Lane. Finding themselves stranded in the treacherous Badlands of Venus, the trio must survive hunted by bizarre, bat-like creatures known as bat-men or vampires. As they explore the depths of the planet, battling both the elements and hostile beings, they uncover a hidden underground city that reveals the nature of their captors. The story ultimately combines thrilling adventure and a fight for survival, as the characters grapple with their relationships and the evolving dynamics of love and bravery amidst unimaginable challenges.
Revolt on Io
"Revolt on Io" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel published during the early 1940s. The narrative unfolds aboard the spaceship "Libra", as it carries a secret weapon to help quell a revolt on the moon Io, a satellite of Jupiter. The story revolves around espionage, betrayal, and the struggle between loyalty to the Solar Space Patrol and personal desires, all set against the backdrop of an interplanetary conflict. In the plot, Dan Mallory, a junior officer aboard the "Libra", grapples with tensions amongst the crew and passengers as suspicions of espionage arise. With the sinister possibility of a traitor onboard and the fate of 40,000 lives hanging in the balance, Mallory's role becomes increasingly critical. As intrigue deepens, he finds himself caught between duty and growing feelings for Lady Alice Charwell, a noblewoman with a potentially treacherous agenda. Action escalates as Mallory uncovers a plot involving the enigmatic Kreuther, leading to a dramatic confrontation as the true complexities of loyalty, treachery, and love entwine against the vastness of space. Ultimately, revelations about allegiances and identities surface, culminating in a thrilling resolution that challenges Mallory's understanding of good and evil in the cosmos.
Where are you, Mr. Biggs?
"Where are you, Mr. Biggs?" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction short story first published in the early 1940s. The narrative is set in a future where space travel is commonplace, and it follows the adventures of a spaceship crew as they undertake a perilous journey to Uranus. The story revolves around the eccentric but brilliant Lieutenant Lancelot Biggs, whose inventions and blunders lead to unexpected challenges and ultimately heroic actions during a crisis. The plot centers on the crew of the spaceship "Saturn", who are given a directive to pick up a cargo at Uranus. As they embark on this journey, the crew, particularly Captain Hanson and the protagonist Sparks, grow increasingly concerned about Biggs's distracted demeanor due to his upcoming marriage. As they speed through space using Biggs's velocity intensifier, they face a life-threatening situation when their trajectory brings them dangerously close to Jupiter. In a moment of courage, Biggs sacrifices himself to save the crew by altering the ship's velocity, allowing them to escape Jupiter unharmed. His fate is left ambiguous, as he may have entered a different dimension. Through this tale, the author explores themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice in the face of adversity.
The genius of Lancelot Biggs
"The Genius of Lancelot Biggs" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. This engaging narrative features Lancelot Biggs, an eccentric and ingenious character, embarking on an adventure aboard the spaceship "Saturn". The book explores themes of espionage and clever problem-solving within a futuristic space context. The story follows Sparks, the ship's radio operator, who finds himself bunking with the peculiar Lancelot Biggs as they transport contraband to rebels on New California. Their trip is disrupted by the arrival of Mr. Thaxton, a mysterious passenger who turns out to be an esper—a person with heightened psychic abilities. As Thaxton threatens to expose their mission, the seemingly bumbling Biggs proves he is anything but ordinary. He uses his knowledge of hypnosis to outwit Thaxton and secure their freedom by manipulating him into believing they carried no contraband. The tale combines humor, clever dialogue, and unexpected twists, showcasing Biggs' unique genius and leaving readers entertained and invested in the characters’ fates.
Phantom Out of Time
"Phantom Out of Time" by Nelson S. Bond is an eerie novel of science fiction written in the early 1940s. The story revolves around Dirk Morris, a brave rebel leader fighting against the oppressive rule of Graed Garroway, the Overlord of Earth. As the narrative unfolds, Morris faces his impending execution but is unexpectedly transported to the alien world of Nadron, where he discovers the true potential of his leader’s invention, the teleport. The opening portion of the novel introduces a tense scenario where Morris has vowed to sacrifice himself to save his comrades from the tyranny of Garroway. Throughout this gripping introduction, Morris's determination and bravery shine through as he interacts with friends Neil Hardesty and Vurrth, who express their solidarity in the fight for freedom. The narrative builds tension as Morris faces execution and revealingly enters a mysterious chamber designed by his late leader. Instead of death, Morris experiences a bizarre transformation, leading him to Nadron, where he meets Rima, the daughter of a wise alien named Slador. The chapter closes on a tantalizing note of potential rebellion and love, setting the stage for further adventures and conflict in the fight against Garroway's oppressive regime.
Horsesense Hank does his bit
"Horsesense Hank Does His Bit" by Nelson S. Bond is a humorous novella written during the early 1940s, amid the backdrop of World War II. The story revolves around the titular character, Horsesense Hank Cleaver, a man of common sense and mathematical prowess, who feels compelled to contribute to the war effort after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This light-hearted narrative combines elements of adventure and comedy as it explores themes of patriotism, ingenuity, and the value of practical knowledge in a time of crisis. In the story, Hank, along with his friend Jim Blakeson, volunteers at the Northern Bridge, Steel and Girder Company, eager to assist in defense work. However, after initially being welcomed, Hank finds himself dismissed by a government efficiency expert named Mr. Grimper. Undeterred, Hank solves several pressing problems using his unique brand of common sense, culminating in a thrilling confrontation with German saboteurs at the factory. Hank's quick thinking and unconventional approach save the day, and in a twist of fate, he is offered a position as a confidential adviser to the President. The novella showcases Hank’s earnestness and cleverness, highlighting the importance of ingenuity and determination during challenging times.
The Castaway
"The Castaway" by George Danzell is a science fiction novella published in the early 1940s. The story unfolds aboard a spaceship, where a crew discovers a mysterious man named Paul Moran who is found on an asteroid after being marooned. The central theme of the book revolves around survival, existential questions, and the haunting presence of the past. The narrative centers on the crew of the spaceship "Antigone", who rescue Paul Moran, an enigmatic figure claiming to have been marooned in the depths of space. As Moran's sinister influence begins to disrupt the ship's systems, it becomes evident that he is more than just an ordinary spacefarer. The crew faces a series of misfortunes, which they suspect may be linked to Moran's presence. As they uncover his true identity as the long-lost genius John Cartaphilus, they learn he harbors a dark obsession with death stemming from a tragic past. Ultimately, Moran's complex character drives the crew to grapple with their fate as they aim to escape the dangers of the H-layer surrounding Earth, while contemplating the nature of redemption and the possibility of finding peace in the void of space.