Author
Fredric Brown
1906-1972
Fredric Brown (1906-1972) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Fredric Brown
Knock three-one-two
"Knock Three-One-Two" by Fredric Brown is a suspenseful crime novel written in the late 20th century. The narrative revolves around the lives of two central figures: a psychopathic killer dubbed "the psycho," and Ray Fleck, a desperate man entangled in debt and gambling. The story intertwines their lives in a city marred by fear due to a string of violent crimes, setting the stage for a gripping exploration of morality, desperation, and the choices that drive individuals toward dark paths. The opening of the novel introduces the chilling presence of a murderer lurking in the shadows of an apartment building, setting a tense atmosphere as he prepares to commit another crime. Simultaneously, we meet Ray Fleck, who is grappling with mounting pressure from debts owed to a bookie and tensions in his marriage. As he reflects on his strained relationship with his wife, Ruth, and his gambling addiction, it becomes evident that both Ray and the psycho are on a collision course. This dual narrative establishes an intricate connection between their fates, promising a thrilling exploration of how ordinary lives can spiral into chaos. The stage is set for a gripping tale that examines the dark side of human nature and the consequences of choices made in times of desperation.
Two Timer
"Two Timer" by Fredric Brown is a collection of short stories written in the early 1950s, showcasing the author’s signature style of sharp, concise narratives. The book likely explores themes related to science fiction, featuring imaginative concepts such as time travel and interactions with alien life. Brown, known for his witty and thought-provoking storytelling, delivers narratives that are both intriguing and challenging. In "Two Timer," the collection features two distinctive vignettes, each offering a glimpse into different facets of speculative storytelling. The first story, "Experiment," follows Professor Johnson as he demonstrates a groundbreaking time machine that functions within a short temporal framework, raising questions about causality and paradoxes. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when the entire universe disappears, hinting at the complexities of time travel. The second story, "Sentry," plunges the reader into a gritty, alien-infested world where a soldier grapples with the harsh realities of war, reflecting on the struggle for survival against a grotesque enemy. Together, these stories encapsulate the essence of Brown's work, blending humor with existential inquiry and the human condition amidst fantastical scenarios.
And the Gods Laughed
"And the Gods Laughed" by Fredric Brown is a science fiction novella that was published in the early 1940s. Set in a future where space travel is common, the story navigates the themes of identity and invasion through a riveting plot involving parasitic beings from the moon Ganymede. This work reflects the imaginative yet introspective nature of early mid-20th century science fiction, exploring what it means to be human in the face of unfamiliar and possibly hostile extraterrestrial forces. The narrative follows a crew of space miners stranded on an asteroid as they recount their strange experiences on Ganymede. The protagonist, Hank, describes how the expedition initially appears to discover a primitive but intelligent humanoid race known for their peculiar custom of wearing large gold earrings. However, as the crew interacts with the Ganymedeans, they come to realize that these earrings are not mere adornments; they are tools of possession wielded by an otherworldly telepathic entity that takes over the minds and bodies of its hosts. As paranoia and dread escalate, Hank faces a terrifying confrontation with these entities, ultimately leading him to question his own identity and humanity as he battles against being taken over himself. The blend of humor, suspense, and a deep philosophical undercurrent makes this novella a thought-provoking and engaging read.
The Star Mouse
"The Star Mouse" by Fredric Brown is a science fiction short story written during the early 1940s. The narrative revolves around the peculiar adventures of Mitkey, a mouse, who is unintentionally drafted into a space mission by Professor Oberburger, his somewhat eccentric human inventor. The story delves into themes of innovation, relationships, and the exploration of the unknown, illustrating both the whimsical and profound aspects of the human-animal connection. In the tale, Professor Oberburger constructs a rocket to send Mitkey on an experimental journey to the moon, viewing the mouse as an unwitting astronaut whose experiences would provide valuable data. However, due to unexpected circumstances, the rocket veers off course and lands on an asteroid named Prxl, where Mitkey encounters a race of tiny beings who elevate his intelligence. As he blends the newfound knowledge of the Prxlians with his memories of Earth, he contemplates the idea of elevating mice to coexist with humans. Ultimately, the story concludes with a satisfying yet bittersweet resolution as Mitkey decides to return to his simpler life as a mouse, underscoring themes of identity and the essence of happiness.
Hall of Mirrors
"Hall of Mirrors" by Fredric Brown is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book delves into the complexities of time travel and the philosophical implications of living one’s life over again. It addresses the potential consequences of a discovered time machine and explores themes of identity, memory, and morality. The story follows Norman Hastings, a 25-year-old mathematics professor who unexpectedly finds himself in a future world after stepping out of a time machine he did not know he would be entering. Upon arriving in the year 2004, he discovers that he has not only forsaken his past life but has been given the power to decide the fate of the time machine—whether to share its potential with a world that might not be ready for it or to destroy it to prevent chaos and overpopulation. The narrative deeply examines his emotional turmoil as he grapples with the loss of a life lived, including the death of his fiancée, and the weight of the responsibility he now carries to safeguard the implications of time travel for humanity.
Happy Ending
"Happy Ending" by Fredric Brown and Mack Reynolds is a science fiction novella originally published in the late 1950s. The story addresses themes of power, isolation, and the consequences of tyranny. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a dictator finds himself stranded on Venus after losing a devastating war, it explores both his mental decline and his interactions with the planet’s alien inhabitants. The narrative centers on Mr. Smith, once a powerful dictator, who is now alone and defeated, grappling with memories of his former glory. Isolated on a vibrant yet desolate Venus, he struggles with feelings of bitterness and rage, particularly against a species of tiny creatures known as "kifs" that annoy and infest him. His descent into madness coincides with his attempt to assert dominance over the alien inhabitants, whom he initially believes to be simple and subservient. However, as the story unfolds, Mr. Smith's self-delusions lead to dire consequences, culminating in a horrifying fate at the hands of the "kifs", symbolizing the ultimate downfall of tyranny and the futility of his power in a changing world.
Earthmen Bearing Gifts
"Earthmen Bearing Gifts" by Fredric Brown is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative centers around the first physical contact between Earth and Mars, exploring the themes of communication and understanding between two vastly different civilizations. The story posits a scenario where Martians, having developed extensive telepathic abilities, eagerly await an Earth rocket carrying an atomic warhead intended to observe their dying planet. In the story, the Martian leader, Dhar Ry, contemplates the implications of the Earth rocket landing on Mars as he anticipates a future exchange of knowledge between the two worlds. The Martians hope to learn from Earth’s technological advances to save their civilization, while they themselves offer insights into crime prevention and social harmony, having not known conflict for thousands of years. Meanwhile, on the Moon, Earth scientists celebrate the successful strike of the rocket, unaware that Mars is inhabited. This brief encounter highlights the potential for mutual benefit between two alien worlds, yet ultimately underscores the tragic irony of miscommunication and misunderstanding that can arise in cross-cultural interactions.
Keep Out
"Keep Out" by Fredric Brown is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores the themes of adaptation, identity, and rebellion, set against the backdrop of a future where humanity attempts to colonize Mars. The central topic revolves around the genetic modifications made to a group of children who are being raised in controlled conditions to become the first Martians. The story unfolds through the perspective of one of the children, who has been cleverly conditioned to adapt to the harsh Martian environment through the use of a miraculous substance called daptine. As they approach maturity, the children are told about their unique upbringing and their pivotal role as the first inhabitants of Mars. However, a dark twist reveals that the children harbor deep-seated resentment towards their Earthly teachers and caretakers, whom they deem inferior. As they prepare to take their first steps into the Martian world, they plan a violent uprising to eliminate the adults who raised them, asserting their claim to the new planet. This leads to a chilling conclusion as the children reject their Earthly origins, eagerly embracing their new identity as Martians.