Author
Irving E. Cox
1917-2001
Irving E. Cox (1917-2001) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Irving E. Cox
The Earthman
"The Earthman" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. Set in a post-apocalyptic Earth where an occupying force has subjugated the native population, the story follows Captain Tchassen as he navigates the complexities of survival following a catastrophic explosion at a military station. The novel explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the nature of civilization through the lens of interstellar conflict. The narrative begins with Captain Tchassen, who is among the few survivors of an explosion that obliterates a military base on Earth. Alongside Tynia, the commander's wife, and two troops, he embarks on a treacherous journey to escape the chaos. As they traverse the dangerous terrain, suspicions arise, leading to deadly confrontations fueled by mistrust, particularly as one among them is suspected to be a traitor. Despite Tchassen's efforts to maintain control and assert his authority, the reality of betrayal and the brutal nature of the Earth's inhabitants become increasingly apparent. Ultimately, his encounter with the Earth's natives leads him to a profound revelation about himself and the flawed perspectives held by his civilization, transforming his understanding of what it truly means to be human.
Miracle by Price
"Miracle by Price" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around themes of invention and personal relationships, exploring the idea of a brilliant yet misunderstood scientist, Dr. Edward Price, whose life’s work culminates in the creation of unconventional gadgets. The story is set against the backdrop of the beautiful and introspective setting of Yosemite, which enhances the characters’ internal conflicts and personal journeys. The plot unfolds through the correspondence of Walter Gordon, who reflects on his experiences with Dr. Price’s creations, particularly a machine known as the Transpositor and another device dubbed the Semantic-Translator. The story’s protagonist, Bertha Kent, is a botany teacher who grapples with her lofty ideal of love and self-identity, ultimately realizing that her expectations set her up for disappointment. As she navigates brief romance with the graduate physicist, Walt, she gains insights into herself and her desire for connection. The unexpected functionality of the Semantic-Translator, revealing deeper emotional truths, leads Bertha to confront and ultimately embrace her feelings, transforming her understanding of love and her sense of self. The resolution underscores how the machines serve not just as tools of experimentation but as catalysts for personal epiphanies.
Export Commodity
"Export Commodity" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores themes of humanity and emotion in contrast to cold logic and mechanization, focusing on the character Lieutenant Henig, who is sent to obtain a soil sample from a primitive planet inhabited by a seemingly inferior species. The book delves into the complexities of pervading emotional connections amid a backdrop of interstellar exploration. The story follows Henig's mission as he arrives on a foreign planet, initially underestimating the native inhabitants, whom he views as mere animals lacking civilized qualities. However, encounters with these beings reveal deeply ingrained emotions, particularly love and sacrifice, which starkly contrast with Henig's own society's logic-driven existence. As he navigates the dangers of this world, including violent confrontations and exploration of the emotions exhibited by the aliens, he discovers the profound nature of their connections and ultimately decides against exploiting the planet's resources. Instead, Henig chooses to preserve the unique emotional fabric of this species, leading to a personal transformation that challenges the values of his highly logical civilization. The story makes a poignant statement about the worth of emotional ties over technological superiority.
The Pioneer
"The Pioneer" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Captain Victor Greg, a once-esteemed astronaut returning to Earth after many years away, finding it a desolate place ruled by a new generation of children endowed with extraordinary powers. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, generational conflict, and the implications of progress in society. As Captain Greg arrives back on Earth, he grapples with feelings of alienation and frustration upon discovering that the pioneering spirit he once knew has been replaced by a society led by children who can read minds and manipulate their surroundings. He feels a deep resentment towards these children, whom he perceives as usurpers of the legacy he fought to build in the stars. In a desperate attempt to reclaim his sense of purpose and power, Greg devises a plan to use a military satellite to eradicate this new order. However, as he confronts these kids, he realizes that the true nature of their abilities is rooted in the Redearth he unknowingly brought back from Mars, which has altered their minds and perspectives. The story ultimately challenges the notions of progress and the evolution of humanity, raising questions about responsibility, legacy, and what it means to be human in an ever-changing world.
The Almost-Men
"The Almost-Men" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. Set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity is subjugated by technologically superior invaders known as the Almost-men, the story explores themes of resilience, identity, and the potential for human adaptation. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of warfare, survival, and ideological conflict, centering around the struggle of a group of surviving humans determined to reclaim their freedom. The plot follows Lanny and Gill, two brothers navigating a world dominated by the Almost-men, who use advanced technology to maintain control over the remnants of mankind. The brothers' journey leads them to confront the moral complexities of resistance as they grapple with the past and their identities. Alongside their father, Juan Pendillo, and Tak Laleen, a missionary from the enemy camp, they travel through treacherous territories, confronting both external threats and the internalized despair brought about by defeat. As the tension escalates, Lanny uncovers the extraordinary capabilities of the human mind, revealing that defeat is only a state of belief. The story culminates in a profound realization that true liberation comes from within, redefining what it means to be human in a world of machines. Ultimately, the novel advocates for the emancipatory power of rational thought and the importance of self-discovery in the face of oppression.
To the sons of tomorrow
"To the Sons of Tomorrow" by Irving E. Cox is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story follows the crew of the spaceship "Olympus" after they crash-land on an unknown planet, where they encounter a primitive tribe that reflects the earlier stages of human evolution. The book delves into themes of civilization vs. savagery and the ethical implications of cultural evolution and interference. The narrative centers around Captain Theusaman and his crew as they grapple with the challenges of survival on this alien world. After initially encountering hostility from the local tribe, they manage to establish communication, leading to a merging of societies. However, internal conflicts arise, particularly between Theusaman and Baiel, a crew member who seeks to impose a system of belief and control over the tribe. As they assist the tribe in evolving from their primitive ways, Theusaman finds himself caught in a moral dilemma, ultimately realizing that his actions, intended to aid civilization, have led to the imposition of new gods in place of the old. As the story unfolds, it questions the nature of progress and dominance, leaving a poignant message about human identity and the continuity of civilization.
Firth's World
"Firth's World" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction novella written during the mid-20th century. The narrative explores the consequences of John Firth's utopian vision of a world populated by a select group of wealthy and brilliant individuals who wish to escape societal responsibilities and issues. This work delves into themes of individualism, social responsibility, and the inherent flaws in constructing an isolated utopia. The story follows John Firth, an industrialist who, disillusioned with the incompetent masses of humanity, is driven by an ideology that successful individuals should not bear the burden of supporting the less fortunate. Through a mysterious stranger, Firth comes to acquire a planetoid beyond Pluto where he envisions creating a perfect world devoid of taxes and social problems. However, as he and his handpicked group of colonists attempt to establish their utopia, they confront disillusionment and moral decay. Initial ingenuity gives way to stagnation and unrest among the colonists, leading to a revolt from the labor force they initially sought to exploit. The narrative ultimately culminates in an acknowledgment of the necessity of social interdependence, suggesting that true progress cannot exist in isolation and highlighting the folly of Firth's initial ambitions.
Adolescents Only
"Adolescents Only" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction story published in the early 1950s. The narrative centers on the theme of adolescence and the unforeseen consequences of giving young people knowledge and power beyond their years. It explores the chaotic interplay of education, responsibility, and the adolescent desire for experimentation, set against a backdrop of fantastical events triggered by a mysterious rocket and its contents. The story follows Gary Elvin, a disillusioned teacher who finds a rocket that contains strange colored spheres. When high school students inadvertently consume these spheres during a party, they gain vast knowledge and abilities, leading to wild experiments that wreak havoc on their small town. As the situation spirals out of control, Elvin becomes both an observer and a participant in the resulting chaos. Ultimately, the students, realizing the gravity of their actions, find a way to reverse the events, leaving Elvin to confront the challenge of guiding youth towards responsibility and maturity without losing sight of their potential. The interplay of humor, fantasy, and moral lessons makes this tale a reflective examination of adolescence and its impact on society.
Love Story
"Love Story" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story unfolds in a dystopian future dominated by a matriarchal society where men are enslaved by a mysterious compound that suppresses their emotions and reinforces their subservience. The protagonist, George, grapples with his unique immunity to the compound, leading him to question the social norms around him. In the narrative, George lives under the oppressive expectations of his mother and is arranged to marry Jenny Harper, a bright young woman. Although initially appearing to comply with societal norms, George harbors a deep resentment against the system that has manipulated men. On their honeymoon, he confronts Jenny, forcing her to reveal the true nature of the compound and orchestrating an escape plan to disrupt the oppressive system. Throughout the story, George’s journey unveils deeper truths about love and personal freedom as he struggles against a world built on false narratives, leading to a dramatic confrontation with societal authorities and ultimately to a choice that could change everything for him and Jenny. In the end, they seize their opportunity to escape together, symbolizing a budding rebellion against the constraints imposed by their society.
The Guardians
"The Guardians" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction novel published in the mid-20th century. The story delves into themes of truth, knowledge, and the consequences of ignorance within a dystopian society that has built myths around their existence. The protagonist, Mryna Brill, navigates a world shrouded in deception, discovering the harsh realities that underpin her idyllic life. The narrative follows Mryna, a young woman living on a planet called Rythar, which she has been conditioned to believe is Earth. Driven by curiosity and a yearning for freedom, she embarks on a journey above the clouds where she uncovers that her "Earth-god" is merely a man manipulating their reality. As she grapples with her newfound knowledge, Mryna learns that she and the other inhabitants of Rythar are carriers of a deadly sickness, an infection that prompted Earth’s civilization to isolate them. Her escape to the so-called Guardian Wheel reveals the dark truths of their situation, leading her to confront her own society's misconceptions. Ultimately, Mryna realizes the necessity for transparency and truth in order to break free from the cycle of delusion, culminating in her desperate plea to Earth as she confronts the implications of her escape and the wider impact of the truth on their worlds.
The Cartels Jungle
"The Cartels Jungle" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. This gripping narrative is set in a dystopian future characterized by the power struggles among various cartels that dominate human society, highlighting the themes of control, ambition, and the consequences of technological advancements in psychiatry. The story explores the dark side of human nature as these cartels vie for power, leading its characters into morally ambiguous territories. The plot follows Captain Max Hunter, who returns to Earth after leaving the space service, eager to marry his long-time love, Ann Saymer, who has invented a groundbreaking psychiatric device called the Exorciser. As Hunter discovers that Ann has gone missing amid cartel intrigues, he becomes embroiled in a web of deceit involving the cartels and the Union of Free Workers. His quest for Ann reveals a sinister plan to manipulate society using her invention for domination, leading to a confrontation that challenges Hunter's values and beliefs. The story culminates in a powerful examination of free will, ambition, and the struggle for control over one's life and the lives of others in a morally decaying world.
The Instant of Now
"The Instant of Now" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1950s. It explores the intricate relationship between individuals and their societies, specifically addressing themes of revolution and oppression against the backdrop of futuristic interplanetary conflicts. Set in a universe where human beings travel between stars at rapid speeds, the narrative delves into the moral and ethical responsibilities associated with the pursuit of freedom in a highly controlled environment. The story follows Edward Dirrul, a member of a revolutionary movement opposing the oppressive Planetary Union. After discovering that his fiancée, Glenna, and his friend, Hurd, have been captured by the Secret Police, he embarks on a perilous mission to rescue them. As he navigates his way through the corruption and dualities of his society, Dirrul encounters the more formidable Vininese Confederacy, revealing their nefarious methods of control. The narrative eventually leads him to confront the reality of his ideals and the implications of betraying his own people for the allure of a seemingly efficient system, leading to a dramatic climax that questions the essence of rationality, loyalty, and humanity itself. Ultimately, the novel presents a cautionary tale about the cost of utopian dreams and the intrinsic value of free thought.
Impact
"Impact" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The book explores the themes of civilization versus primitive society, delving into the moral dilemmas faced by trade agents when encountering untainted cultures. As a narrative centered on interstellar exploration, it raises questions about expansion, cultural preservation, and the consequences of technological intrusion into untouched worlds. The story follows Martin Lord, a trade agent aboard the spaceship "Ceres", which lands on a pristine planet inhabited by a seemingly primitive but profoundly insightful people. As Lord navigates a growing attraction to Niaga, a native woman, he faces the challenge of balancing his responsibilities to the Galactic Federation with a desire to protect her way of life. Amidst crew desertions and conflicts over cultural imposition spearheaded by the regimented teacher Ann Howard, Lord grapples with the ethical implications of his mission. In a stunning twist, Lord discovers that the natives possess a powerful telepathic ability and ultimately orchestrate a plan to erase his memories to prevent the corrupting influence of civilization on their culture. The novel culminates in an exploration of identity, duty, and the costly impact of progress on innocent societies.