Author
Miriam Allen De Ford
1888-1975
Miriam Allen De Ford (1888-1975) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Miriam Allen De Ford
Oh, Rats!
"Oh, Rats!" by Miriam Allen De Ford is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The story centers around a laboratory-created super-rat, SK540, who possesses advanced intelligence due to biochemical enhancements. This work explores themes of power, freedom, and the moral implications of human experimentation on animals, wrapped in a narrative that examines the relationship between humans and a highly evolved species. The plot follows SK540 after he escapes from the laboratory, leading a group of ordinary rats to form a new colony outside the confines of human control. Meanwhile, the laboratory technician Philip Vinson and his wife Norah find themselves besieged in their home by the intelligent rats, culminating in a tense interaction with SK540. As the Vinsons inadvertently become hostages, they grapple with the ethical considerations of SK540's sentience, ultimately revealing the tragic consequences of their decisions. The narrative explores how SK540, in an act of survival against humanity's perceived dominance, takes drastic measures for his kin, leading to an unexpected and unsettling conclusion. The story serves as a commentary on the potential for unintended consequences in scientific exploration and the significance of empathy towards all sentient beings.
Not Snow Nor Rain
"Not Snow Nor Rain" by Miriam Allen De Ford is a science fiction story written in the late 1950s. The narrative follows Sam Wilson, a dedicated mail carrier, on his last day of work before retirement as he becomes embroiled in a mysterious situation involving undelivered letters to a nonexistent address. The book delves into themes of curiosity, the mundane versus the extraordinary, and the implications of extraterrestrial life—a topic that resonates with Wilson's passion for science fiction. The story begins with Sam Wilson reflecting on his impending retirement from his job as a postman. During his last delivery, he encounters a series of letters addressed to "Orville K. Hesterson, Time-Between-Time," which he is unable to deliver due to the strange address. After retirement, his obsession with these undeliverable letters leads him down a rabbit hole of investigation, culminating in a confrontation with Hesterson, who reveals himself to be an alien scout gathering information for an impending invasion of Earth. The tale combines elements of intrigue and humor as Wilson navigates this bizarre situation, ultimately finding himself ensnared in a much larger cosmic scheme than he had ever anticipated.
The Eel
"The Eel" by Miriam Allen De Ford is a science fiction story written in the late 1950s. The book features themes of interplanetary law and criminal justice, centered around the notorious thief known as The Eel, who has evaded capture for over two decades while committing grand thefts across various planets within the Galactic Federation. De Ford's narrative explores the complexities of punishment and justice in a galaxy with different cultures and customs. The story unfolds as The Eel is finally apprehended by the Galactic Police, leading to a debate among eight planets over who has the right to try and punish him for his crimes. The trial takes place on the primitive planet Agsk, where the unique legal system demands that the thief's most loved one be punished instead of him. However, as the trial progresses, it becomes evident that The Eel has no one he truly loves, making it impossible for Agsk to follow their laws. In a surprising twist, The Eel attempts to manipulate the situation by professing feelings for the priestess-judge, leading to further complications. Ultimately, the story delves into themes of individuality, justice, and self-love, while leaving The Eel's fate in limbo as the Galactic Federation seeks an acceptable resolution.
The Akkra case
"The Akkra Case" by Miriam Allen De Ford is a crime fiction story set in a futuristic society, likely crafted in the early 1960s. This narrative revolves around a significant murder mystery that takes place in a highly regulated and technologically advanced world where murder is a rarity due to social reforms and law enforcement being managed by a federal body, known as Fedpol. The book explores themes of youth, societal norms, and the clash between modernity and the remnants of past behaviors, particularly through the lens of a crime that disrupts a seemingly utopian society. The plot follows the tragic murder of Madolin Akkra, an 18-year-old girl discovered deceased in a secluded area of Central Park. As the investigation unfolds under the purview of Inspector Dugal Kazazian, it becomes apparent that Madolin was involved with an anti-modernist group known as the Naturists, which raises suspicions about her family's background and their values. The true turn comes from Madolin's young sister, Margret, who embarks on her own investigation, determined to uncover the truth behind her sister's death. As the story progresses, Margret's resourcefulness leads to the eventual discovery of the accidental nature of Madolin's demise at the hands of two boys involved in a prank gone wrong. Through this narrative, the story reveals deeper societal critiques while also celebrating the inquisitive nature and resilience of youth in the face of tragedy.
The Margenes
"The Margenes" by Miriam Allen De Ford is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores the unexpected consequences of a strange new organism, the margenes, which appear on California's beaches and are discovered to be a highly nutritious food source, potentially solving global malnutrition issues. At its core, the story delves into themes of economic upheaval, societal transformation, and the unpredictable nature of human reliance on external resources. The plot begins during a nighttime grunion run when college students Marge Hickin and Gene Towanda find curious, doughnut-shaped creatures that lead to the creation of a revolutionary food industry. As margenes gain popularity due to their nutritional value, they transform global economies, leading to unprecedented prosperity and social stability initially. However, this newfound reliance becomes catastrophic when the margenes mysteriously vanish, resulting in widespread turmoil, conflict, and eventual devastation. Through the rise and fall of the margene industry, the story poses thought-provoking questions about humanity's relationship with innovation and nature, ultimately serving as a cautionary tale about the fragility of societal structures built on singular dependencies.
Time out for redheads
"Time Out for Redheads" by Miriam Allen De Ford is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around Mikel Skot, a shy ticket-seller at Time Travel Tours, who suddenly finds himself embroiled in a murder mystery that he never anticipated. The story explores themes of time travel, societal norms, and personal transformation, taken from a futuristic setting and juxtaposed with the past. The plot kicks off when Mikel witnesses the stabbing of a vibrant redheaded girl at his ticket counter and panics, gripping the antique knife used in the murder. In his frantic attempt to escape the chaos, he accidentally boards a time portal coupon for the past, journeying to an unfamiliar Los Angeles. As Mikel struggles to navigate this time period with its peculiar customs and lacks of technology, he meets the intriguing Betty French, who challenges his views on life, crime, and relationships. Mikel grapples with the repercussions of his actions and the fear of returning home, only to discover that the murder was staged for entertainment purposes, ultimately leading to a newfound confidence and understanding of human connections. The story weaves a tale of self-discovery, motivated by the enchanting redhead who inadvertently changes Mikel's life forever.
One Way
"One Way" by Miriam Allen De Ford is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story delves into the emotional landscape of a couple, Frank and Lucy Sturt, as they grapple with their son Hal’s selection for the secretive and life-altering Lydna Project, which involves sending young people to the outer asteroids for colonization. The narrative examines themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and the complexities of human adaptation in the face of an unknown future. The plot unfolds as Frank and Lucy bid farewell to Hal, who is excited yet oblivious to the depth of their grief. During this poignant farewell, they reflect on their life together and the future he is about to embark on—one where communication with Earth will cease. As they face the impending loss, a surprise visit from Hal's former girlfriend, Bet, adds an unexpected twist. Together, they devise a plan for Bet to carry Hal's child, allowing a part of him to continue on Earth despite his departure. Ultimately, the novel explores the bittersweet nature of human connection and the lengths to which parents will go to keep a link to their child who is moving into an uncertain and potentially unrecognizable existence.
Where the Phph Pebbles Go
"Where the Phph Pebbles Go" by Miriam Allen De Ford is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative explores an alien world where two species interact, focusing particularly on a game called "phph," which involves throwing pebbles at a distant target. The underlying themes touch upon issues of intelligence, civilization, and the potential consequences of unintentionally contacting other life forms in the universe. The story revolves around two phph players, Gral and Hodnuth, who engage in a game watched by both their own people and the subservient Ground Dwellers. The excitement escalates when a revered Thinker, the intellectual elite of their society, attends the phph match, leading to unforeseen circumstances. As the plot unfolds, the Thinkers reveal they have been receiving peculiar signals from outside their world, prompting concerns about the existence of intelligent life elsewhere. The story delves into the implications of their phph game, where some pebbles may escape their planet and reach other civilizations, leading to a plan to create artificial pebbles to mislead any potential extraterrestrial observers. Ultimately, the narrative blends elements of humor and social commentary, highlighting the peculiar dynamics between the characters and their societies.