Author
Paul Ernst
1899-1985
Paul Ernst (1899-1985) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Paul Ernst
The Red Hell of Jupiter
"The Red Hell of Jupiter" by Paul Ernst is a science fiction novelette written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of Jupiter’s mysterious and menacing "Red Spot," the story follows Captain Brand Bowen and his companion Lieutenant Dex Harlow as they embark on a perilous mission to investigate the disappearance of several previous expeditions. As they delve deeper into the enigma of the red area, they encounter bizarre alien life forms and face deadly challenges while trying to uncover the dark secrets hidden within Jupiter. At the start of the narrative, Captain Bowen is recalled from leave by Commander Stone due to the troubling mystery surrounding the ominous red spot on Jupiter, where several ships have vanished without a trace. Bowen, determined to find out what has happened to his comrades, prepares for an emergency flight with his trusted companion Harlow. Their entrance into Jupiter's atmosphere leads them into an unexpected situation where they are irresistibly drawn toward the red spot. Ultimately, they encounter the alien Rogans—repulsive, pipe-like creatures who enslave their own kind and pose a grave threat to the Earthmen's lives. The opening chapters set the stage for a thrilling tale of adventure, danger, and the struggle for survival amidst the hostile environment of outer space.
Der schmale Weg zum Glück
"Der schmale Weg zum Glück" by Paul Ernst is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story delves into the life of a young boy named Hans, whose childhood experiences are intertwined with themes of family, tradition, and the struggles of rural life. The book seems to focus on Hans's emotional development and the moral lessons imparted by the adults around him, particularly during challenging times in their community. The opening of the novel sets a serene winter scene, establishing a household filled with the warmth of familial bonds, while hinting at the tensions of the outside world. The narrative introduces key characters such as Hans, his grandmother, and his parents, as they navigate the complexities of their daily lives amid fears and uncertainties about the father's well-being. As various incidents unfold, particularly concerning the family’s emotional responses to loss and parental duties, the dialogue conveys an atmosphere of both tenderness and tension, indicating the deeper emotional undercurrents that will likely shape Hans's journey throughout the novel.
Der Tod des Cosimo
"Der Tod des Cosimo" by Paul Ernst is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds during the tumultuous days surrounding the death of Cosimo de' Medici, a pivotal figure in Florence, as the citizens grapple with the fervent sermons of Savonarola, leading to a complex interplay of power, faith, and sacrifice. It delves into the lives of key characters, including the dying Cosimo and the fervent preacher Savonarola, as they navigate their intertwined fates within the charged atmosphere of Florentine society. The opening of the novel presents a vivid and unsettling scene where the fear of Savonarola grips Florence. As he preaches penance, the citizens willingly bring their possessions to be burned, exemplified by a poignant moment involving a painting of Venus, symbolizing lost beauty and joy, being sacrificed to the flames. Meanwhile, Cosimo lies on his deathbed, tormented by his choices and the looming specter of Savonarola's influence, reflecting on his rule and the nature of freedom and tyranny. This well-crafted introduction sets a somber tone, foreshadowing themes of mortality, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of societal change.
The Raid on the Termites
"The Raid on the Termites" by Paul Ernst is a science fiction novelette written in the late 19th century. The story explores the unusual adventure of two men, Dennis Braymer and Jim Holden, as they delve into the mysteries of a termite mound, which they see as a gateway to a new world filled with strange, enormous creatures and the unknown intelligence governing them. The opening of the story introduces Dennis, an entomologist, who is captivated by the challenge of studying termites, and his skeptical friend Jim, who views the endeavor as trivial. Their dynamic is established as they discuss the remarkable organization of termite colonies, with Dennis expressing an almost desperate wish to observe their normal behavior. After an intense discussion on the potential dangers of termites and their mysterious intelligence, the narrative sets the stage for their transformation into ant-sized men for an extraordinary exploration into the heart of the termite mound, promising thrilling encounters in an unfamiliar and perilous jungle.
The Planetoid of Peril
"The Planetoid of Peril" by Paul Ernst is a science fiction novel published in the early 20th century, specifically in the early 1930s. The story revolves around the adventures of Harley 2Q14N20, a mining engineer who seeks an exclusive asteroid home and ends up buying the seemingly uninhabitable asteroid Z-40, notorious for housing a terrifying, indestructible creature that poses a lethal threat to anyone who attempts to land there. The narrative explores themes of courage, love, and the struggle against overwhelming odds as Harley confronts the monstrous tenant of his new property. In summary, Harley 2Q14N20's journey begins with his desire to find a profitable asteroid to secure a future with his love, Beatrice 3W28W12. After obtaining Z-40, he discovers that the asteroid is home to a gigantic creature, part organic and part mineral, which he initially cannot combat due to his inadequate weaponry. Despite a harrowing encounter that leaves his spaceship destroyed and his life hanging by a thread, Harley's resourcefulness leads him to devise a plan to rid the asteroid of the monstrous beast. In a climactic moment, he successfully uses a repellor from his wrecked ship to launch the creature into space, thereby transforming Z-40 into the perfect paradise he desired. Ultimately, the tale conveys themes of bravery and the triumph of human spirit against the unknown.
Clicking red heels
"Clicking red heels by Paul Ernst" is a pulp horror short story written in the late 1930s. It follows a wealthy young man whose affair with a cobbler’s daughter turns deadly and whose guilt—or a curse—begins to stalk him in the form of phantom footsteps. The likely topic is the collision of calculated murder with supernatural retribution, blurring the line between psychological torment and an actual haunting. Eldon Gruin, fearing scandal from his obsessive lover Maria José, engineers her death by sending their car over a Palisades cliff while he clings to a tree branch. Publicly, it looks like an accident, but Maria’s father curses him to be forever accompanied by her presence. Eldon soon hears unseen steps—echoes of Maria’s red heels—matching his every move; traces of her appear in his room, and even others catch the faint clicking. Spiraling into terror and isolation, he returns to the cliff and finally rams his car through a new concrete barrier to his death. Afterward, investigators discover tiny sliding weights hidden in his shoe heels, suggesting a possible trick behind the sounds, yet the lingering signs of Maria and the uncanny precision of the footsteps keep the story’s haunting power disturbingly unresolved.
Mask of Death
"Mask of Death" by Paul Ernst is a work of crime fiction with a supernatural twist, written in the mid-20th century. The book presents a chilling narrative centered around a mysterious criminal who calls himself Doctor Satan, and the horrors he unleashes on unsuspecting victims in the summer resort town of Blue Bay. It captures the essence of classic detective stories mixed with elements of the weird and uncanny. The story begins with the formal opening night of the luxurious Blue Bay resort, where guests are enchanted by the atmosphere. However, the festivities are soon disrupted when Mathew Weems, a wealthy guest, mysteriously becomes paralyzed mid-drink, an incident predicted by a threatening note from Doctor Satan. As investigations unfold, it becomes clear that Weems is just the first victim of a bizarre condition that strikes others later on, freezing them in time. A desperate race ensues as the resort’s officials grapple with the sinister forces at play, while a detective named Ascott Keane works to uncover the truth behind the strange occurrences. Ultimately, the narrative weaves a tension-filled plot of extortion, supernatural abilities, and the quest to stop a formidable enemy before more lives are destroyed.
The Radiant Shell
"The Radiant Shell" by Paul Ernst is a science fiction novella that was published in January 1932. The story revolves around the theft of a powerful weapon's plans that could threaten the security of the United States. The narrative follows Thorn Winter, a scientist who develops a method of invisibility, which he intends to employ for a dangerous mission to retrieve the stolen plans before they fall into the wrong hands. In this gripping tale, the Secretary of War learns that Arvania, a seemingly insignificant nation, has acquired the Ziegler plans for a devastating heat ray. Fearing imminent war, he enlists the help of Thorn Winter, who uses his revolutionary invisibility technique to infiltrate the Arvanian Embassy. As Winter maneuvers through the embassy, he faces mounting dangers, including armed guards and the alertness of a dog. The tension escalates, leading to a chaotic confrontation as Winter fights to escape, clutching the vital plans amidst the chaos. Ultimately, his cleverness allows him to return the plans, thwarting Arvania's sinister intentions while leaving readers on the edge of their seats.