Author
Paul W. Fairman
1909-1977
Paul W. Fairman (1909-1977) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Paul W. Fairman
Ten From Infinity
"Ten From Infinity" by Paul W. Fairman is a science-fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The book begins with a mysterious incident involving a pedestrian in New York City who is struck by a cab, setting off a chain of events that leads to the revelation that Earth has been invaded by extraterrestrial beings—specifically, ten androids with unusual biological traits, including the ability to have two functioning hearts. The characters include an intern named Frank Corson, who becomes intrigued by one of these beings and finds himself drawn into a dangerous conspiracy. The opening of the novel introduces the unfolding mystery surrounding the pedestrian accident and the subsequent discovery of an alien being with two hearts in a hospital. As Frank Corson contemplates his abnormal patient, he becomes increasingly concerned about the implications of this anomaly. The narrative also follows Les King, a photographer, who is drawn into a quest involving the identities of the androids. Tension builds as Corson begins to question his own reality when he encounters a man he believed to be one of his patients, illustrating the enigma and confusion that permeate the story. This initial setup effectively lays the groundwork for a complex tale of alien life and human intrigue.
Traitor's Choice
"Traitor's Choice" by Paul W. Fairman is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the moral dilemmas faced in the context of interstellar conflict, particularly between Earth and an alien race known as the Centaurians. The plot revolves around a scientist named Reed Kendall, who is confronted with a harrowing choice that pits the safety of his wife against the potential destruction of his home planet. In the narrative, Kendall is coerced by a Centaurian agent who has kidnapped his wife, Clare, and demands that Kendall provide crucial military secrets regarding a devastating weapon known as "Willy Seven." The Centaurians threaten Clare's life if he does not comply, forcing Kendall into a position where he must decide between betraying his planet and saving his wife. As he navigates the tension between his responsibilities and his love for Clare, Kendall ultimately devises a plan involving an old, dangerous rocket project he had been associated with, likely aiming to use it against the Centaurians, hinting at his unwillingness to completely surrender to their demands. The story paints a complex picture of heroism, where fear and love drive actions that could lead to unforeseen consequences.
Secret of the Martians
"Secret of the Martians" by Paul W. Fairman is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. Set in a future where humanity has colonized Mars, the story explores the interactions between Terran settlers and the enigmatic Martians, particularly against the backdrop of Martian history and the remnants of their once-great civilization. The narrative centers around themes of coexistence, colonization, and the clash of cultures. The plot follows Rex Tate, an agent for Interplanetary Security, who is dispatched to Mars to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a Martologist's daughter, Margo Spencer, after her father, Professor Spencer, is found dead but seemingly preserved. As Rex delves deeper into the Martian territory, he learns of a brewing insurrection led by the Martian usurper Pandek, who seeks to reclaim power through violent rebellion against the Terrans. With the help of a young boy named Tommy Wilks, and other key figures, Rex must navigate through Martian politics, uncover hidden civilizations, and ultimately save those at risk of dying in a brutal ritual sacrifice. The climax reveals the complex nature of Martian society, emphasizing themes of loyalty, power, and the consequences of historical legacies.
Dalrymple's Equation
"Dalrymple's Equation" by Paul W. Fairman is a science fiction murder mystery written in the mid-1950s. The book revolves around the strange case of a young man found dead in a bar under suspicious circumstances, leading two homicide detectives to unravel the mystery. The intriguing plot combines elements of police work with a mathematical approach to problem-solving, introduced by a mysterious character named Tennyson Dalrymple, who claims to have come from another planet. The story unfolds when detectives Kennedy and Donovan are called to investigate the suspicious death of Arthur Davis, whose drink contains arsenic. Their investigation leads them to a bartender named Timothy Garver, who insists he is innocent. Unexpectedly, Dalrymple appears, claiming that he can solve the case using a mathematical equation. As the detectives reluctantly engage with Dalrymple, he presents a complex series of symbols that ultimately reveal that the poison was inadvertently added to the drinks by Garver, who was unaware it was lethal. The case, however, becomes more sinister as they discover connections to attempted murder. After solving the initial mystery, the story takes a twist as Dalrymple, now a suspect for possible future crimes, leaves the detectives to question if he is more than just a clever eccentric—touching on the implications of his true identity and intentions, leaving the detectives and readers with lingering questions about his abilities and origins.
Quest of the Golden Ape
"Quest of the Golden Ape" by Ivar Jorgensen and Adam Chase is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a mysterious hero with no past, known as Bram Forest, who awakens after a hundred years in a hidden mansion. Set against the backdrop of interplanetary conflict and ancient legends, the narrative explores themes of destiny, vengeance, and the rediscovery of lost identities. The opening portion introduces a series of enigmatic events as a man confronts psychological barriers leading to a secluded mansion. Inside, he discovers an ancient, dying man who reveals the significance of Bram's arrival and the impending awakening of a long-dormant figure connected to the legacy of the Ofridians. The story quickly shifts to the neighboring planet of Tarth, depicting its diverse inhabitants and escalating tensions surrounding the return of an avenging hero. Amid it all, Bram struggles to unlock fragmented memories and understand his own identity, setting the stage for an epic quest that intertwines his fate with the destiny of the Ofridians and their oppressors.
Deadly City
"Deadly City" by Paul W. Fairman is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story unfolds in a seemingly abandoned city where the protagonists find themselves alone after a mysterious crisis has caused a mass evacuation. The book explores themes of survival, fear, and the human psyche when faced with extreme circumstances. The plot follows several characters: Frank Brooks, who awakens disoriented in an empty city; Nora Spade, a woman who had attempted suicide and finds herself in the same eerie predicament; and Jim Wilson, a large man recently escaping from jail. As they navigate the desolate streets, they encounter Leroy Davis, a dangerous, unstable figure who reveals he has killed and is now in control, having a gun. Tension escalates when the threat of alien invaders—a result of an evacuation—looms over them. The characters grapple with their fears, the loss of human connection, and their will to survive as they confront both external dangers and the darker aspects of their natures. The novel culminates in a dramatic confrontation, highlighting not only the instinct to live but also the complexities of human relationships in times of crisis.
The Beasts in the Void
"The Beasts in the Void" by Paul W. Fairman is a science fiction novel that likely originated in the mid-20th century. The book explores the themes of reality, memory, and the intersection between the human mind and external phenomena, as it follows the harrowing journey of a space captain dealing with strange occurrences and the manifestations of his inner psyche while navigating the void of space. The story centers on Holloway, an experienced big game hunter turned space captain, who returns from a disastrous hunting expedition in deep space where bizarre creatures have begun to materialize from the depths of the cosmos. Haunted by the tragic memory of his deceased wife, Melody, Holloway finds himself wrestling with the emergence of terrifying animals that seem to represent the fears and desires of both himself and his passengers. As the crew succumbs to a trance-like stupor, Holloway's desperate attempts to maintain his consciousness lead him to unearth the mysterious connection between their horrific experience and the 'mind stuff' that fills the void, ultimately culminating in a tragic confrontation with his own memories. The novel delves deep into themes of loss, trauma, and the search for meaning in a reality that defies comprehension.