Author
Philip José Farmer
1918-2009
Philip José Farmer (1918-2009) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Philip José Farmer
The celestial blueprint
"The Celestial Blueprint" by Philip José Farmer is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book delves into themes of art, ambition, and revenge within a futuristic society, exploring the consequences of a society that follows a rigid belief structure embodied in a literal "Celestial Blueprint" that dictates every individual's role and fate. The story revolves around B. T. Revanche, a wealthy and ruthless financier who harbors a deep disdain for the citizens of Dafess, a city governed by strict social doctrines and an oppressive worldview dictated by their scriptures. Seeking revenge against the people who once marginalized him, Revanche collaborates with the eccentric artist and inventor Da Vincelleo to execute a plan that twists the religious tenants of Dafess against its own citizens. As the narrative unfolds, the inhabitants eagerly anticipate their prophesied salvation, only to be met with merciless retribution. Da Vincelleo's elaborate scheme leads to the creation of robotic enforcers that embody the twisted legacy of the city's beliefs, ultimately culminating in a chaotic climax filled with irony and dark humor that reflects on the nature of justice and vengeance in a divided world.
Heel
"Heel" by Philip José Farmer is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The story presents a unique reimagining of the Iliad, blending mythological elements with a futuristic narrative about gods, directors, and a production crew. It explores themes of power dynamics, love, and the manipulation of fate, revolving around the characters from the Trojan War with a modern twist. In "Heel," the narrative unfolds aboard a spaceship where a director, likened to Zeus, orchestrates the great events of the ancient war for the entertainment of a cosmic audience. Achilles and other mythic figures are caught in the machinations of these beings who manipulate their fates for dramatic effect. Thetis, Achilles’ mother, tries to protect her son from the director's plans while her love for him complicates matters. As the story progresses, alliances shift, and the manipulation culminates in tragedy as Achilles faces his fate—betrayed by those who wield ultimate control over the script of their lives. The novella ultimately serves as a satire of storytelling itself, questioning the nature of heroism and the sacrifices made for glory.
The Green Odyssey
"The Green Odyssey" by Philip José Farmer is a science fiction novel published in 1957. Astronaut Alan Green is stranded on a primitive planet, trapped as a duchess's gigolo and married to a slave woman. When he learns of two other stranded astronauts, he launches a daring escape across vast plains aboard a wheeled ship. Pursued by his wife and children, Green faces cannibals, pirates, and mysterious floating islands in his quest for freedom and rescue.
Tongues of the Moon
"Tongues of the Moon" by Philip José Farmer is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. Set against the backdrop of a dying Earth, the story unfolds primarily on the Moon, where the last remnants of humanity grapple with conflicting ideologies amidst the threat of extinction. The narrative explores themes of power, survival, and the complexity of human relationships in a futuristic world torn by war. The plot centers around a violent conflict between various factions representing different political ideologies, notably the Soviet North American forces and the Axis powers, as they vie for control over critically important communication technology known as "bonephones." The central characters, Colonel Scone and Broward, navigate this chaos, forming a reluctant alliance while working to thwart the Axis from gaining control. As they confront both external enemies and internal ideological divides, personal stakes intertwine with the broader struggle for survival. Ultimately, the novel presents a thought-provoking exploration of humanity's resilience and the intricacies of governance in a desperate bid for freedom in a new, alien world.
The wounded
"The Wounded" by Philip José Farmer is a science fiction short story first published in 1954. The narrative explores complex themes surrounding human relationships, emotional wounds, and the pursuit of healing. Set against a backdrop of contemporary society, the book delves into the darker aspects of love and desire. The story follows a character who possesses a unique ability to heal emotional wounds, likened to the mythological figure Cupid. As he navigates a party filled with guests who are metaphorically "wounded," he encounters a young woman who recognizes him and declares her love. Her passionate plea for recognition and her insistence on being healed lead to a tense interaction that forces the protagonist to confront his own feelings and responsibilities. As the narrative unfolds, it reveals the transformations in relationships and the societal implications of healing in an increasingly wounded world. Ultimately, the story challenges the reader to consider the nature of love and the complexities of emotional pain.
How deep the grooves
"How Deep the Grooves" by Philip José Farmer is a science fiction short story that was likely written in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around the ethical dilemmas of technology and bioengineering, particularly regarding a scientist's ambition to control human thoughts and behaviors through experimental procedures on unborn children. The story critiques the extremes to which a society might go in the pursuit of conformity and loyalty to the State, invoking questions about free will and identity. The plot follows Doctor James Carroad, who, in his pursuit of scientific advancement to serve the State, decides to use his unborn child as a subject for a mind-altering experiment. As he showcases his invention, Cervus III, to the Secretary of Science, his wife, Jane Carroad, begins to experience troubling insights about the implications of their actions and the nature of human consciousness. The story escalates as Jane's emotional turmoil unveils profound revelations about predestination and the mechanized nature of existence, culminating in a disturbing realization about her son's future. Ultimately, the narrative explores the intersection of science, morality, and what it means to be human in an increasingly technological world.
They Twinkled Like Jewels
"They Twinkled Like Jewels" by Philip José Farmer is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story is set in a dystopian future where societal issues of transience and mental illness are prevalent, exploring themes of survival, identity, and the quest for freedom amidst oppressive governmental control. Farmer's narrative examines the lives of marginalized individuals struggling against a system that classifies them as schizophrenics or societal outcasts. The plot follows Jack Crane, who finds himself in a treacherous situation after being captured by agents of a regime that seeks to rehabilitate the homeless and mentally ill. As he is transported to a rehabilitation camp, Jack reflects on his life as a transient and the circumstances that led him there. Throughout his captivity, mysterious figures, symbolic of a darker reality, entangle him in a web of psychological manipulation and disillusionment. Ultimately, Jack's experiences culminate in a surreal confrontation with the nature of his reality, as he grapples with the haunting consequences of his pursuits and the enigmatic power represented by the rose-tinted spectacles that reveal the truths of his subconscious. The novella closes on a haunting note, illuminating the complexity of human desire and the depths of despair in a world where hope seems elusive.
Rastignac the Devil
"Rastignac the Devil" by Philip José Farmer is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story unfolds in a future where remnants of humanity, having survived an apocalyptic war, navigate complex societal dynamics on a new planet called L'Bawpfey. The main character, Jean-Jacques Rastignac, finds himself imprisoned within a tyrannical society built on oppression and manipulation through an artificial 'Skin' that controls emotions and thoughts, while he dreams of freedom and rebellion against the status quo. The opening of the novel introduces us to Rastignac, the leader of a Legal Underground in the oppressive Kingdom of L'Bawpfey, as he languishes in a dungeon, pondering his desire for true freedom and his philosophical stance advocating violence against the injustices surrounding him. Rastignac's interaction with nearby inmates reveals the tensions between different species—Humans, Ssassarors, and Amphibs—as well as the brewing societal conflict. He grapples with his distaste for the ‘Skins’ that imprison him and his yearning for the mythical Six Flying Stars that symbolize hope and escape. As Rastignac's thoughts on revolution intensify, the stage is set for an exploration of identity, conflict, and the quest for liberation amidst a richly imagined universe.