Author
James E. Gunn
1923-2020
James E. Gunn (1923-2020) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by James E. Gunn
The Stilled Patter
"The Stilled Patter" by James E. Gunn is a speculative fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores the implications of a catastrophic societal shift caused by the dissemination of controversial truths about parenthood and birth control, ultimately leading to the depopulation of Earth. The book delves into the dynamics of gender relationships and the age-old battle of the sexes, suggesting how entrenched societal norms can unravel in the face of new realities. The story is told through the voice of Andrew Jones, who grapples with guilt over his unintentional role in precipitating this downfall. After exposing misleading information in popular baby care literature, his findings prompt a drastic decline in birth rates due to the introduction of a contraceptive pill that severely limits male fertility. As society collapses, Andrew reflects on the consequences of his actions while awaiting the return of his companion, Lindsay. Through his internal struggle, the book examines themes of responsibility, gender roles, and the often hidden realities of family life, leading to a haunting picture of a world on the brink of extinction.
The Gravity Business
"The Gravity Business" by James E. Gunn is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the Peppergrass family, who explore a beautiful but mysterious planet with excessive gravitational pull that disrupts their spaceship's technology, particularly a gravity polarizer. The narrative intertwines themes of family dynamics, alien encounters, and the challenges of survival in an unfamiliar environment. The plot follows the four-generation Peppergrass family as they land on an alien planet, initially hoping to extract valuable heavy metals. However, they discover that the primary "heavy" element of the world is the alien creature named Fweep, a gelatinous entity that affects the gravitational forces surrounding it. As the family struggles with the consequences of being stranded on this planet and the dynamics between them and Fweep, they explore the potential for coexistence. Tensions rise, especially with Joyce, who is intent on leaving, while others, particularly Four, develop a bond with Fweep. Ultimately, a humorous twist occurs when Fweep begins to reproduce, presenting an unexpected opportunity for the Peppergrass family to leverage these newfound creatures for profit, leading to a resolution that underscores human adaptability and familial love.
Breaking Point
"Breaking Point" by James E. Gunn is a science fiction novel written in the early to mid-20th century. The story revolves around a crew of astronauts aboard the spaceship "Ambassador" as they land on an unexplored planet. The narrative explores complex themes of psychology, fear, and human behavior in the face of existential threats posed by unknown alien beings. The plot centers on the crew’s encounter with a mysterious force that manipulates their perceptions and tests their mental limits. As they explore the serene but deceptively dangerous environment of the new planet, tensions arise among the crew members. Each character faces their inner struggles, manifesting fears, hallucinations, and psychological breakdowns, which threaten their sanity and their mission. Ultimately, it is the engineer, Peter Hoskins, who discovers a way to break free from the alien's control by staying true to the truths of his reality, ultimately making a personal sacrifice to ensure the crew's safety. The novel deftly combines elements of speculation about human nature with an engaging science fiction narrative, making it a thought-provoking read for fans of the genre.