Author
T. D. Hamm
1905-1994
T. D. Hamm (1905-1994) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by T. D. Hamm
Native Son
"Native Son" by T. D. Hamm is a science fiction novella written in the early to mid-20th century. The story revolves around a young boy named Tommy Benton, who is the son of Martian colonists visiting Earth for the first time. As he navigates the challenges of adapting to the heavy gravity, bustling city life, and cultural differences of 21st-century New York, the narrative explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of family expectations. The plot centers around Tommy's struggle to fit in on Earth while feeling a strong pull towards his Martian home. Despite the initial excitement of his surroundings, he quickly becomes overwhelmed by the new environment and the perceived ridicule from others regarding his unique appearance and Martian background. Tommy longs for home and feels increasingly alienated as he faces the prospect of living on a planet that feels foreign to him. The climax of the story builds on his rising anxiety and loneliness, culminating in a tragic moment of misunderstanding that leads to a heart-wrenching conclusion, leaving a lingering mystery about identity and the true essence of humanity amidst technology.
Floor of Heaven
"Floor of Heaven" by T. D. Hamm is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative centers on a space expedition to Mars, exploring themes of isolation, ambition, and the psychological effects of space travel. The story presents a futuristic journey characterized by the exploration of celestial bodies and the struggles of its crew members. The plot follows the crew of the spaceship Ad Astra, led by Bryan and comprising Williams and Hughes, as they embark on a monumental mission to Mars, marking a significant achievement in space exploration. During their exploration, an unforeseen disaster occurs, leading to the tragic loss of two crew members when the ground crumbles beneath them. Williams, the astrogator, survives the incident but is left to grapple with the psychological aftermath of being alone in space and the haunting memory of his companions. As time passes and he adjusts to life back on Earth, the trauma resurfaces, ultimately culminating in a chilling confrontation with his memory and fear of the stars and the void. The story evokes a sense of existential dread, emphasizing the fragility of human experience in the vastness of space.
The survivors
"The Survivors" by T. D. Hamm is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1960s. The story unfolds on the Martian plateau and revolves around a small group of explorers who must confront the harsh realities of survival after their ship is destroyed. As they navigate the treacherous landscape, themes of isolation, desperation, and the will to survive amidst the unknown are explored. The narrative follows four main characters—Bradford, Canham, Palmer, and Rodriguez—as they grapple with their dire circumstances following a catastrophic accident that leaves them stranded on Mars. After witnessing the death of two crew members, they embark on a grueling journey towards the Martian Polar Cap in search of water and potential safety. As they face the effects of dehydration, psychological strain, and deadly local fauna, their ranks dwindle further, ultimately leading to heartbreaking sacrifices. The story culminates as the last survivor reaches a bizarre, verdant oasis that reveals the planet's hidden life forms, leading to both a tragic resolution of their struggle for survival and an unsettling twist regarding the fate of humanity's exploration of Mars.
The Last Supper
"The Last Supper" by T. D. Hamm is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds in a post-apocalyptic setting where the remnants of humanity are struggling for survival after a cataclysmic event has drastically altered the Earth. The story explores themes of desperation, survival, and the morally complex choices individuals must make in extreme circumstances. In the tale, the protagonist Guldran, driven by a mix of anthropological desire and survival instinct, pursues a woman and her child who represent the last hope for humanity's continuation. As he races through a treacherous landscape marked by blizzards and peril, he reflects on the urgent mandate from his crew to capture these final humans for the sake of repopulation. However, the situation takes a dark turn when Guldran, blinded by ambition and desperation, falls into a trap set by the very beings he sought to save. The story culminates in a chilling revelation that the last woman on earth sees him as mere "food," illustrating the harsh reality and brutal instincts that can arise in a fight for survival.