Author
Evan Hunter
1926-2005
Evan Hunter (1926-2005) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Evan Hunter
The Plagiarist From Rigel IV
"The Plagiarist From Rigel IV" by Evan Hunter is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of creativity, originality, and the bizarre consequences of technological advancement through the lens of a struggling writer. The plot revolves around a typewriter that mysteriously types out stories predominantly attributed to Edgar Allan Poe, leading to a humorous yet tense exploration of authorship and inspiration. The story follows Fred, a down-and-out writer who discovers a peculiar typewriter in a pawn shop for only five dollars. This seemingly ordinary machine begins to type famous works by Poe on its own, revealing a sentient connection to the writer's plight. Fred grapples with the implications of this anomaly, as he desires to create his own original works but finds himself continuously confronted by the works of Poe. As he communicates with the typewriter, he learns that it comes from Rigel IV, a planet with an advanced civilization, and the two strike a deal to trade stories. The quirky collaboration opens up unexpected possibilities for Fred, ultimately leading to his newfound success as a writer, though he remains acutely aware of the thin line between inspiration and plagiarism.
Reaching for the moon
"Reaching for the Moon" by S. A. Lombino is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around Dr. Saunders, who is passionately pursuing the dream of sending a rocket to the Moon and advocates for the project to potential investors. The story grapples with themes of innovation versus practicality, as it explores human ambition in the face of financial constraints and societal priorities. The plot centers on a meeting between Dr. Saunders and four wealthy men who are skeptical about his lunar aspirations. Despite presenting detailed blueprints and his unwavering belief in the project, the investors prioritize profit and view space exploration as an impossible venture—dreams overshadowed by the reality of ongoing wars and earthly troubles. Saunders passionately argues that a successful lunar mission could unify humanity and encourage constructive endeavors instead of violence. However, his ideas are dismissed, leaving him disheartened, yet resolute to continue his work, reflecting the struggle between visionary idealism and the harshness of real-world concerns. The story ends on a note of lingering hope as he prepares to press on with his ambitions, set in the far future of the year 3951.
A Planet Named Joe
"A Planet Named Joe" by S. A. Lombino is a science fiction novel that likely takes place in the mid-20th century, a time characterized by a burgeoning interest in space exploration and interplanetary narratives. The story follows Major Polk, who is sent on a humorous yet frustrating mission to locate a Venusian named Joe, a task complicated by the fact that many inhabitants of Venus share that same name. The underlying theme of the novel explores the absurdities of military command and cultural misunderstandings in a richly imaginative setting. The plot centers on Major Polk's journey to Venus, where he is tasked with finding a native trader named Joe who could provide crucial intelligence about a revolt on Mars. Upon arriving, he quickly discovers that the name "Joe" is common among Venusians, complicating his search. As he navigates a jungle filled with locals all named Joe, he encounters various humorous situations while trying to decipher the culture and effectively complete his mission. Eventually, Polk finds himself embroiled in a conflict with Colonel Walsh, who is revealed to have ulterior motives, leading to a dramatic confrontation that uncovers themes of betrayal and the complexity of interspecies relationships. The story is filled with satirical commentary on authority and the naïveté of both humans and aliens, culminating in an unexpected twist that underscores the challenges of understanding one another across barriers of culture and language.
Welcome, Martians!
"Welcome, Martians!" by S. A. Lombino is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around two astronauts, Cal Manners and Dave Langley, who are the first humans to land on Mars. Their journey becomes an unexpected exploration of identity and cultural parallels as they make a shocking discovery upon arrival. The story begins with Cal and Dave touching down on Mars, excited to be the first to explore the planet. However, they are soon greeted by a jubilant crowd led by Mayor Panley, who mistakenly believes they are two famous Earth astronauts, Bobby Galus and Gary Dale, who supposedly returned after a four-year journey in space. As festivities unfold, Cal and Dave frantically try to correct the misunderstanding, asserting their true identities as Earthmen. Despite their desperate explanations, the Martian inhabitants persist in celebrating them as heroes, leading them to question the nature of reality and cultural evolution, as they ponder how Mars could mirror Earth’s development. The story culminates in an intriguing twist, leaving readers with questions about identity, coincidence, and the implications of parallel evolution between worlds.