Author
Carl Jacobi
1908-1997
Carl Jacobi (1908-1997) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Carl Jacobi
The Dangerous Scarecrow
"The Dangerous Scarecrow" by Carl Jacobi is a short story that falls within the realms of science fiction and fantasy, written in the early to mid-20th century. The tale revolves around the interplay between imagination and fear, where ordinary occurrences are imbued with an unsettling atmosphere. The narrative centers on two scarecrows named Mr. Maudsley and Mr. Trask, who are anthropomorphized by two children, Jimmy and Stella, leading to an exploration of themes like childhood innocence, folklore, and the haunting shadows of past rivalries. In this story, Jimmy and Stella's innocent fascination with their farm's scarecrows takes a dark turn when they learn about the rivalry between their ancestors associated with each scarecrow. As the children engage in imaginative play, they unwittingly revive a malevolent spirit tied to Mr. Trask. When Jimmy presents a mysterious voodoo knife to Mr. Trask, it sets off a series of eerie events culminating in a violent encounter between the two figures. The climax reveals a chilling connection between folklore and reality, leading to a grotesque conclusion where Mr. Maudsley is decapitated in a haunting reenactment of the children's playful imaginings, leaving them to grapple with the implications of their actions.
Doctor Universe
"Doctor Universe" by Carl Jacobi is a science fiction novella published in the early 1940s, reflective of the Golden Age of Science Fiction. The story revolves around themes of power, perception, and the consequences of technological misuse while exploring the relationships among various extraterrestrial beings. It combines adventure, humor, and a critique of authority under the backdrop of a vibrant, imaginative universe. The narrative follows Grannie Annie, a renowned science fiction novelist, who discovers that her latest book may have inspired a nefarious plot involving a substance called Green Flames. This substance has the power to influence the minds of those exposed to it, fostering a longing for leadership and intolerance. Together with her old friend Billy and a prospector named Ezra Karn, they journey through the treacherous terrain of Venus to locate a spaceship filled with Green Flames, seeking to prevent the villainous Doctor Universe from harnessing its influence over the populace. As they confront invisible threats and engage in clever schemes to outsmart their adversaries, Grannie Annie's wit and determination shine, leading to a climax that blends humor with a critical defeat of the emerging dictatorship. The story culminates in a satire that emphasizes the importance of individual liberty and the absurdity of blindly following authority.
Cosmic Castaway
"Cosmic Castaway" by Carl Jacobi is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. The story revolves around Mason Standish, an Earth defense engineer who becomes the sole survivor of a prison ship wrecked in uncharted space. As Earth faces imminent conquest by Sirian invaders, Standish must navigate the challenges of being marooned on an alien planet while devising strategies to thwart the extraterrestrial threat against humanity. The narrative follows Standish as he awakens in the wreckage of the Sirian prison ship, discovers the destruction of his fellow prisoners, and ultimately finds himself stranded on a jungle-covered alien world. He encounters a fellow survivor, Ga-Marr, from the planet Lyra, and learns about their shared enemy—the Sirian leader, Drum Faggard. Together, they work to construct a new spacecraft to liberate both their worlds. As they forge a daring alliance, Standish's journey evolves from survival toward a full-scale rebellion against the oppressive Sirians, culminating in high-stakes confrontations that determine the fate of Earth and Lyra. The novel explores themes of resilience, cooperation, and the fight against tyranny in a rich, imaginative cosmic setting.
Enter the Nebula
"Enter the Nebula" by Carl Jacobi is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. It combines elements of crime and adventure set in a futuristic Martian society. The story follows the exploits of Jimmy Starr, a gentleman cracksman known as the Nebula, who is faced with both a murder charge and a demand from a mysterious voice to commit another heist, all while unraveling a plot that threatens the very fabric of Martian society. The narrative centers on Jimmy Starr, who lives a double life as the Nebula—a modern Robin Hood figure who steals from the wealthy and aids the poor. When he is accused of murder and forced to undertake a dangerous assignment by the enigmatic Andromeda, he discovers a hidden conspiracy that links his father's murder to a sinister plan involving parasitic figurines made of pxar. As he partners with the strong-willed Linda Hall, Starr must race against time to recover the stolen cyphers and stop the villainous Hamilton Garth from unleashing havoc on Mars, culminating in a thrilling confrontation that tests his ingenuity and resolve. The story deftly combines elements of heist, mystery, and sci-fi, keeping readers engaged until the very end.
Assignment on Venus
"Assignment on Venus" by Carl Jacobi is a science fiction novella that was published in the early 1940s. The story follows Lieutenant Simms, who faces a moral dilemma while undertaking a perilous mission on Venus. His assignment involves navigating the intricate web of Venusian intrigue and delivering a crucial message, all while contending with the dangers posed by both the environment and the treacherous individuals he encounters. In the narrative, Simms is tasked with delivering a sealed cylinder to headquarters, but he finds himself caught in a conflict between his duty to the service and the unethical plans of a group of Earthmen seeking to exploit the rejuvenation properties of the Venusian "Deleon" Salts. As he grapples with the implications of his actions—ultimately leading to his defiance against the space-rat Halleck—Simms must navigate through hostile terrain, outsmart adversaries, and decide between avenging the nobler principles he believes in or succumbing to the risks of betrayal. The story culminates with Simms facing dire consequences, revealing the complexities of honor and duty in a treacherous and exotic world.
Strangers to Straba
"Strangers to Straba" by Carl Jacobi is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. Set on the desolate planet Straba, the story centers on the interactions between Cap Barlow, the planet's sole inhabitant, and a young field researcher named Clarence Raine, who has come to conduct a botanical survey. The novel explores themes of isolation, discovery, and the eerie life that can inhabit even the most abandoned places. The plot unfolds as Raine discovers the remnants of an ancient spaceship named "Perseus" and becomes obsessed with salvaging its parts. Through exploration, he learns about the ship's dark history, which is linked to another vessel, the "Andromeda", that carries tales of mysterious beings known as Absorbers. These entities prey on life in a sinister way. As Raine dismantles the "Perseus", he inadvertently awakens something within the ship, leading to a climactic and haunting conclusion when the "Perseus" seems to come alive, driven by past emotions and a craving for connection, culminating in a chilling encounter with the wreck of the "Andromeda". In this story, Jacobi masterfully intertwines adventure and horror, reflecting on the consequences of man's insatiable curiosity and ambition.
Tepondicon
"Tepondicon" by Carl Jacobi is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century. The story is set in a future where a plague ravages the cities of Ganymede, Jupiter's third satellite, creating a desperate environment rife with decay and desperation. The narrative follows the protagonist, George Dulfay, who embarks on a mission to explore the seven plague-stricken cities in search of a legendary treasure—the Jupiter Stone—believed to hold immense power and wealth. In the novella, George Dulfay, initially motivated by greed and the allure of riches, gains temporary immunity against the plague through the use of special pellets. As he travels through each of the seven cities, he faces various dangers, including the risk of being captured by those who see him as a symbol of hope, known as Tepondicon. With each city he visits, the acclaim he receives grows, but he soon realizes that with the potential of acquiring the Jupiter Stone comes a grave cost: his life may be sacrificed in the process of potentially saving the cities from their curse. In the end, Dulfay is faced with a critical choice between seizing the stone for personal gain and embracing a path of self-sacrifice to truly free the citizens from their suffering.
Double Trouble
"Double Trouble" by Carl Jacobi is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around an adventurous journey on Jupiter's Eighth Moon, exploring themes of exploration, communication, and mischief involving peculiar creatures. It showcases a blend of humor and suspense as it follows a group of characters led by the eccentric author Grannie Annie as they navigate a bizarre world filled with strange flora and fauna, culminating in a mystery involving a contagious and hypnotic epidemic. In "Double Trouble," the narrative unfolds as Grannie Annie, a writer known for her vivid imagination, embarks on a quest with her entourage, which includes an old prospector and a Martian illustrator. They set out to investigate an ailment afflicting miners known as "Red Spot Fever," which incites uncontrollable chatter and leads them into the dangerous Baldric region. As they encounter bizarre occurrences, including duplicates of themselves created by intelligent cockatoos, they confront a nefarious plot involving the manipulation of the miners through hypnotic devices. Ultimately, Grannie employs her resourcefulness and cleverness to outsmart the opposition and rescue the affected miners, revealing a tale rich with adventure, peculiar science, and a touch of whimsy.
Made in Tanganyika
"Made in Tanganyika" by Carl Jacobi is a science fiction novella likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Martin Sutter, a conchologist who, on his fortieth birthday, decides to break free from his routine life. He purchases a peculiar television set that leads him into a surreal and mysterious adventure that intertwines with themes of time travel and alternate dimensions. In the narrative, Sutter discovers that the television set he bought has a strange connection to an alternate reality featuring beautiful alien shells on a beach. His roommate, Lucien Travail, who shares a hobby in shell collecting, provides an uneasy company as Sutter embarks on experiments to explore this new world through the TV. As he gathers these shells and their value heightens, suspicion grows towards Travail, whom Sutter suspects may harbor ulterior motives. The tension ultimately culminates in a dramatic turn as Sutter’s attempt to frighten Travail leads to both men being caught in the fantastical realm within the shell, leaving their fates uncertain. The story mixes elements of humor and suspense while exploring the allure and dangers of obsession.
The Long Voyage
"The Long Voyage" by Carl Jacobi is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a group of couples who embark on an exploratory journey through space, seeking a new planet to colonize. Their voyage leads them to several barren planets, a struggle for power among the crew, and unexpected discoveries about their true situation. The narrative follows Navigator Norris and his band of passengers as they traverse various planets in search of animal life, suitable for habitation. Tensions rise as the ambitious Mason challenges Norris's authority, pushing for mutiny over the increasingly dire circumstances. As they dive into the enigmatic ruins of ancient civilizations on one of the planets, they uncover shocking truths about their mission, revealing that their journey is not through space but rather through time, raising questions about their existence and future. The culmination of these events pivots on a significant revelation that connects their expedition to the fate of both Earth and their own lives, showcasing themes of ambition, survival, and the moral dilemmas of their situation.