Author
Sylvia Jacobs
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Subjects
Books by Sylvia Jacobs
Young Man from Elsewhen
"Young Man from Elsewhen" by Sylvia Jacobs is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The narrative explores the themes of aging and identity through the lens of time travel, as the protagonist, an elderly man named George, encounters a young man from a future time. The story delves into the existential implications of exchanging bodies and the experiences that come with age, memory, and the desire for vitality. The plot centers around George, an elderly man in a wheelchair, who is on a train journey to visit his daughter, Edna. During the trip, he meets Sandane, a young man who reveals he is from a time beyond George's own. Sandane proposes a radical body swap in which George would obtain a youthful body while Sandane would take over George's aging form, which is nearing its end. As the two navigate their unusual bond, George considers the implications of living life anew, the temporary nature of their arrangement, and what it means to truly embrace life at any age. The story culminates in a surprising and poignant conclusion that leaves George contemplating his newfound freedom against the backdrop of inevitable mortality.
Time Payment
"Time Payment" by Sylvia Jacobs is a science fiction short story likely written in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around time travel and its implications on memory and consciousness, exploring the themes of redemption and transformation. The plot centers on Slick Tennant, a gangster who plans to escape law enforcement by using a time-travel machine created by Dr. Richard Porter. The story unfolds as Slick Tennant, desperate to evade capture, kidnaps Dr. Porter and his son, Dickie, to force Porter to use his Metachronoscope, a device that allows users to experience a compressed version of the future. Slick opts for a twenty-year leap into the future, believing he can start anew. However, the tale takes a poignant turn as Slick emerges into a vastly changed world, grappling with the consequences of his past while experiencing genuine emotions for the first time. Ultimately, he finds a connection with Dickie Porter, hinting at redemption and personal growth despite his earlier criminal life. The narrative concludes with Slick's passing, suggesting a reflective commentary on human experience and the possibility of change, serving as a philosophical exploration of identity and time.
The Pilot and the Bushman
"The Pilot and the Bushman" by Sylvia Jacobs is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores the complexities of societal values and ethics when faced with revolutionary technology from an advanced alien civilization. The main topic centers around the introduction of a device called the "Matter Repositor," which eliminates the need for traditional material goods, leading to potential chaos in Earth's economy. The story follows Jerry Jergins, an Earth salesman grappling with the implications of the Matter Repositor introduced by an alien ambassador. As the allure of this technology leads to a buyers' strike on Earth, Jerry devises a cunning plan to reassure the public that the Matter Repositor is merely a myth, allowing business to return to normal. Through his clever advertising campaign, Jerry not only addresses the immediate economic crisis but also engages in philosophical discussions about ethics, consumerism, and the fundamental nature of human desire. Ultimately, the novel addresses the dangers of technological advancements in the hands of a civilization that is not yet ready for them, showcasing the clash between primitive desires and advanced ethics.