Author
Laurence M. Janifer
1933-2002
Laurence M. Janifer (1933-2002) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Laurence M. Janifer
Wizard
"Wizard" by Laurence M. Janifer is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story is set in a medieval-like world where telepathy exists but is hidden under the guise of a "Masquerade" to protect telepaths from persecution, particularly from an Inquisition. At its core, the book explores themes of identity, courage, and the struggle against oppressive authority. The protagonist, Jonas, is a telepath who arrives in the town of Speyer with the intention of helping a family under threat from the Inquisition, represented by a ruthless Inquisitor named Knupf. As Jonas navigates this dangerous environment, he faces the challenge of proving his abilities without being considered a wizard, which would lead to his execution. The story unfolds as Jonas becomes entwined with the Scharpe family, who have suffered under the Inquisitor's regime. Through a series of cunning moves, he ultimately confronts Knupf, revealing the truth about his telepathy in a way that protects him and begins to dismantle the Inquisition's power in Speyer. The narrative blends elements of adventure and moral dilemmas, culminating in a significant step forward for the Brotherhood of telepaths that he represents.
Slave Planet
"Slave Planet" by Laurence Janifer is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story unfolds on Fruyling's World, where slavery, apparently outlawed throughout the Terran Confederation, still thrives through the exploitation of the planet's reptilian natives, known as Alberts. Central to the narrative are characters like Dr. Haenlingen and John Dodd, who grapple with the ethics and implications of their roles as masters in this oppressive system. The opening of the novel establishes a tense atmosphere, revealing that despite the Confederation's ideals of freedom and justice, a dark truth lies beneath the surface on Fruyling's World where the natives are subjected to slavery for the sake of valuable metals. Dr. Haenlingen, a figure of authority in the Psychological Division, expresses frustration over the public's ignorance regarding their secretive project involving the natives, hinting at an impending crisis due to rumors spreading across the Confederation. As the narrative progresses, John Dodd, questioning his position and the morality of his work, interacts with both his fellow masters and the oppressed Alberts, setting the stage for potential conflicts and dilemmas regarding freedom, justice, and the nature of existence in this foreign world.
Lost in Translation
"Lost in Translation" by Laurence M. Janifer is a science fiction novella that was written in the early 1960s. The story explores the complexities and challenges associated with communication and understanding between different species, particularly through the lens of translation and logic. It highlights how literal interpretations can obscure deeper meanings and intentions, especially within a highly rational society. The narrative follows Korvin, who crash-lands on the planet Tr'en and finds himself imprisoned by its highly efficient and logical inhabitants. The Tr'en, unable to grasp concepts outside their rigid understanding of logic and authority, interrogate Korvin to extract the secrets of his home planet, Earth. As Korvin navigates their questioning and misunderstandings about government and individuality, he ultimately utilizes their logical limitations to engineer his escape while reflecting on the profound differences in thinking between the Tr'en and humans. The story serves as a commentary on the significance of cultural context in communication and the potential pitfalls of an overly literal interpretation of language and ideas.
Extracts from the Galactick Almanack: Music Around the Universe
"Extracts from the Galactick Almanack: Music Around the Universe" by Larry M. Harris is a collection of whimsical, science fiction vignettes written in the late 1950s. The narrative explores the fascinating and bizarre realm of music across various planets in the galaxy, presenting a humorous and imaginative look at how music interacts with different civilizations and their cultures. The book employs an anthology format, blending satire and creativity with a focus on musical history in an extraterrestrial context. In this anthology, memorable characters such as Freem Freem, a child prodigy from Dubhe IV, and the controversial composer Wilrik Rotha Tik are introduced, each with their unique storylines that highlight diverse perspectives on music. The book examines the artistic and social implications of music, ranging from the emotional experiences it evokes to the absurdities surrounding its creation and appreciation. With stories of inventiveness, such as a composer who unknowingly relies on recorded sounds from mundane environments, to tragic tales where artistry leads to desperate actions, the anthology invites readers to reflect on the universal language of music, regardless of the setting.
Sight Gag
"Sight Gag" by Laurence M. Janifer is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. This work explores themes of intelligence and survival through a plot centered on psychic abilities and the dynamics of conflict between human operatives. The story delves into the inherent struggle of individuals navigating their powers against physical threats, illustrating the complex nature of criminality and law enforcement in a world where psychic skills play a crucial role. The narrative follows a Psi Operative who possesses telekinetic abilities and is on a mission to prevent an assassin, Fredericks, from exacting revenge on him for sending his brother to death row. As Fredericks employs advanced shielding technologies to neutralize the Operative's powers, the tension mounts. In a clever turn, the Operative ultimately defeats Fredericks not through brute strength but by manipulating the bullets as they are fired. This twist at the climax emphasizes the ingenuity required in their line of work and challenges preconceived notions about strength and vulnerability in their high-stakes world. The story concludes with the acknowledgment of the Operative's success, marking a significant milestone in his career while leaving open questions about the nature of power and the facades maintained by such operatives.
The Man Who Played to Lose
"The Man Who Played to Lose" by Laurence M. Janifer is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around themes of guerrilla warfare, political instability, and the complexities of leadership in a democratic setup on an alien planet called Wohlen. It explores the intricacies of human behavior and the consequences of decisions made in the throes of conflict. The protagonist, Ephraim Carboy, is sent to Wohlen after a civil war has erupted, leading to a power struggle between the established government and guerrillas led by the ambitious William F. Sergeant. Carboy, along with General Rawlinson Hollerith of the guerrilla forces, navigates a treacherous landscape filled with intrigue and deception. As the narrative unfolds, Carboy devises a plan to provide the guerrillas with reinforcements and weapons, leading to a significant but costly military victory. However, as tensions rise and the implications of democracy in warfare become evident, Hollerith realizes that they have been set on a path to destruction by the very success they sought. The novel concludes with an insightful reflection on the limitations of democracy as a tool for leadership in times of crisis.
Charley de Milo
"Charley de Milo" by Laurence M. Janifer is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story follows Charley, a performer known as the "Armless Wonder" in a carnival, who faces an existential dilemma when a former professor, now a scientist, offers him the chance to regain his lost arms through a revolutionary limb regeneration technique. This premise leads to a deeper exploration of identity, societal perceptions of disability, and the true meaning of normalcy amidst the changing landscape of scientific discovery. The narrative unfolds as Charley grapples with the implications of accepting his professor's offer. While the prospect of gaining arms is alluring, he also fears losing the unique identity and status he has cultivated as a sideshow act. Charley's journey reflects his internal struggle and the tension between personal contentment and societal expectations. The plot intensifies as he becomes aware of a declining audience and the emerging dominance of science over traditional performance art, prompting him to reconsider his life choices and ultimately seek his way back to acceptance in a world that feels increasingly alien to him. Through Charley's experiences, the novel raises poignant questions about what it means to be "normal" and the price of fitting into societal norms.
Mex
"Mex" by Laurence M. Janifer is a short story that reflects on themes of identity and prejudice, likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds in a setting close to the Mexican-American border, exploring the protagonist's experiences as a young Mexican American facing discrimination and violence. The story delves into the deep-rooted societal issues surrounding ethnicity and heritage. The plot centers around a seventeen-year-old boy who is called derogatory names by a group of white men in a bar. Fueled by anger and a desire to defend his dignity, he attempts to confront them but is restrained. The protagonist hints at his family's unique background, mentioning that his sister possesses real magical abilities and that their father is physically imposing. After being humiliated, he reluctantly leaves the bar, but it is clear that his anger festers, ultimately leading to dire consequences for those who insulted him. The narrative suggests a supernatural element, as he takes on a frightening persona to exact revenge, blending elements of fantasy with a poignant commentary on the struggles faced by those marginalized in society.
Hex
"Hex" by Laurence M. Janifer is a science fiction novella written in the late 1950s. The story revolves around the intersection of social work and mind manipulation, as the protagonist employs her unconventional abilities to help her clients. It delves into themes of control, societal expectations, and the ethics of intervention in people's lives. The narrative follows Gloria, a young and enthusiastic social worker who possesses a unique talent for influencing the thoughts and behaviors of her clients through her psychic abilities. She becomes invested in the cases of the struggling Mrs. Wladek and her son Rudi, to whom she unintentionally imposes her will, pushing them toward employment and societal integration. However, her well-meaning actions lead to unintended consequences, provoking suspicion and conflict with Mrs. Wladek, who believes Gloria has placed a hex on her. As the story unfolds, it explores the moral complexity of Gloria's interventions, ultimately raising questions about the implications of using power to "help" others and the nature of autonomy and consent.