Author
Frederic Arnold Kummer
1873-1943
Frederic Arnold Kummer (1873-1943) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Frederic Arnold Kummer
Satellite of Fear
"Satellite of Fear" by Frederic Arnold Kummer is a science fiction novel published in the early 1940s. Set in the harsh, chilling landscape of Ceres, one of the largest asteroids in the asteroid belt, the story follows a group of explorers trapped aboard their ship, the "Comet", as they face an unknown and terrifying force lurking in the darkness. The book weaves themes of survival, bravery, and the human spirit in the face of cosmic uncertainties, showcasing the blend of adventure and horror characteristic of early science fiction. The narrative centers on Ken Grant and Joan Conway, who lead a crew on a mining expedition to extract pitchblend, a valuable resource. As they attempt to find two missing crew members, they encounter eerie phenomena and face deadly traps set by a traitorous former crew member, Allers, who aims to claim the treasure for himself. The tension escalates as the characters must confront both the physical chilling temperatures of Ceres' Darkside and the psychological fear of the unknown. Ultimately, they engage in a battle of wits and survival, highlighting themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle against malevolent forces in a starkly alien environment.
Pied Piper of Mars
"Pied Piper of Mars" by Frederic Arnold Kummer is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of control, propaganda, and rebellion in a futuristic Martian society where the manipulation of emotions through music poses a significant threat. It follows the story of Steve Ranson, a Terrestial Intelligence officer sent to Mars to investigate a series of mysterious deaths linked to a sinister plot involving mind-controlling melodies. The plot unfolds as Ranson discovers that powerful music, crafted by the rogue scientist Elath Taen, is capable of inducing madness and violence among Martians, effectively threatening the delicate peace between Earth and Mars. As he navigates through dangerous encounters, including a murder and an attempted uprising, Ranson learns that Taen seeks to awaken dormant nationalist sentiments among the Martians to overthrow their Terrestial overlords. The climax sees Ranson confront Taen and his daughter, Zeila, in a desperate bid to regain control over the Martian Broadcasting Company and prevent a catastrophic revolt. Ultimately, he uses a calculated ruse to undermine Taen's plans, showcasing the resilience of human ingenuity against manipulative forces.
Sargasso of the Stars
"Sargasso of the Stars" by Frederic Arnold Kummer is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. The story unfolds in a distant future where spaceships are drawn into a mysterious area known as the Magnetic Spot, resulting in the loss of many vessels and their crews. The narrative follows the determined space pilot Steve Haller, who charts a course for the Spot in hopes of uncovering its secrets and potentially finding those who have disappeared there, including his love interest, Fay Carroll. The plot centers around Haller’s struggle against a mutinous crew he hires for his journey toward the enigmatic Magnetic Spot. After a violent confrontation, he finds himself bound and powerless as the ship heads into the Spot's grasp. The crew soon realizes the terrifying nature of the magnetic influence as they are pulled toward a planetoid littered with the wrecks of lost spaceships and inhabited by a degenerate species, the sub-men. Haller's desperate search for Fay amidst chaos and danger leads to a series of confrontations, including a fight against his captors to rescue her and escape the asteroid. Ultimately, Haller discovers a means to defeat the magnetic force holding them, all while highlighting themes of love, redemption, and human resilience against overwhelming odds.
The Blue Lights: A Detective Story
"The Blue Lights: A Detective Story" by Frederic Arnold Kummer is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Richard Duvall, a retired detective who is drawn back into the world of crime-solving after a kidnapping case involving the child of a prominent banker, John Stapleton. Coupled with an engaging narrative, this book delves into themes of loyalty, the complexities of human relationships, and the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. The opening of the novel introduces Richard Duvall and his wife, Grace, who are enjoying their honeymoon in their peaceful Maryland home. Their tranquility is shattered when Duvall is urgently summoned by a representative of Stapleton to investigate the kidnapping of Stapleton's son, taken from the Bois de Boulogne in Paris. As Duvall grapples with the implications of leaving his new wife to dive back into dangerous professional waters, the narrative hints at Grace's own undercover involvement in Paris, setting up a web of intrigue and mystery. The dual perspectives of Duvall and Grace promise a gripping tale as the couple navigates threats and challenges to uncover the truth behind the abduction.
Star Pirate
"Star Pirate" by Frederic Arnold Kummer is a science fiction novel written during the early 20th century, specifically published in the summer of 1940. The story revolves around themes of familial loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for redemption within the setting of space piracy and asteroid mining. At its core, it explores the complicated relationship between a son and his estranged father, set against a backdrop of adventure and tension in a futuristic universe. The plot follows Stephen McClean, who discovers that his father, Vance, a notorious thief and murderer, has returned to take revenge on his uncle, who once let him escape after a deadly incident years ago. While guarding a fortune in palladium on the asteroid Ceres, Stephen is captured by his father, who plans to rob his uncle. In a desperate attempt to thwart his father's plan, Stephen ingeniously escapes and calls for help. With the aid of Clare, the daughter of his father's former partner, they confront Vance and his accomplice, ultimately leading to a violent confrontation where family secrets and past grievances come to light. The climax reveals themes of sacrifice and reconciliation, culminating in a renewed familial bond.
The Brute
"The Brute" by Frederic Arnold Kummer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the troubled relationship of Donald and Edith Rogers, a married couple living in Harlem, highlighting their struggles with poverty, ambition, and unfulfilled desires. Their interactions reveal the emotional and psychological conflicts surrounding their marriage, particularly Edith's dissatisfaction with her life. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Donald and Edith as they labor in their small, decorated but inadequate apartment. The atmosphere is one of tension; Donald is dedicated to his work and ambitions, while Edith expresses her frustration and desire for a more fulfilling life amidst their continuing financial struggles. As they discuss their lives, it becomes clear that Edith longs for experiences and luxuries that her circumstances cannot provide, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their marriage and the dynamics that challenge their love and commitment, especially with the reappearance of Donald’s wealthy friend, Billy West.
The Film of Fear
"The Film of Fear" by Arnold Fredericks is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around actress Ruth Morton, who finds herself a target of threatening notes that promise to ruin her beauty. The plot unfolds in a glamorous yet menacing Hollywood backdrop, filled with intrigue and the dangers of envy in the competitive world of film. The opening of the novel introduces Ruth Morton, a rising motion picture star whose daily routine includes sifting through a barrage of fan mail. However, her seemingly glamorous life takes a dark turn when she receives a chilling letter sealed with a sinister death's head emblem, declaring that her beauty will be destroyed within thirty days. As Ruth grapples with the threat and its implications, her concerned mother enlists the help of Richard Duvall, an adept investigator, to uncover the source of the threats. This sets the stage for a gripping exploration of jealousy, fame, and the lengths people will go to sabotage others.
The First Days of Man, as Narrated Quite Simply for Young Readers
"The First Days of Man, as Narrated Quite Simply for Young Readers" by Frederic Arnold Kummer is an educational narrative intended for children, written in the early 20th century. This work explores the origins of humanity through a whimsical, story-like lens, blending factual information with imaginative storytelling. The narrative introduces characters like Mother Nature, Cold, Rain, and the evolving humans, who illustrate the process of early civilization and the development of human thought and society. At the start of the book, readers are taken on a journey through time, observing how Mother Nature prepares the Earth for life, beginning from a fiery ball to the formation of land and water. The narrative focuses on the emergence of life, leading to the development of primitive humans, initially described as apes who gradually adapt to their environment. In this opening, we witness the transformation of these creatures as they learn to think, use tools, and develop basic survival skills in response to challenges, laying the groundwork for their evolution into modern humans. The opening chapters set the stage for a broader exploration of humanity's growth and achievements through trials and innovation.
The Ivory Snuff Box
"The Ivory Snuff Box" by Arnold Fredericks is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The book opens by introducing Richard Duvall, a detective who is forced to set aside his honeymoon with his new wife, Grace, to undertake a mysterious and urgent mission to recover a stolen ivory snuff box. This urgent task is steeped in intrigue, hinting that international stakes may be involved, leading the reader to wonder about the true nature of the box and what secrets it holds. At the start of the story, we find Duvall receiving an unexpected summons from Monsieur Lefevre, the Prefect of Police in Paris, immediately after his marriage. As Duvall grapples with the shock of being pulled away from his bride, he learns that the box belongs to the French Ambassador and carries unknown significance. After first meeting with the elderly curio dealer, Monsieur Dufrenne, Duvall heads towards London where he is thrust into a world of theft, deception, and potential danger, all against the backdrop of his disrupted wedding trip. Meanwhile, Grace is also swept into the narrative, being sent separately to Brussels with her own mission that intertwines with her husband's, suggesting that both characters will play pivotal roles in uncovering a larger conspiracy related to the box.
The Green God
"The Green God" by Frederic Arnold Kummer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story is set against a backdrop of mystery and suspense, following the character Owen Morgan, an illustrator who finds himself unwittingly embroiled in a dark intrigue involving Major Temple, his daughter Muriel, and the enigmatic figure Robert Ashton. Central to the plot is a coveted emerald Buddha, a relic tied to dangerous secrets and the desires that fuel them. The opening of the novel introduces Owen Morgan as he travels through the village of Pinhoe towards Exeter, where a storm prompts a chance encounter with Robert Ashton. As they ride together, the narrative hints at the tension and looming conflict related to the emerald Buddha, which Ashton has procured under complex circumstances involving Major Temple and his daughter. The atmosphere grows charged when Owen discovers that the relationships between the characters are fraught with unspoken despair and ambition, particularly surrounding Ashton’s intentions towards Muriel. Following a distressing night, a murder occurs, propelling Owen deeper into the mystery as he grapples with emerging secrets and suspicions that entwine their fates.