Author
Berkeley Livingston
1909-1975
Berkeley Livingston (1909-1975) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Berkeley Livingston
Oogie Finds Love
"Oogie Finds Love" by Berkeley Livingston is a humorous and adventurous novel likely written in the mid-20th century, specifically around the post-World War II era. This fictional tale follows Oogie, a character who embodies the image of a caveman, as he navigates both primitive and modern challenges in the pursuit of love, ultimately blending themes of romantic quest with comedic wrestling antics. The story delves into the contrasts between modern society and ancient times, offering a whimsical exploration of love's trials and tribulations. In the narrative, Oogie, who is actually Algernon Allerdyce, transitions from a professional wrestler to an unlikely hero after he and his rival, Ed Finster, are transported back in time to a prehistoric era. Stranded among Cro-Magnon cavemen, Oogie must use his wrestling skills and budding intellect to win battles and eventually the hand of a beautiful caveman woman named Sala. Amidst comical misunderstandings, tribal conflicts, and adapting to a new way of life, Oogie embraces his identity as a “caveman” in both a literal and metaphorical sense, discovering love, strength, and purpose in an era devoid of modern conveniences. Through his journey, the conventional notions of masculinity and relationships are humorously challenged, culminating in a celebration of love and human connection across time.
Death of a B.E.M.
"Death of a B.E.M." by Berkeley Livingston is a satirical science fiction story written in the late 1940s. The narrative explores the humorous interactions between human creators—an artist and a writer—and the fictional bug-eyed monsters (B.E.M.s) they are forced to depict in their works. The topic revolves around the imagination of the writers and how it shapes the portrayal of creatures in science fiction while also highlighting the absurdity of the glorified monster trope. The story essentially unfolds in two realms: the mundane world of the writer and artist struggling to create engaging content and the chaotic planet XYZ268PDQ, home to the B.E.M.s. The chief B.E.M., Hiah-Leugh, and his companions discuss their frustrations with being relegated to the role of stereotypical monsters in fiction. In an ironic twist, these monsters decide to capture human artists to finally portray them authentically, leading to a comical series of events where the humans experience a mock torture party. Ultimately, the narrative satirizes the clichés of the genre while cleverly questioning the reader's perception of monsters, revealing that they are merely the product of human imagination. As the story concludes, the writer's epiphany inspires him to create more nuanced and multi-dimensional characters in his future works.