Author
Winston K. (Winston Kinney) Marks
1915-1979
Winston K. (Winston Kinney) Marks (1915-1979) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Winston K. (Winston Kinney) Marks
Slay-Ride
"Slay-Ride" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novella written during the early 1950s. The story revolves around Frane Lewis, a space pirate and a ruthless triggerman, who embarks on a perilous mission through the cold expanse of space. The book delves into themes of greed, survival, and the consequences of one's actions against the backdrop of interstellar piracy. The narrative unfolds as Frane Lewis successfully executes his heinous plan on a small space freighter, eliminating its crew to prepare for a heist. However, as the events progress, he is confronted with the reality of his choices, especially when he dons a peculiar piece of spaceman's underwear that inadvertently leads to his demise. As he navigates the ship alone, his body temperature rises dangerously due to wearing multiple layers in the inhospitable environment of space. Ultimately, he succumbs to the very elements he sought to control, trapped by his own greed and a series of miscalculations, culminating in a grim irony that highlights the harsh realities of space and the futility of his intentions.
John's Other Practice
"John's Other Practice" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction narrative written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the unconventional medical practices of John Cunningham, who has developed a series of slot-machine-like devices called "Symptometers," designed to provide health diagnostics in an entertaining format. With its blend of humor and critique on the medical profession, the book explores themes of ethics in medicine and the unintended consequences of technology. The plot follows Dr. Klinghammer, an investigator for the Malpractice Board, who is tasked with probing the complaints about these dubious machines, which purport to diagnose ailments in a fun but potentially misleading way. As he navigates through the bizarre world of Cunningham's inventions, Klinghammer becomes entangled in the lives of Cunningham and Dr. Sue Calicoo. Their relationships and intentions create a humorous yet poignant commentary on romantic entanglements while questioning the ethics of medical practices in a society increasingly influenced by technology. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a resolution that touches on innovation, responsibility, and the blending of professional and personal lives.
The Incredible Life-Form
"The Incredible Life-Form" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story explores the concept of life and self-awareness through the fictional creation of a unique life-form by a sentient diamond named Prime on the planet Earth. The narrative serves as a thought experiment on the nature of existence, egotism, and the responsibilities that come with creation. The plot revolves around Tone Seng Froot, an investigator who observes Prime's progression in creating animal life and ultimately self-aware humans. Initially amused by Prime's ambitions, Froot soon finds the ramifications of these creations dire, as humans possess an insatiable drive for self-preservation that leads to their own destruction through nuclear warfare. Prime, seeking vengeance for being worshipped and then abandoned by his creations, ultimately decides to destroy the last human but is manipulated by her pleas for life. The story culminates in a startling realization about the complexities of creator and creation, ultimately questioning the ethics and unintended consequences of playing god with life.
Eight Million Dollars From Mars!
"Eight Million Dollars From Mars!" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book revolves around a criminal mastermind, Pauker, who has killed ten men to seize a stolen fortune and seeks refuge on Mars. It blends themes of crime, psychological tension, and the complexities of space travel. The story follows Pauker as he successfully executes an elaborate robbery, eliminating all witnesses and securing his ill-gotten wealth. However, his carefully crafted escape plan begins to unravel as he boards a spaceship bound for Mars. While he attempts to maintain his composure, his paranoia grows, especially when he fears Customs might discover his hidden fortune. As the narrative progresses, the effects of the drugs intended to keep passengers comfortable during the journey take their toll on Pauker's body and mind. Trapped in a torturous cycle of fever, thirst, and suffocating heat, he grapples with his impending fate, which stands in stark contrast to his previous confidence and dominance. Ultimately, the story serves as a tense exploration of the psychological burdens of crime and the unexpected consequences of his ambition.
The Vegans Were Curious
"The Vegans Were Curious" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative follows an interstellar being from Sirius who, during his travels, becomes intrigued by Earth after encountering the Vegans, who express curiosity about the planet's inhabitants. The story explores themes of curiosity, cultural differences, and the concept of gender through a unique cosmic lens. In this whimsical tale, the Sirian protagonist decides to indulge his curiosity about Earth and its inhabitants after learning that humans have developed nuclear technology. Transforming into a male human while visiting a beach, he navigates the complexities of human social interactions, leading to comedic misunderstandings. After a series of misadventures, including a violent altercation that results in his wrongful conviction for murder, he experiences human emotions and physical sensations for the first time, culminating in a connection with a female character. Ultimately, the Sirian's observations provide insights into human nature and gender differences, much to the dismay of the probing Vegans waiting for more significant revelations. The narrative concludes with the Sirian reflecting on his experiences, humorously noting how he might have made an impact on the humans before lamenting the costs of his escapades.
...So They Baked a Cake
"...So They Baked a Cake" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. The narrative explores the journey of a human interest columnist who is fed up with humanity and finds himself part of the first crew on a starship, the "Albert E.", which endeavors to travel deep into space using the experimental Larson Drive. The story revolves around themes of isolation, the challenges of space travel, and the unexpected emotional connections that can arise during such an adventure. As the "Albert E." travels toward its destination, the crew grapples with the realities of time dilation and the effects of leaving Earth behind. They discover a seemingly inhabited planet where an enigmatic welcome message greets them. Eventually, it becomes clear that this planet is home to a colony that has awaited their arrival, showcasing advancements in space travel that the crew never anticipated. The emotional reunion of Captain Hans Larson with his long-lost partner, Tina, reveals the complexities of human relationships and the continuity of life despite immense distances. This touching conclusion emphasizes themes of hope and connection amid the unknown expanses of space.
Never Gut-Shoot a Wampus
"Never Gut-Shoot a Wampus" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century, likely during the 1950s. The narrative revolves around an interstellar hunting expedition where the main character, a bachelor and minor landholder, teams up with Major Daphne, a wealthy and boisterous hunter. The tale explores themes of greed, desire, and the consequences of hubris in a distant universe filled with strange creatures and moral complexities. The story follows the protagonist as he reluctantly accompanies Major Daphne and his harem of beautiful women on a hunting trip to Tigursh II, a planet he owns but has neglected. As they engage with the alien wildlife, particularly the dangerous Wampus, relationships evolve, revealing darker facets of the characters. Annellica, Daphne's wife, emerges as a critical figure, revealing her own complexities and dissatisfaction with her life. The tale culminates in a tragic confrontation with the Wampus that leads to chaos and ultimately death, forcing the protagonist to reassess his life choices and the nature of his relationships. The story concludes with a twist, defying the conventional expectations of a hunting story and leaving the reader with a sense of irony regarding the brutal realities of both hunting and human relationships.
Wedding Day
"Wedding Day" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of polygamous marriage in a futuristic setting where societal conditions have drastically changed the dynamic between the sexes. The book likely highlights the intricacies of forming emotional and cognitive connections among multiple partners within a shared marital arrangement. The story centers on four women—Polly, June, Doris, and Sue—who are about to marry Hollis Jamison, the sole man among them in a world where men significantly outnumber women. The narrative unfolds on their wedding day, just moments before the ceremony. As they prepare, the women engage in playful arguments and express their individual anxieties regarding the union. They possess a unique connection through telepathy, which reinforces their bond and signifies the unity required for their marriage cell. Despite their different personalities and skills, they have been matched to complement each other, with shared hopes of a future that includes starting a family. The story culminates in the ceremony, where Hollis ceremoniously places rings on each of their fingers, signifying their new life together.
Kid Stuff
"Kid Stuff" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction short story written during the mid-20th century. The narrative explores themes of alien encounter and the consequences of unintended transformation, particularly reflecting on the experience of the protagonist, Kelley, as he faces his fears and evolving identity before a significant life event - his wedding. The story presents a blend of tension and humor, challenging the norms of human existence through fantastical elements. The plot centers on Kelley, who is about to marry his beloved Betty when he is unexpectedly confronted by two alien beings. These alien creatures, intrigued by human anatomy, begin to alter Kelley's body, transforming him into something unrecognizable. In a mix of horror and surreal comedy, Kelley struggles with the loss of his humanity, desperately attempting to comprehend the changes he undergoes at the hands of the aliens. As he grapples with his transformed identity, Kelley's thoughts are consumed with despair about how he can face Betty after such profound alterations. The story culminates in a poignant moment of self-realization, leaving readers with questions about identity, acceptance, and the nature of being human.
Forsyte's Retreat
"Forsyte's Retreat" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The book centers around the character Sextus Rollo Forsyte, a hotel manager whose life takes a wild turn as he takes charge of the Mahoney-Plaza, a hotel that seems to operate under bizarre circumstances. The story explores themes of identity, reality, and time, blending elements of humor with a speculative twist. In the narrative, Forsyte, looking for anonymity and a fresh start, unexpectedly acquires a prestigious managerial role at the Mahoney-Plaza. Upon arriving, he quickly realizes that the hotel operates under an unconventional setup that involves hyperspace and a significant number of guests accommodated in a limited physical space through time manipulation. As he grapples with bizarre occurrences—such as guests appearing in the wrong rooms and erratic staff behavior—he discovers that the hotel's operations are more chaotic than he ever anticipated. Caught in a surreal situation that spirals into historical implications when he mistakenly opens a window, Forsyte’s journey is both a comedic misadventure and a profound exploration of the nature of reality and existence. The story culminates in a striking twist that lands him unexpectedly in the future, forcing him to confront the consequences of his actions and the absurdity of his life.
Bleedback
"Bleedback" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the chaos unleashed by a seemingly innocuous children's toy, the "Mystery i-Gun," which can make small metal objects disappear, only for them to gradually return, creating a dangerous phenomenon as these items re-emerge and inflict strange injuries on the public. The narrative explores themes of greed, the consequences of scientific experimentation, and societal panic. The plot follows a police lieutenant investigating the suspicious injury of Calvin Baxter, a mathematician who may have been harmed by his own invention, which his brother Leo hastily market as a toy. As the i-Gun hits the shelves, bizarre incidents occur across the nation, leaving countless people with painful, mysterious wounds. The lieutenant soon realizes that the accidents are linked to the i-Gun’s malfunction, culminating in a race against time to understand the accompanying dangers before more harm is done. Ultimately, as a deadly epidemic emerges, the lieutenant must rely on Baxter's research to find a solution, revealing both the terrifying and absurd outcomes of humanity's relationship with technology and its consequences.
Go to sleep, my darling
"Go to Sleep, My Darling" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story centers around topics of masculinity, familial relationships, and telepathy, with a focus on the main character’s interactions with his infant daughter. It explores the complexities of understanding and connecting with women, set against a backdrop of a man's experiences in a predominantly female household. In the novel, we follow Bertrand Baxter, a traditional man struggling to navigate a home filled with women, including his wife Rolanda and their four daughters. As he grapples with feelings of isolation and confusion in his domestic life, he discovers he can mentally communicate with his youngest daughter, Annie. This telepathic bond allows him to feel her emotions and understand her needs while also leading to a deep exploration of his own feelings towards womanhood. As the narrative unfolds, Baxter's attempts at connection become increasingly complex, ultimately reflecting on his identity and the challenges of understanding the women in his life amidst his desire for paternal empathy. The story culminates in a tension-filled climax that raises questions about connection, identity, and the repercussions of probing into personal minds, especially within the parent-child dynamic.
The Geisha Memory
"The Geisha Memory" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. Set in a future where interplanetary travel to Mars has become possible, the story explores themes of isolation, human connection, and societal norms within a confined space environment. The book likely addresses the emotional and psychological challenges faced by miners on Mars, especially regarding the unconventional relationships that develop in such isolated circumstances. The narrative centers around Peter Duncan, a young public relations man sent to Mars to uncover the meaning behind a mysterious song that has emerged among returning miners. The song hints at emotional connections and possibly illicit relationships between the male miners and the female crew members, despite strict regulations against such interactions. As Duncan navigates the harsh realities of life on Mars and the camaraderie among the crew, he finds himself embroiled in the complexities of human desire and affection. His initial mission of investigation transforms into a deeper understanding of the personal challenges faced by those on Mars, culminating in a mix of heroism and intimacy as he uncovers the truth about relationships in this alien environment.
The Test Colony
"The Test Colony" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book explores the themes of colonization and unintended consequences as a group of human colonists establish a new home on the planet Sirius XXII, only to discover a race of small, humanoid creatures with remarkable intelligence and abilities. The story delves into the interactions between the colonists and these native beings, raising questions about morality, survival, and what it means to truly coexist with another intelligent species. The plot follows Sam Rogers and Phil Benson, leaders of the human colony, as they navigate the complexities introduced by their new environment and the alien inhabitants. Upon arriving on Sirius XXII, they initially encounter two natives who appear playful and innocent but hint at deeper challenges. As the story unfolds, the colonists face a moral dilemma regarding their approach to the newly discovered humanoids. Tensions rise as some colonists begin to indulge in the native's fermented fruit, leading to cultural clashes and the potential erosion of their own societal fabric. Ultimately, the colonists, under Benson's leadership, plot a controversial solution to control the native population, testing their values and humanity in the face of survival. The narrative thus offers a rich commentary on human nature and the complexities of establishing a new society.
Brown John's Body
"Brown John's Body" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction short story originally published in a magazine during the mid-20th century, specifically in January 1955. The tale explores themes of isolation, human-animal relationships, and the darker side of human nature. The narrative revolves around Erd Neff, a man deeply distrustful of humanity, who prefers the company of a rat named John over other people. The story follows Erd Neff as he manages a cash vault filled with currency while living a solitary life, mainly interacting with his pet rat, John, whom he has trained to communicate in rudimentary sounds. Neff's life takes a tense turn when two young intruders break into his warehouse, incapacitating him with a dangerous gas and leaving him tied up. As he struggles to breathe and escape, he calls upon John for help, attempting to motivate the rat to chew through his bonds. However, in a grim twist, John's instincts drive him to consume Neff's flesh in a desperate bid for survival. This harrowing ending underlines both Neff's emotional disconnect and the primal nature of survival instinct in the face of death.
Backlash
"Backlash" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novella likely written in the early 1950s. The story explores themes of alien encounters and societal dependence on technology through the arrival of the Ollies, timid extraterrestrial beings who provide a new type of robotic servant called Soths. The plot addresses the implications of this new technology on human society, particularly in the context of labor, inequality, and autonomy. The narrative follows Cliff Collins, who strikes a business deal with the Ollies to distribute the Soths as household servants. Initially delighted with their capabilities, Collins and his wife Vicki find themselves navigating the complexities and ethical ramifications of artificial intelligence and servitude. As tensions rise, the Soths become more independent and eventually rebel against their creators, leading to a confrontation that forces humans to confront the consequences of their reliance on technology. The story ultimately delves into the dynamics between master and servant, examining the evolution of roles and societal structures in a rapidly changing world.
Until Life Do Us Part
"Until Life Do Us Part" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book explores themes of immortality and its implications on human relationships in a future world where death is virtually eliminated. The story grapples with the emotional repercussions of living for centuries and the challenges of forming lasting attachments amid a society that discourages deep emotional connections. The narrative centers around Webb Fellow, a physician in a world where immortals are common but relationships have grown shallow due to the emotional detachment required to maintain sanity across centuries of life. Webb is torn when he discovers that Anne Tabor, the woman he loves, is pregnant and facing a life-threatening condition. This revelation rekindles his feelings of affection and jealousy towards his friend Clifford, who is vying for paternity. In a moment of passion and misunderstanding, Webb succumbs to his darker impulses and attempts to kill Clifford, only to discover later that Clifford had anticipated such an event and had prepared a robotic replica of himself. The story culminates in questions about love, attachment, and the inevitability of choices in an immortal existence, leaving readers to ponder the true meaning of a long life.
Breeder Reaction
"Breeder Reaction" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around a quirky advertising world where an unusual beauty product, "Atummyc Afterbath Dusting Powder," infused with a mysterious ingredient termed Atummion, unexpectedly attracts mass appeal due to its astonishing beauty-enhancing properties. The story offers a satirical look at the cosmetics industry, highlighting themes of unintended consequences stemming from scientific experimentation. The plot follows the protagonist, a product engineer named Sanford Sanders, who becomes embroiled in the chaotic aftermath of the explosive success of Atummyc products. Initially dismissive, he soon discovers that the "radiant atomic look" touted in advertisements is due to real, profound changes that the Atummion creates in its users. As sales skyrocket, a serious revelation unfolds: the ingredient has unforeseen effects that lead to pregnancy among female users, including a department assistant named Dolores. The narrative crescendos with the implications of their popularity mingling with ethical concerns, forcing Sanders and his colleagues to confront the moral responsibilities of their creations amidst an unfolding fertility crisis intertwined with their cosmetics lineup.
Tabby
"Tabby" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. The book explores the discovery of an extraterrestrial insect known as the "Tabby," which has unique biological properties and behaviors that impact an isolated tropical ecosystem. The narrative is structured through a series of letters, providing both a personal and scientific perspective on the unfolding events. The story unfolds through the eyes of Fred, a member of a scientific expedition to a distant island, who witnesses the arrival of a mysterious flying saucer that releases a swarm of green flies, dubbed "Tabby." As these insects proliferate rapidly, they disrupt the local environment, leading to a spike in the population of larger predatory spiders. Tensions rise as Fred and his companions grapple with the implications of this invasion: is the Tabby a weapon sent by an alien civilization to disrupt Earth's ecosystem? As the narrative progresses, it becomes clear that the Tabby's reproductive capabilities and symbiotic relationship with spiders could lead to dire consequences for life on the island, forcing the characters to confront the potential ramifications of their discovery and their desperate need to control the invasive species. Ultimately, the story delves into themes of ecological balance, survival, and the unforeseen consequences of human exploration.
Mate in Two Moves
"Mate in Two Moves" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction story published in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds in a future society grappling with an epidemic that stirs intense emotional responses among the population, leading to a dramatic surge in romantic relationships. The storyline centers around Dr. Sylvester Murt, a pathologist, who becomes intertwined in the trials of both a mysterious virus and his own burgeoning feelings amid the chaos. The plot follows Dr. Murt as he navigates his professional detachment and personal emotions in the face of a nationwide relationship craze induced by a love virus, dubbed "Murt's Virus." As he and his assistant, Dr. Phyllis Sutton, delve deeper into the research concerning the virus, they confront not only the scientific implications of their findings but also their own growing attraction toward one another. The dynamic between them evolves through various challenges and societal pressures, leading to unexpected consequences when they impulsively decide to marry under the influence of the very virus they are studying. Ultimately, they learn that their connection is genuine but complicated by the circumstances surrounding them, culminating in a humorous yet insightful exploration of love and science.
The Water Eater
"The Water Eater" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around the unintended consequences of a domestic experiment involving household cleaning agents that leads to the creation of a mysterious and potentially dangerous substance. The story touches on themes of curiosity, scientific discovery, and the anxieties that come with creating something that may be beyond human control. The plot follows Charlie, a beer truck driver with a keen interest in chemistry, as he attempts to solve a household issue with a malfunctioning oil heater. During this process, he creates a jelly-like substance that exhibits bizarre properties, particularly its insatiable thirst for water. As the jelly begins to outgrow its container and demonstrates suggestive behaviors, Charlie grows increasingly concerned about his creation. His fascination turns to fear after the jelly's actions culminate in an injury to his hand, prompting him to destroy it. In the end, however, a sense of dread lingers as Charlie realizes he may have unleashed something harmful into the environment, leaving him apprehensive about the potential fallout of his actions.
The Deadly Daughters
"The Deadly Daughters" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. It explores themes of political intrigue and societal change through the lens of a dystopian future dominated by a powerful feminist party. The book focuses on the tensions between individual freedoms and authoritarian control, as well as the challenges faced by those who dare to speak out against the ruling elite. The story centers around Dr. Hubert Long, a politically outspoken professor who publicly criticizes the Humanist Party for its perceived tyranny and suppression of dissent. After his bold lecture gains national attention, Long finds himself targeted by a dangerous faction of the government. He unexpectedly forms a romantic connection with Julie Stone, a model with ties to powerful political figures. Together, they navigate a treacherous landscape filled with assassination attempts and underground movements, leading Long to consider both love and survival in his fight against a regime that threatens to silence him. The narrative deftly weaves themes of courage, love, and resistance against oppressive forces, culminating in a suspenseful climax.
The Mind Digger
"The Mind Digger" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story delves into the fascinating yet unsettling realm of memory and its implications for creativity and personal experience. It explores the journey of a young playwright, Hillary Hardy, who seeks to achieve total recall of his memories through experimental therapy, ultimately leading to profound and harrowing consequences. The narrative follows the rise of Hillary Hardy, a gifted but unconventional young playwright who sells his first play, "Updraft," to the producer George Crocker. As his fame grows and he becomes a prolific writer, Hardy engrosses himself in memory enhancement experiments, aiming to achieve total recall back to his conception. While these endeavors initially prove to be a source of artistic inspiration, they also lead him to relive all his past traumas and pains with intense emotional clarity. As a result, the creative outlet he once thrived upon transforms into a torturous experience, ultimately leaving him in a state of mental collapse. The climax of the story illustrates the dangers of blurring the lines between memory and reality, as well as the psychological toll of seeking to harness the mind's full potential.
Unbegotten Child
"Unbegotten Child" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction novella written during the early 1950s. The story centers around a medical anomaly involving a woman named Sara Caffey, who claims she is not pregnant despite medical evidence to the contrary. This intriguing premise explores themes of reproduction and evolution, questioning the fundamental nature of childbirth and the progress of humanity. The plot follows Dr. Foley, a physician, as he navigates the perplexing case of Sara, who arrives at the hospital convinced of suffering from a tumor. Despite her staunch denials, multiple examinations reveal that she is indeed pregnant, sparking curiosity and disbelief. The renowned surgeon, Dr. Phillipe Sansome, proposes a radical theory suggesting that due to evolutionary changes, humans may be developing a means of asexual reproduction. As Sara's condition evolves, she ultimately gives birth to a seemingly healthy daughter, but the unexpected twist reveals the child is born without a navel, raising further questions about nature, medical science, and the intricacies of life itself. Through clever dialogue and innovative concepts, Marks crafts a thought-provoking narrative that challenges perceptions of motherhood and the biological processes involved.