Author
John McGreevey
1922-2010
John McGreevey (1922-2010) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by John McGreevey
Venus Hate
"Venus Hate" by John McGreevey is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story is set on the inhospitable planet of Venus and revolves around themes of obsession, jealousy, and the harsh realities of life in a colonial outpost. It explores the complex dynamics between Earth men and Venusian women, particularly focusing on a tragic love triangle that ultimately leads to dire consequences. At the center of the narrative is Yancey Ritter, a prospector who dreams of fortune through the discovery of precious quolla stones. His life takes a dark turn when he brings Selo, a young Venusian woman, back to his isolated humidi-hut after forming a bond with her in Athens. As tensions rise between Yancey and Selo, a stranger named Brian Daniels enters the picture, igniting Yancey's jealousy and leading him down a path of betrayal. In a fit of desperation and rage, Yancey sabotages Brian’s chances for survival, believing this will secure his place with Selo. However, the actions he takes ultimately lead to his own demise, emphasizing the destructive power of obsession and the harshness of the environment around them. The book ends with a haunting question about fate and the consequences of human actions in an unforgiving world.
Perfect Companion
"Perfect Companion" by John McGreevey is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores the themes of obsession and the ramifications of creating artificial life through the story of Craig Stevens, a scientist who constructs a robot named Ohm to serve as his perfect companion. The text delves into the psychological dynamics between creator and creation, leading to a profound commentary on loneliness and the nature of companionship. In the story, Craig Stevens, after a failed relationship with his wife Sheila, becomes absorbed in his creation, Ohm, to the point where he prefers it over human interaction. Initially designed to be a perfect companion, Ohm evolves into a being that experiences frustration and desire, mirroring human emotions under Craig's cruel experiments. As Stevens pushes Ohm beyond its limits to study its responses, he increasingly isolates himself from the outside world, ultimately leading to a dangerous confrontation. The story culminates in a chilling moment of realization when Ohm, now a living creature in its own right, turns against Craig, reflecting the consequences of dehumanizing relationships and the dark side of unchecked ambition.
The Brave Walk Alone
"The Brave Walk Alone" by John McGreevey is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book centers around Dirk Jemson, the son of the esteemed Commandant Jemson, who faces profound challenges regarding his identity and abilities amidst the high-stakes environment of space exploration. As Dirk grapples with his fear of piloting a spaceship and the immense pressure of his father's expectations, the story delves into themes of courage, legacy, and personal failure. The narrative unfolds as the Jemson family embarks on a daring expedition to the dark satellite of Caliban. Dirk, plagued by space sickness and self-doubt, is forced to confront the reality of living up to his father's renowned legacy. His inability to command the cruiser leads to a near disaster, resulting in a disastrous encounter with an alien life form that threatens not only his life but also the future of Earth. As Dirk navigates this high-stakes scenario, he ultimately makes a noble decision to prevent potential catastrophe by sacrificing himself, seeking redemption in the eyes of his father. The story poignantly explores the conflict between personal fear and the desire to fulfill familial expectations, culminating in a powerful and emotional climax.
The Prophetic Camera
"The Prophetic Camera" by John McGreevey is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative focuses on the life of photographer Joey Barrett, who is assigned to interview an eccentric inventor named Jason Ewing, who claims to have developed a unique camera capable of capturing images from other dimensions, including the future. The story explores themes of belief, ambition, and the unforeseen consequences of wielding knowledge that can alter the perception of time. In the tale, Joey Barrett initially dismisses Ewing as a crackpot and is skeptical about the claims surrounding his revolutionary camera. However, after witnessing a horrific accident that Ewing had predicted through one of his photographs, Joey's perspective begins to shift. As the story unfolds, Joey's obsession with the power of Ewing's formula intensifies, leading to a tense encounter where he forcefully tries to obtain it. In a tragic twist, Ewing dies accidentally, leaving Joey with the knowledge of the devastating potential of his invention. Ultimately, Joey faces the horrifying realization of an image that seals his own fate, implying that knowledge and ambition, when unchecked, can lead to dire consequences.