Author
Richard McKenna
1913-1964
Richard McKenna (1913-1964) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Richard McKenna
Love and Moondogs
"Love and Moondogs" by Richard McKenna is a satirical science fiction short story written in the late 1950s. The narrative revolves around the absurdities that unfold following the space race, particularly the Russian launch of a dog into orbit. The story humorously critiques societal reactions to such events, focusing on themes of love, loyalty, and human-animal relationships, conveyed through the antics of a group of women who form the United Dames of the Dog, advocating for the safe return of the Russian space dog. The plot centers on Martha Stonery, who leads a passionate protest against the plight of a dog sent into orbit by the Russians. As she rallies support, her actions lead to chaotic protests where dogs across America are hung from various places as part of a misguided campaign. The escalating situation captures the attention of authorities and media, revealing the absurd lengths to which people go for their beliefs. Through engaging dialogue and satire, McKenna explores themes of love for pets, societal norms, and the impact of propaganda, culminating in a humorous and thought-provoking confrontation with a Russian official who defends the actions of his country. The story serves as both a critique of Cold War tensions and a reflection on the intertwined lives of humans and their dogs.
The Fishdollar Affair
"The Fishdollar Affair" by Richard McKenna is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story revolves around Ensign Stephen Welnicki, who finds himself at the helm of an unexpected political and military crisis involving a group of settlers from a new planet, Fishdollar Five. As Welnicki navigates through this interstellar tension, the narrative blends elements of adventure and humor within an ironic and tender examination of duty, loyalty, and personal honor. In the book, Ensign Welnicki is faced with a mutiny aboard the S.S. Rubberjack, which leads to the emergence of the self-proclaimed President Wendrew Fishdollar. With the authority of the Galactic Patrol behind him, Welnicki is tasked with regaining control of the ship and its crew, while also dealing with the unexpected dynamics of a female-dominated society on Fishdollar Five. As tensions escalate, Welnicki must balance his duties as a Galactic Patrol officer with his growing affection for the planet's inhabitants, leading to an unexpected twist that culminates in a deeply personal and politically charged conclusion. The story ultimately explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of power in a whimsical yet thought-provoking manner.
The Night of Hoggy Darn
"The Night of Hoggy Darn" by Richard McKenna is a science fiction novel written in the late 20th century. The story follows Flinter Cole, a young ecologist on a mission to study the ecosystem of the hermit planet New Cornwall, particularly focusing on a giant flightless bird called the stomper, whose population is in danger. As Cole navigates his field assignment, he finds himself caught in a web of local beliefs, intrigue, and the darker aspects of the planet's history—a complexity that he must unravel to fulfill his research objectives. The opening of the novel presents Cole’s journey aboard the space freighter "Gorbals", where he learns about the dangerous inhabitants of New Cornwall and the ecological crisis at play. As an inexperienced ecologist, he grapples with his anxiety about the assignment while building relationships with the ship's crew and the enigmatic woman, Pia Vignoli, whose family dynamics are tied to the planet's troubling past. Upon arrival, he discovers the locals' mistrust of outsiders and the significance of the stomper within their society, particularly as tensions rise in light of an impending event known as Hoggy Darn. The stage is set for a conflict between scientific exploration and cultural beliefs, indicating a blend of adventure, ecology, and ethics in Cole's quest.