Author
Sam Merwin
1910-1996
Sam Merwin (1910-1996) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Sam Merwin
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Judas Ram
"Judas Ram" by Sam Merwin, Jr. is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1950s, particularly during the golden age of science fiction. The story addresses a bizarre and harrowing situation in which humans are captured and experimented on by alien beings, exploring themes of captivity, adaptation, and the essence of humanity. The title suggests a connection to themes of betrayal and sacrifice, drawing a parallel to the biblical figure Judas Iscariot. The protagonist, Roger Tennant, finds himself trapped in a surreal and oppressive environment with three women who are also captives. He grapples with feelings of helplessness as their alien captors manipulate their desires and emotions for their own purposes. Roger learns that he possesses unique abilities within this alternate dimension, allowing him a degree of control. As the story progresses, Roger's internal conflict intensifies when he is given the chance to escape through a portal to Earth but realizes it would involve betraying another potential victim. Ultimately, he chooses to return to help the women left behind, forming a bond with Dana, who becomes a symbol of their shared struggles against alien manipulation and their quest for freedom. The novel culminates in a confrontation that forces Roger to confront his own values and the implications of loyalty in a world devoid of moral clarity.
The sane men of Satan
"The Sane Men of Satan" by Sam Merwin is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book explores themes of time travel, morality, and the intersection of past and present through the experiences of its main character, Charles Justin, who finds himself navigating both the historical world of 18th-century Boston and a present filled with existential decisions. The narrative raises questions about the impact of individual choices on the course of history, particularly as Justin faces the moral dilemma of whether to support a charismatic preacher named Henri Dubois whose influence could have devastating consequences. The opening of the novel introduces Charles Justin, an executive vice-president at a bank, as he walks through the historic streets of Boston, reminiscing about the past and contemplating his life. Justin's complex relationship with his wife, Marie, and his interaction with a psychiatrist, Jack Fellowes, hint at deeper personal challenges. The narrative shifts as Justin meets Dubois, who seeks significant financial backing for his Missionism movement. It creates a sense of urgency and moral conflict as Justin must confront the implications of his decisions in the face of societal changes that Dubois represents. This opening portion sets the stage for a blend of historical reflection, character development, and the impending crisis that will challenge Justin’s values and sanity.
The Final Figure
"The Final Figure" by Sam Merwin, Jr. is a science fiction novelet written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a gifted model-maker, Angus MacReedy, whose incredible ability to foresee and craft miniature representations of future military weapons sparks interest and concern among military officials. The narrative explores themes of foresight in warfare, the intersection of creativity and duty, and the implications of possessing knowledge that could alter the course of conflict in a tension-filled world. The plot follows General Wales, who discovers the remarkable accuracy of MacReedy's models, particularly a miniature of a crucial weapon that has not yet been publicly disclosed. Alarmed by the implications of such prophetic talent falling into the wrong hands, Wales attempts to leverage MacReedy's abilities for national security while grappling with ethical dilemmas about personal freedom and responsibility. As the story progresses, it reveals a world where imagination can dictate reality, culminating in a chilling twist that underscores the value of knowledge and the price of innovation—both for the individual and society. Ultimately, the narrative questions whether foresight can truly predict the future or if it merely shapes the pathways to the inevitable.
The Ambassador
"The Ambassador" by Sam Merwin, Jr. is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Zalen Lindsay, the first Martian Ambassador Plenipotentiary to the United Worlds Congress, as he navigates the complexities of interplanetary diplomacy in a future where society is overly reliant on computer judgment, leading to significant tensions between Earth and Mars. The novel explores themes of human judgment, artificial intelligence, and the dynamics of power, particularly through Lindsay's bold speeches that challenge Earth’s computer-dependent society. The opening of the book introduces us to Zalen Lindsay, who is addressing the United Worlds Congress amidst representatives wearing glasses that reflect their nationalities. He delivers a provocative speech that condemns Earth's reliance on computers for decision-making, asserting Mars’s right to refuse unwanted goods and to maintain its autonomy. As Lindsay leaves, he faces murmurs of disapproval and discussions about his inexperience and the potential consequences of his actions. The subsequent interactions highlight the tension of Earth and Mars' diplomatic relations, showcasing Lindsay's internal struggles with the threat of assassination and his growing realization of the political games at play. Throughout these events, he meets Nina, his secretary, who plays a more significant role than initially apparent, and we see hints of romantic tension amidst the political chaos that shapes their world.
Nightmare tower
"Nightmare Tower" by Sam Merwin is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story follows Lynne Fenlay, a young woman dealing with personal and emotional turmoil while working as a telepath in a cybernetic team on Mars. As the narrative unfolds, Lynne grapples with complex relationships and a growing awareness of her latent telepathic abilities, set against the backdrop of an enigmatic Martian society facing unforeseen challenges. At the start of the novel, Lynne is struggling with a mysterious headache that complicates her dynamics with her fiancé, Ray Cornell, and their colleague, Janet Downes. Her discomfort intensifies as she begins to experience telepathic connections that unveil emotions and hidden motives between the trio. Amidst the interpersonal tension, Lynne receives shocking news about her unique telepathic talent, which could alter her path dramatically. As she neglects her earthly ties and navigates her new surroundings, readers are drawn into her inner struggles and the eerie invitation from her Martian environment—a planet with a history steeped in both beauty and decay. This sets the stage for a captivating exploration of identity, loyalty, and the burdens of extraordinary abilities.
Climate—disordered
"Climate—disordered" by Carter Sprague is a satirical science fiction story published in the mid-20th century. The narrative centers on a public relations expert, Wiley Cordes, who devises a scheme to manipulate weather patterns to create snowstorms over a rival resort city, Burden Bay. The underlying topic explores themes of competition, ethics, and the lengths to which individuals may go for success in the business world. In the story, Wiley Cordes is hired by the Chamber of Commerce in Wheedonville by the Sea to increase its tourist trade, which has suffered due to a series of unfortunate events impacting the town. Utilizing his expertise in promotion, he decides to artificially induce snow in Burden Bay to divert attention and vacationers to Wheedonville. For a time, his plan succeeds, and the town enjoys a thriving tourist season at the expense of Burden Bay. However, Cordes's success is short-lived; eventually, his tactics backfire when the rival town adopts his weather manipulation idea for themselves, leaving Cordes and Wheedonville out in the cold, both literally and figuratively. The story offers a humorous yet cautionary look at ambition and rivalry in the resort industry.
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Reel Life Films
"Reel Life Films" by Sam Merwin is a science fiction narrative likely written in the 1950s, during the early years of the space age. The book critiques the film industry's portrayal of extraterrestrial beings, focusing on the complexities of producing science fiction movies in a politically sensitive environment. The theme revolves around the idea of how filmmakers deal with the demand for villains without offending real-life minority groups, ultimately opting for fictional aliens. The story unfolds on a train as Cyril Bezdek, the production chief of Gigantic Studios, engages in a crucial meeting with banker E. Carter Dorwin to discuss their science fiction films. Bezdek is determined to defend the creative direction of the studio against Dorwin's concerns about their alignment with reality and societal sentiment. The plot takes a dramatic turn when an actual Martian intrudes, demanding that the representations of Martians in their films be altered as they do not reflect the reality of his civilization. As the narrative progresses, issues of identity, representation, and the nature of entertainment are explored, leading to a humorous yet thought-provoking examination of how fiction interacts with societal values.
A World Apart
"A World Apart" by Sam Merwin, Jr. is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The story revolves around themes of time travel and nostalgia, exploring how a man named Banning Coulter unexpectedly finds himself returned to his youth, grappling with his past decisions and relationships as he navigates this second chance at life. The plot follows Coulter as he drives through his hometown after a long absence, only to discover he's reverted back to his younger self, both in body and circumstances. As he encounters familiar places and figures from his past, particularly Eve Lawton, the woman he left behind, he delves into the impact of his earlier choices on those around him. The twist lies in Eve's role in this time shift; she has engineered a time travel mechanism that allows them to reconnect, but her motivations and the consequences of this reunion challenge Coulter's understanding of his own desires and autonomy. Ultimately, his journey is not just about reclaiming youth, but about confronting the darker aspects of love, dependency, and the longing for freedom from familial encroachments.
It's All Yours
"It's All Yours" by Sam Merwin, Jr. is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. Set in a dystopian future where humanity faces extinction due to environmental decay and asterility, the story follows the Chancellor of a dying Earth, who grapples with the unprecedented challenges of alien colonization from Mars. The book explores themes of hope, despair, and the complexities of survival in a world where organic life is collapsing. In the narrative, Chancellor Bliss rules over a desolate planet suffering from mutations and societal unrest. Humanity's struggle to breed has led to desperation, nightmares, and a waning sense of hope. The story takes a turn with the arrival of a Martian ambassador, Captain Yaelstrom, who arrives with an ultimatum for Earth—a demand for living space due to overpopulation on Mars. As their conversation unfolds, it becomes clear that both worlds share a painful legacy of mutation and survival. Bliss must navigate the implications of this prospect, balancing the needs of his people against a looming threat of colonization, ultimately revealing the stark realities of their intertwined fates.