Author
William F. Nolan
1928-2021
William F. Nolan (1928-2021) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by William F. Nolan
And miles to go before I sleep
"And miles to go before I sleep" by William F. Nolan is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story encapsulates a poignant exploration of obligation and sacrifice as it follows the theme of a man's last journey home after spending two decades in space. The narrative delves into the emotional turmoil of a character confronting his own mortality while striving to fulfill a promise to his aging parents. In the tale, Robert Murdock, a rocket pilot, is on a one-way trip back to Earth, knowing he will not survive the descent due to a terminal illness he contracted during his space missions. As he reflects on his life and prepares for his impending death, he devises a plan to send an android in his place to comfort his parents, concealing the truth about his fate. Murdock's poignant memories of childhood and his dream of becoming a spaceman lead him to sacrifice his identity, ensuring his parents believe their son has returned when, in truth, he will sleep forever among the stars. The story raises profound questions of identity, love, and the complexities of human existence, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.
Small World
"Small World" by William F. Nolan is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where alien ships have devastated Earth and decimated humanity. It chronicles the struggles of Lewis Stillman, the last man alive in a desolate Los Angeles as he navigates the dangers of this changed world, filled with grotesque remnants of civilization and aggressive alien children. The narrative follows Lewis as he grapples with loneliness and survival in the aftermath of an alien invasion that has left most of humanity dead. For three years, he has wandered through the underground tunnels of Los Angeles, avoiding the alien children who have become the dominant life form. As he scavenges for food and supplies, he longs for companionship and the normalcy of his former life, often reminiscing about his lost girlfriend and dreams of becoming a doctor. The climax of the book builds tension as he risks his life to retrieve cherished medical books from a bookstore, ultimately leading to a desperate and tragic confrontation with the hostile alien children. The story explores themes of isolation, humanity’s fragility, and the loss of civilization, culminating in a harrowing realization of his fate.
Of Time and Texas
"Of Time and Texas" by William F. Nolan is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century. The story introduces readers to the eccentric Professor C. Cydwick Ohms, who believes that time travel is the solution to the overpopulation crisis of the year 2057. With a blend of humor and imaginative concepts, Nolan constructs a narrative that explores the implications of time travel on human society. The narrative unfolds as Professor Ohms reveals his invention, the C. Cydwick Ohms Time Door, which supposedly allows for one-way travel to Texas in 1957. As Ohms attempts to demonstrate his creation, he faces unexpected challenges, leading to an unforeseen and chaotic outcome. The novella captures the tension between innovation and the unforeseen consequences of scientific endeavors, as it culminates in a humorous scene where a stampede bursts into his laboratory, highlighting both the unpredictability of time travel and societal issues of the future. Through this engaging plot, Nolan explores themes of escape, technological ambition, and the absurdity of human attempts to manipulate time.