Author
Edgar Pangborn
1909-1976
Edgar Pangborn (1909-1976) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Edgar Pangborn
The Trial of Callista Blake
"The Trial of Callista Blake" by Edgar Pangborn is a novel written in the early 1960s. The book delves into the complexities of a high-stakes murder trial where the defendant, Callista Blake, faces serious charges surrounding the death of Ann Doherty, painting a vivid picture of personal and societal conflicts. Through the lens of the courtroom drama, it introduces Judge Terence Mann, who grapples with his responsibilities while confronting the intricacies of human morality and law. The opening of the novel sets the stage in a courtroom on the brink of a sensational trial, as Judge Mann prepares to preside over "The People vs. Blake." The narrative introduces a variety of characters including the key players: the determined Judge, the defense attorney Cecil Warner, and the accused, Callista Blake, a troubled young woman marked by physical deformities and the weight of public scrutiny. The courtroom buzzes with anticipation fueled by media sensationalism surrounding the case, which involves allegations of poison and drowning, and touches upon themes of jealousy and human emotion. Callista’s complex character is hinted at through her deformed appearance and her tumultuous past, as the judge reflects on the societal implications of the trial and the questions of justice that it raises.
Wilderness of Spring
"Wilderness of Spring" by Edgar Pangborn is a historical novel written in the late 20th century. It portrays life in Deerfield, Massachusetts, during the early 18th century, specifically around 1704, and centers on the experiences of brothers Ben and Reuben Cory amidst the tensions and dangers of their time. The narrative explores themes of familial bonds, fear of the unknown, and the impact of war on innocent lives, particularly focusing on the boys' responses to their tumultuous environment. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to Ben Cory, a young boy grappling with feelings of loneliness and the looming threat of the "Others"—the Native Americans and French forces that pose danger to his frontier community. The family struggles with oppressive war tensions, as illustrated by their conversations and daily lives fraught with anxiety and the reality of potential raids. The opening chapters set a vivid scene of their winter environment, the outside world, and the warmth of their home juxtaposed against the harshness of their existence, which serves as a backdrop for the unfolding drama that eventually leads to traumatic events impacting the entire family. As the narrative progresses, it becomes evident that both brothers are dealing with their internal demons, fears, and the dire consequences of a world at war.
Angel's Egg
"Angel's Egg" by Edgar Pangborn is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book explores profound themes through the eyes of Dr. David Bannerman as he discovers a mysterious angelic creature hatched from a peculiar blue egg laid in his chicken coop. The novel delves into concepts of intelligence, mortality, and the intricacies of life, framed within a narrative that intertwines poignant observations with elements of the fantastical. In the story, Dr. Bannerman, a reclusive scholar and former biology teacher, becomes the accidental guardian of an otherworldly angel after her unusual birth from the egg. As he forms a deep bond with her, they engage in profound conversations that span the nature of existence, the potential for human goodness, and the angel's journey from another planet. The narrative intricately blends Bannerman's mundane life with the angel's extraordinary existence, inviting readers to reflect on their own humanity and the future of the human race in light of the angel’s revelations about love, kindness, and cosmic responsibility. Through their interactions, the story bridges the gap between the ordinary and the divine, prompting a meditative exploration on the meaning of life itself.
West of the sun
"West of the Sun" by Edgar Pangborn is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story unfolds in a future where humans explore a newly discovered planet called Lucifer, which is teeming with life but is also filled with unknown dangers. The narrative centers around six human characters, including anthropologist Dr. Christopher Wright, whose belief in the goodness of humanity is tested by their encounters with alien species on this strange new world. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the crew of the spaceship "Argo" as they prepare to land on the red-green planet, Lucifer, in the year 2056 A.D., although the inhabitants refer to it as "Year One." Each of the six characters is distinct: Paul Mason shares his wife with his friend, Dorothy Leeds, and faces his own emotional turmoil; Sears Oliphant, the gentle scientist, seeks to understand his alien counterparts; along with the others, they grapple with the challenges of survival in an unfamiliar environment. As their ship descends, the dynamics among the crew highlight their hopes, fears, and the philosophical dilemmas they face when encountering new forms of life, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of humanity's capacity for companionship and conflict amidst chaos and danger.
The Music Master of Babylon
"The Music Master of Babylon" by Edgar Pangborn is a post-apocalyptic science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. Set in a future where humanity has faced devastating wars and environmental collapse, the story explores themes of survival, memory, and the enduring power of music. The book delves into the life of Brian Van Anda, the last remaining man in a submerged Manhattan, who seeks connection and meaning in a world that has forgotten much of its past. The narrative follows Brian as he navigates the solitude of his existence in the Museum of Human History, where he preserves and plays music from a bygone era. After years of isolation, he encounters two young survivors from a community called Millstone, who believe in the teachings of their deceased mentors, Jonas and Abigail. As Brian tries to share his knowledge of the world that once was, he realizes the significant cultural and generational gaps between him and the youths. Their relationship evolves as they grapple with their understanding of tradition, memory, and the importance of music against the backdrop of a radically altered reality. Ultimately, the story poses profound questions about the legacy of civilization and the power of artistic expression to transcend time and loss.
The Good Neighbors
"The Good Neighbors" by Edgar Pangborn is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative explores themes of otherness and compassion through the lens of an extraterrestrial visit. Set against the backdrop of a near-futuristic Earth, it deals with the repercussions of an alien creature's unintended arrival, turning a moment of curiosity into chaos and tragedy. The story follows a massive alien creature that escapes from a spaceship, causing panic as it drifts through major American cities, creating destruction without malice. The creature's lamentation echoes through urban spaces, stirring fear as military forces scramble to address the situation. Eventually, the alien is brought down in New York City by a misguided military pilot, leading to catastrophic damage and loss of life. In the aftermath, the alien's home species sends an apology, expressing regret for the chaos caused by their child's mishap with the airlock and offering a comically inadequate reimbursement to those affected. Through this tale, Pangborn critiques human reactions to the unknown, illustrating how fear can lead to misunderstanding and tragedy, while also hinting at a shared responsibility among neighbors—whether human or extraterrestrial.