Author
Wilbur S. Peacock
1911-1979
Wilbur S. Peacock (1911-1979) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Wilbur S. Peacock
The Thing of Venus
"The Thing of Venus" by Wilbur S. Peacock is a science fiction novel written during the early 1940s. The story unfolds on Venus, a planet shrouded in mystery and danger, as it follows Val Kenton, a disgraced and drug-addicted former Space Patrolman, who is reluctantly drawn back into action to rescue a marooned group of Earthlings, including his former love, Elise. The narrative explores themes of redemption, vengeance, and the struggle against both external and internal demons. As the tale progresses, Val Kenton must confront not only the perils of the hostile Venusian environment, populated by bizarre and predatory creatures, but also his own turbulent emotions surrounding his past betrayals and relationships. When Kenton is tasked with locating Elise, who has been stranded with others in a dangerous area after their ship is attacked, he must battle his own hatred towards those who wronged him as well as the monstrous, amorphous creature that threatens their lives. Ultimately, Kenton experiences personal growth through his mission, transforming from a man consumed by bitterness to one willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others, culminating in a selfless act as he confronts the unstoppable force that embodies the very dangers of Venus.
Prey of the Space Falcon
"Prey of the Space Falcon" by Wilbur S. Peacock is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story unfolds in a futuristic universe where Curt Varga, known as the Falcon, rebels against a tyrannical regime known as the Food Administrators. As a cunning outlaw leading a group of rebels, he must navigate danger and deception while his brother fights bravely by his side, ultimately facing the challenges posed by the oppressive Interplanetary Patrol. The opening of the novel introduces us to Curt Varga, who is communicated with via a hidden device, as he lounges in a Martian nightclub. He's amid a tense situation, with Interplanetary Patrol agents converging on him while he plots to undermine the Food Administrators. The tension escalates when warning arrives that they suspect his identity. Flashbacks reveal the motivations behind his rebellious actions, including the tragic loss of his family to the very systems he fights against. As the narrative progresses, he finds himself in a conflict not only with the IP but also battling the resurgence of smuggling operations, particularly the dangerous drug smothalene, which is threatening his cause and the reputation of his rebel group.
Planet of No-Return
"Planet of No-Return" by Wilbur S. Peacock is a science fiction novel published in the early 1940s. The story revolves around two space patrolmen, Kerry Blane and Splinter Wood, who are assigned to destroy a lethal creature on the planet Venus after their ship crashes on the water-covered world. Through their journey, themes of camaraderie, adventure, and survival unfold amidst the challenges posed by the alien environment and its monstrous inhabitants. The narrative begins with the crew's tumultuous journey to Venus, highlighting the contrasting personalities of the grizzled veteran, Kerry Blane, and the younger, optimistic pilot, Splinter Wood. After a disastrous crash that leaves them stranded, they must navigate the dangers of an alien ecosystem filled with bizarre creatures, including a protoplasmic monster. Despite the odds stacked against them, Kerry and Splinter’s bond deepens as they face relentless attacks from various life forms native to Venus. Ultimately, through quick thinking and resourcefulness, they find a way to defeat the monster, emphasizing the strength of their friendship and teamwork in overcoming adversity.
The Victory of Klon
"The Victory of Klon" by Wilbur S. Peacock is a science fiction short story written in the early 1940s. This narrative centers around Klon, a creature native to the perpetually veiled planet of Venus, who seeks to obtain a powerful object that could secure his rise to leadership among his people. The story explores themes of ambition, the consequences of discovery, and the clash between different forms of intelligence. The plot unfolds as Klon, navigating his dark and swampy home, comes across a spaceship with three human explorers. In an act of fatal ambition, Klon seizes a radi-light from the ship with hopes of proving his might and winning a leadership title during the gathering of his nation. However, his triumph is short-lived as the radi-light emits lethal rays that annihilate Klon and all his fellow beings in an instant. The story combines a sense of wonder and horror, reflecting on the dangers that accompany unchecked ambition and the unforeseen consequences of contact between civilizations. Ultimately, it portrays a tragic end for Klon and his people, who become victims of their own desire for power.
Destination—Death
"Destination—Death" by Wilbur S. Peacock is a science fiction novella published in the early 1940s. Set in the harsh, icy environment of Uranus, the story tackles themes of survival and betrayal amid the dire circumstances faced by two astronauts. The narrative primarily revolves around the desperate struggle of the protagonists as they attempt to navigate life-threatening conditions in their quest for a valuable mineral called "kronalium." The plot follows Bart Caxton and Tom Headley, two partners stranded on Uranus after a meteor damages their ship's rockets. As their oxygen supply dwindles, tension rises between them, revealing deep-seated mistrust and ambition. In a moment of desperation, Caxton decides to betray and murder Headley, believing he can escape with the precious mineral and evidence of their discoveries. However, he soon learns that the pools he thought were dangerous were actually liquid oxygen, and that Headley survived the ordeal. Ultimately, Caxton's greed leads to his own demise as he realizes too late that the animals he collected for proof and the situation he created for himself on the ship were part of a cruel twist of fate. The story ends with a bitter irony, highlighting the consequences of betrayal and the struggle for survival in an inhospitable world.
Spider Men of Gharr
"Spider Men of Gharr" by Wilbur S. Peacock is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. Set in a distant future where Earth has been ravaged and dominated by monstrous extraterrestrials known as Gharrians, the story follows Kimball Trent, who awakens from a long stasis of frozen sleep only to find himself alone in a transformed world. The narrative explores themes of survival, the fight against oppression, and the resilience of humanity in the face of overwhelming adversity. The plot centers on Kimball Trent, who, after inadvertently freezing himself for over five centuries, awakens to a world where the Gharrians have enslaved humanity. As he navigates this new reality, he meets Lura, a brave woman from the remnants of mankind who helps him understand the current plight and the social structure of underground survivors. Together, they join a group planning a raid to rescue fellow captives from a Gharrian stronghold. Throughout their harrowing journey, Kimball not only showcases his advanced weaponry skills but also grapples with the legacy of his past and the hope for a liberated future, culminating in a dramatic confrontation with the Gharrians, leading to the potential for a revolution among the oppressed.
Chimera World
"Chimera World" by Wilbur S. Peacock is a science fiction novel that was likely written in the early to mid-20th century, during the post-war era when the genre began to explore complex themes of existence and identity. The book centers around the strange and mysterious occurrences that unfold on the planet Venus, where the protagonist, Don Denton, discovers that he has been declared dead in a world where strange, animated creatures manipulate the living, blurring the lines between life and death. In "Chimera World," Don Denton, a trouble shooter for the Inter-World Mining Corporation, embarks on a mission to investigate the disappearance of shipments of valuable oil from the rare Lanka plants on Venus. Accompanied by Jean Palmer, the daughter of the station's manager, Denton uncovers a horrific reality: the camp he arrives at is eerily deserted, and the workers he encounters are not alive in the conventional sense. As the story unfolds, Denton learns that a slug-like creature has been controlling the minds of the workers and had attempted to impose the same fate upon him. Battling both external threats and his own mental turmoil, Denton ultimately unravels the mystery, rescues Jean, and confronts the otherworldly beings, leading to a climax filled with action and ethical dilemmas of life and consciousness. The narrative intertwines elements of adventure, horror, and psychological struggle, making it a compelling read for fans of classic science fiction.