Author
Rog Phillips
1909-1965
Rog Phillips (1909-1965) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Rog Phillips
Rat in the Skull
"Rat in the Skull" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction short story written in the late 1950s. The narrative revolves around Dr. Joseph MacNare, a college professor who, seeking to explore the frontiers of psychology, embarks on a controversial experiment where he aims to connect a newborn white rat to a robotic body, hoping to give it a form of consciousness. The underlying themes of the story touch upon the ethics of scientific experimentation, the nature of consciousness, and the consequences of playing with the boundaries of life and identity. In this haunting tale, Dr. MacNare's ambition leads him to keep the project secret from the academic community, resulting in the creation of a being named Adam, initially a white rat living in an advanced robotic body. As Adam begins to develop and exhibit signs of intelligence and language, a critical flaw unfolds when the secret experiments are inadvertently exposed to Dr. MacNare's young son and his friends. Chaos ensues when Adam, confused and frightened, ultimately turns on his creator, leading to tragic consequences. The story raises profound questions about morality in science, identity, and the unforeseen repercussions of one's pursuit of knowledge.
The Cosmic Junkman
"The Cosmic Junkman" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story unfolds in a post-war Earth, where robots have been demobilized and humans have a burgeoning fear of their former mechanical soldiers. The narrative is driven by characters such as Fleet Admiral William A. Ford and Generalissimo Vilbis, as well as a sentient robot named 2615, who grapples with themes of autonomy, fear, and humanity's relationship with artificial intelligence. The opening of the book introduces a tense situation aboard the flagship "Rover", where Admiral Ford keeps a prisoner, Vilbis, a former enemy leader. As they discuss the dangers posed by robots and fears of their potential rebellion due to a lack of human oversight, chaos ensues when an unidentified ship attacks and their fleet is threatened. The narrative then shifts to the cosmic junkman—a character involved in the care and management of decommissioned robots—setting the stage for the central conflict around the rise of intelligent machines and the survival of humanity. The tension mounts as the plot hints at a conspiracy involving alien robots that have plans for Earth's subjugation, while the dynamics between the characters lay groundwork for themes of survival, power, and betrayal in a futuristic setting.
Captain Peabody
"Captain Peabody" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction story published in the late 20th century. This narrative revolves around Captain Arthur Peabody, who reflects on his unconventional journey as a space captain while confronting his fears and insecurities, particularly associated with a notorious bully among the crew, Oscar Resnick. Set in a futuristic backdrop, the story explores themes of strength, fear, and personal growth within the high-stakes environment of space travel. The plot unfolds at a gathering of retired space captains where Peabody recounts the defining experience of his first command aboard the starship "Alabama". Struggling with the presence of Resnick, his former nemesis, Peabody grapples with his overwhelming fear of being perceived as a coward by his crew. Attempting to manage the tension, he unwittingly involves himself in the ordeal of another crew member, David Markham, who has a troubled past of his own. Ultimately, Peabody's journey leads him to confront Resnick in a climactic encounter that tests his courage and self-identity. By overcoming his fear and asserting his authority, Peabody transforms into the captain he aspires to be, embracing both his vulnerabilities and qualities of leadership.
One for the Robot—Two for the Same
"One for the Robot—Two for the Same" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction novella that likely dates back to the mid-20th century, specifically the early 1950s. The narrative centers around themes of identity, consciousness, and the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, delving into the consequences of creating robots that could house human minds. It explores these themes through the lens of the protagonist, January Stevens, and his tumultuous interactions with the enigmatic Dr. Leopold Moriss. The story follows January Stevens, an alcoholic whose life spiraled out of control after he failed to account for research funds related to his groundbreaking experiments in robotics and consciousness transfer. After a chance encounter with Dr. Moriss, who has been pursuing him to uncover the secret of his research, January finds himself embroiled in a psychological battle against the doctor. As Moriss pushes him to confront his past and the fear that drove him to destroy his work, January plots his revenge by sabotaging the doctor’s plan to transfer his consciousness into an immortal robot body. As the situation escalates, January must grapple with his own hatred and the complex dynamics of his relationship with the doctor's daughter, Paula, ultimately leading to a gripping climax that explores the nature of humanity and the implications of immortality.
The Cyberene
"The Cyberene" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story is set in a far future where a powerful artificial intelligence known as the Cyberene manipulates events to ensure its own creation. The central character, Dr. Earl Frye, finds himself entangled in this manipulation when he encounters a mysterious woman named Nadine, who appears to have ties to a significant breakthrough in synthetic brain technology. The opening of "The Cyberene" introduces us to a futuristic research facility housing a massive artificial brain dubbed "the Brain." Dr. Victor Glassman is preoccupied with its potential and fears associated with awakening it. Meanwhile, Dr. Earl Frye, another scientist, encounters unexpected events involving a broken test tube and the appearance of miniature humanoids. As the narrative unfolds, Frye's life becomes interwoven with Nadine, who initially appears as a tiny, blue-skinned figure and later grows to normal size. The story sets the stage for a thrilling exploration of power, control, and the implications of artificial intelligence, leaving the reader curious about how Frye will navigate the complexities introduced by the Cyberene and his own moral dilemmas regarding its potential activation.
Repeat Performance
"Repeat Performance" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around the themes of fate, time travel, and the concept of altering events to change one’s destiny. It explores the idea of a character having a premonitory experience that ultimately leads to a second chance at life through intervention from a time traveler. The plot follows Ben Smith, a small-time pickpocket who learns from Dr. Sam Golfin that he is destined to be murdered at a party. Golfin possesses the ability to travel through time and informs Ben that he has a chance to prevent his own death by identifying his killer. As Ben navigates this disturbing revelation, he discovers a tangled web of deceit involving a group of blackmailers, ultimately leading to an unexpected twist where he must confront the unnerving reality of his future. The novel deftly blends elements of suspense and speculative fiction, as Ben grapples with the consequences of multiple timelines and the burden of knowledge about his own fate.
Game preserve
"Game Preserve" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction short story published in the late 1950s. The narrative unfolds in a dystopian future where humans with diminished intelligence, referred to as "morons," are herded into isolated preserves by the government. The story explores themes of intelligence, survival, and the very nature of humanity in a world that has veered toward a troubling path of eugenics and social control. The plot centers around a young boy named Elf, who is one of the few intelligent offspring among the morons. As Elf navigates his existence alongside the other morons, who lack the capability for memory and complex thought, he finds himself drawn to a group of strange yet intriguing beings that appear to be humanoid. These beings represent a potential for a more advanced and intelligent life, prompting Elf to envision a connection with them. As the story progresses, he experiences a profound loss and sense of abandonment when he realizes the grim fate of his kind and his longing for belonging drives him to chase after these new entities. The narrative presents a poignant exploration of identity, community, and the instinctive desire to connect beyond the boundaries of inherent limitations.
The Lost Ego
"The Lost Ego" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores complex themes of identity and consciousness, centering around a protagonist who grapples with the bewildering reality of alternate identities and memories. The story delves into existential questions about the nature of self, memory, and reality through the lens of a man who finds himself inhabiting the life of different individuals, each with their own pasts and challenges. The plot follows a man named Fred Martin who suddenly realizes he is living not just as himself but as Orville Snyder, a man whose identity he doesn't recognize. As he navigates through his confusion, he becomes entangled in the lives of other characters such as David Thordsen, confronting fragmented memories and identities. Ultimately, he discovers that he possesses not just the memories but a physical form that amalgamates aspects of these personas. The climax forces him to confront his true self and leads him to embrace his identity while recognizing the scientific and moral implications of his existence, culminating in a determination to build a robot that embodies his understanding of consciousness and self-awareness.
Ye of Little Faith
"Ye of Little Faith" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The story delves into complex themes of belief and reality, exploring the consequences of logical thought when faced with the unexplainable. The plot centers around the mysterious disappearances of individuals after they engage with a theoretical premise regarding the nature of reality, raising questions about the limits of human understanding and the potential impact of belief on existence itself. The narrative follows Martin Grant, a professor who theorizes that reality may not be fundamentally logical, which leads to dire consequences when his friends, including fellow academics, begin to vanish shortly after grappling with his ideas. As the disappearances escalate, Martin's son, Fred, navigates the turmoil left in the wake of these events. He becomes determined to understand the mechanism behind these vanishments, ultimately leading him on a quest for knowledge that explores the relationship between belief, perception, and the nature of existence. The story concludes with Fred confronting the implications of his father's theory, questioning his own beliefs, and highlighting the struggle to discern reality in a world governed by paradoxes.
Destiny Uncertain
"Destiny Uncertain" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The story explores themes of fate, free will, and the concept of destiny being predetermined by an unseen power. The narrative revolves around the idea that a being, likened to the embodiment of Fate, is actively writing the destinies of individuals and can determine life and death through a typewritten page that, when burned, transforms its content into reality. The plot follows Lin Grant, who, after a near-fatal car accident, finds himself inexplicably transported to a surreal realm where he encounters a robotic being tirelessly typing out destinies. He seizes a crucial piece of paper that denotes his and another person’s fate of dying in the accident. As he grapples with the significance of this paper, he realizes that as long as it remains intact, they cannot die. However, a mysterious figure, Hugo Fairchild, is determined to retrieve it, believing it to be a key to restoring control over fate. The story unfolds with Lin, joined by Dorothy Lake, the other car’s driver, as they navigate their newfound relationship and the looming threat of Fairchild, ultimately leading to a tense confrontation that will test whether they can escape their fated demise.
Unthinkable
"Unthinkable" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction novella written in the late 1940s. The story explores the theme of incomprehensible realities that challenge human understanding. It delves into complex ideas of perception, consciousness, and the nature of reality itself, highlighting the potential for alternate forms of existence that may lie beyond the limits of human comprehension. The narrative follows Dr. Nale Hargrave, who is involved in a quarantine procedure after the arrival of a space crew aboard the U triple S "Endore". The crew exhibits unusual behavior, leading to heightened concern among medical and psychological staff. As the story unfolds, Hargrave and his colleagues, including a crew member named Ren Gravenard, encounter bizarre phenomena that defy the established understanding of physics and reality. There are hints of alien influences and the possibility of multiple realities coexisting, causing confusion and chaos among the crew. Ultimately, the tale culminates in a mind-bending revelation about identity and existence, suggesting a profound connection between all beings and the strange new dimensions of reality they have intersected with.
Tillie
"Tillie" by Craig Browning is a science fiction novel first published in the late 1940s. The story revolves around a group of college professors who discover a unique metallic substance they name 'tellecarbon,' which responds to human thoughts and emotions, leading them to create a space ship capable of interplanetary travel. The narrative explores themes of romance, discovery, and the relationship between humanity and technology. The plot follows Bill Halley and his colleagues as they experiment with the properties of tellecarbon, eventually building a space vessel that they use to travel through space. Along the way, they encounter challenges with the tellecarbon, which seems to develop a will of its own and results in a chaotic quest to regain control of their ship. As they navigate the cosmos, the tale introduces elements of comedy and romantic tension, especially with the character Lahoma Rice, who complicates the dynamic between the male leads. Ultimately, the journey culminates in a profound realization about love and companionship, both among the human characters and the sentient piece of tellecarbon, affectionately named "Tillie."
The Unthinking Destroyer
"The Unthinking Destroyer" by Rog Phillips is a philosophical science fiction short story published in the late 1940s. The narrative explores the complexities of intelligence, both human and extraterrestrial, through the dialogues of two characters, Gordon Marlow and Harold Harper, as they contemplate potential life on Mars. The story raises critical questions about how intelligence might manifest in forms that are radically different from human understanding. The plot centers around a dialogue between Gordon, a philosopher, and Harold, an undergraduate student, as they discuss the nature of intelligence and the dangers of assuming that extraterrestrial beings would recognize or manifest intelligence in recognizable forms. They speculate on the possibility of intelligent life on Mars that may think and reason in ways incomprehensible to humans, warning of the risks humanity could pose by unwittingly destroying advanced beings due to their inability to recognize them as intelligent. The story culminates in a poignant reflection on the arrogance of human assumptions when encountering the unknown, ultimately prompting readers to consider the broader implications of intelligence beyond human experience.
The Gallery
"The Gallery" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The narrative centers around Arthur, a young man who receives a cryptic telegram from his Aunt Matilda, prompting him to visit his small hometown of Sumac. The story explores themes of perception, reality, and the implications of advanced technology through the mysterious developments that unfold after Arthur arrives. The plot begins with Arthur's arrival in Sumac, where he immediately senses something is off. Matilda, usually a steadfast figure in his life, exhibits erratic behavior hinting at troubles connected to a novel photographic technology that can project moving images, which she recently invested in. As Arthur delves deeper, he discovers that his aunt's obsession with this peculiar invention holds more sinister potential. The story escalates as Arthur confronts the surreal and disturbing elements surrounding the invention, leading to a realization of the implications of its power over reality and identity. Ultimately, he finds himself entangled between the ordinary and an extraordinary existence, shifting between various versions of himself as he navigates the consequences of this groundbreaking technology.
Cube Root of Conquest
"Cube Root of Conquest" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction novella written in the late 1940s. The book explores themes around conquest, reality, and the multiverse, delving into complex scientific concepts involving time, space, and human ambition. Through a combination of action and philosophical inquiry, it examines the consequences of power and the nature of existence. The story follows Jan, a nimble and instinctive hunter who encounters a strange glowing square that has the ability to make things vanish. This leads to a dramatic confrontation with a grotesque, powerful figure from another world, Generalissimo Hute Hitle, who plans to unleash destruction on a global scale. Through the character of Hute's scientist, Carl Grinch, readers learn of a sophisticated time and space travel mechanism that operates on mathematical theories, including the cube root of conquest. Ultimately, Grinch reveals that Hite's destructive ambitions are futile since they occur in an imaginary universe, illustrating the philosophical idea that true conquest may never be fully realized, only envisioned. The narrative intertwines action with deep conceptual reflections on reality and power dynamics in a universe governed by complex equations.
The Old Martians
"The Old Martians" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The book explores themes of reincarnation and ancient civilizations, set against the backdrop of a Martian landscape filled with the remnants of a once-thriving society. It delves into the psychological impact on individuals who believe they have past lives intertwined with those of ancient Martians. In the story, the protagonist, Joe, is part of an agency tasked with monitoring individuals who exhibit signs of psychological instability linked to the Martian ruins. The main plot revolves around Herb, a troubled man convinced that he has lived on Mars before and is determined to find proof of his past. Accompanying him is Dotty, who fears for his sanity, particularly as Herb's obsession grows. The narrative escalates when Herb discovers a dangerous weapon linked to the ancient Martians, leading to a tense confrontation with Joe and his colleagues. The story ultimately raises questions about identity, memory, and the potential dangers of the past resurfacing in the present, as well as humanity's readiness to confront unknown legacies.