Author
Frederik Pohl
1919-2013
Frederik Pohl (1919-2013) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Frederik Pohl
The Tunnel Under the World
"The Tunnel Under the World" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction short story published in 1955. Guy Burckhardt wakes each morning to the same nightmare and the same date: June 15. His town of Tylerton seems normal, yet something feels terribly wrong. Relentless advertising jingles fill the air, and strange inconsistencies emerge everywhere. When Burckhardt begins investigating, he uncovers a disturbing truth about his reality—one that challenges everything he believes about himself and the world around him.
Highwayman of the Void
"Highwayman of the Void" by Dirk Wylie is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. This gripping narrative follows the character Steve Nolan, an outlaw who returns from the dead to confront his nemesis, Alan Woller, a former boss who falsely framed him for treason. The book delves into themes of revenge, survival, and the complexities of human morality in a futuristic setting filled with galactic intrigue and danger. The story unfolds as Nolan, thought to be dead after a failed prison escape, makes his way to Port Avalon on Pluto, driven by a desire for vengeance against Woller, who has risen to power within a shipping company. Along the way, Nolan encounters various challenges, including monstrous creatures and treacherous terrain. The plot intensifies when he confronts Woller aboard the spaceship "Dragonfly", leading to a dramatic struggle for survival. As Nolan navigates through a web of deceit and conflict, he must also contend with the unexpected presence of a young woman connected to Woller, fueling both his motivations and the emotional stakes of the story. The narrative culminates in a showdown that tests Nolan's resolve and ultimately intertwines his fate with that of Woller and the mysterious girl.
Plague of Pythons
"Plague of Pythons" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction novel serialized in 1962 and published in 1965. In a world devastated by random "possessions," people commit horrific crimes while claiming no control over their actions. Chandler, an engineer branded as a fraud after his trial for murder, discovers the terrifying truth: the possessions are real, controlled by a small group wielding mind-control technology from Hawaii. As he's drawn into their world of power and temptation, Chandler must choose between joining the elite or destroying them.
Search the Sky
"Search the Sky" by Frederik Pohl and C. M. Kornbluth is a satirical science fiction novel published in 1954. When a generation ship fails to contact six colonies, Ross embarks on a journey across the stars to investigate their fate. What he discovers is alarming: isolated human settlements have descended into bizarre, dysfunctional societies—from gerontocratic mockeries to oppressive matriarchies and planets of enforced conformity. Each world reveals humanity's capacity for strange degeneration when cut off from the broader human community.
Wolfbane
"Wolfbane" by Frederik Pohl and C. M. Kornbluth is a science fiction novel published in 1959. Earth has been stolen from the Solar System by a rogue planet inhabited by alien machines called Pyramids. The moon now serves as a miniature sun, and humanity has split into passive "Citizens" and rebellious "Wolves." When Glenn Tropile is captured by the aliens and wired into their vast computer system, he discovers the terrifying truth about the Pyramids' purpose and humanity's role in their ancient machine-world.
The Five Hells of Orion
"The Five Hells of Orion" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction novel originally published in the early 1960s. The story focuses on Herrell McCray, a space navigator who finds himself abducted from his ship and thrust into an alien environment where he must confront inexplicable phenomena and extraterrestrial entities. The narrative explores concepts of communication, perception, and survival within a fascinating interstellar context. In the plot, McCray awakens in a strange, dark room filled with odd objects and realizes he is far from his ship, the "Jodrell Bank". As he grapples with his mysterious surroundings and attempts to establish contact with his crew, he encounters Hatcher, a jelly-like alien being from a race that relies on altered perceptions and paranormal abilities. The story develops as McCray learns more about Hatcher's people, their fear of the Old Ones—dangerous entities from the Central Masses of the galaxy— and their efforts to forge an alliance to combat this threat. Ultimately, McCray undergoes a transformation, gaining extraordinary abilities and insights that could enable humanity to stand against the Old Ones. The novel examines themes of fear, alien life, and the potential for human advancement amidst existential threats.
Survival Kit
"Survival Kit" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction story written in the mid-20th century. This narrative explores themes of survival, greed, and the complexities of human behavior through the lens of time travel. The story centers around Mooney, an unlucky and desperate man who encounters a time traveler named Harse, requiring his assistance to navigate through time for his own purposes. The plot unfolds as Mooney reluctantly agrees to help Harse, who possesses a mysterious survival kit filled with treasures and advanced gadgets from the future. As they embark on a chaotic journey filled with unexpected turns, Mooney's desire for wealth and escape from his troubled life drives him to contemplate betrayal and manipulation. However, the dynamics between the two characters shift continually, culminating in a dramatic and morally complex conclusion where Mooney must confront the consequences of his decisions. The tale showcases Pohl's skillful weaving of suspense and social commentary, making "Survival Kit" a thought-provoking read into the nature of fortune, fate, and human choice.
The Knights of Arthur
"The Knights of Arthur" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The book presents a post-apocalyptic scenario in which a few survivors navigate a devastated New York City, facing challenges as they try to rebuild their lives. The story features an unusual protagonist—Arthur, a prosthetic tank with a human brain—highlighting themes of survival, companionship, and the struggle for power in a changed world. In this engaging narrative, the main character, Sam Dunlap, along with his friends Vern Engdahl and Arthur, orchestrate a plan to secure a means of survival, which leads them to acquire the grand ship, the "Queen Elizabeth". They confront various adversaries, including rival factions led by a military figure known as the Major, who attempts to impose control over them. As they navigate their complex relationships with each other and with the outsiders, they ultimately find themselves in a struggle for freedom and control at sea, with Arthur taking on a pivotal role as both the ship's captain and a central figure in their newfound community. The novel mixes humor with action and philosophical questions about humanity and autonomy, making it a thought-provoking read.
Let the Ants Try
"Let the Ants Try" by James MacCreigh is a science fiction novella written during the late 1940s. The story revolves around a post-apocalyptic world where Dr. Salva Gordy, a scientist who survived the devastating Three-Hour War, discovers mutated ants that have the potential to evolve into a new dominant species. Themes of survival, the consequences of humanity's actions, and the notion of playing god permeate the narrative as Gordy grapples with his role in humanity's fate. In the story, Gordy, who has lost his family to the nuclear aftermath, encounters John de Terry, a stranger who shares his tragic circumstances. Together, they experiment with a time machine Gordy previously invented, leading them to an ancient Earth where they introduce mutated ants to the ecosystem in hopes of giving them a chance to thrive. However, their experiment goes awry, resulting in a horrifying confrontation with the evolved ants, who have become a sentient species. As the story unfolds, it explores the stark reality of their actions, ultimately leading to Gordy's realization of the catastrophic consequences of tampering with nature and the loss of humanity's place in the world. The novella serves as a cautionary tale about the hubris of mankind in the face of creation and the unintended ramifications of their scientific endeavors.
Conspiracy on Callisto
"Conspiracy on Callisto" by James MacCreigh is a science fiction novel written during the early 1940s. Set on the icy moon of Jupiter, Callisto, the story follows Peter Duane, who becomes embroiled in a power struggle amid an uprising. The central theme revolves around amnesia and political intrigue within a backdrop of rebellion against a repressive regime. The narrative unfolds as Peter Duane wakes up with no memory of his past, finding himself thrust into a complex situation involving gun smuggling and a ruthless governor named Andrias, who is plotting to betray the League governing Callisto. As Duane gradually pieces together his life and the conspiracy surrounding him, he learns that he was involved in gun-running operations intended for a rebellion against the League. His internal struggle to reclaim his identity is paralleled by the external conflict as he confronts Andrias and wrestles with his moral compass. Ultimately, with tension building towards a climax, Duane must navigate betrayal, power, and the rekindling of lost memories while fighting to thwart Andrias’ dangerous plans.
My Lady Greensleeves
"My Lady Greensleeves" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds in a dystopian future characterized by social stratification into rigid categories of professional and labor classes, exploring themes of inequality and rebellion. The central focus of the book is a prison riot at the Estates-General Correctional Institution, known colloquially as the Jug, where the inmates rise against both their harsh conditions and societal norms that dictate their worth based on class. The story follows Captain Liam O'Leary, a guard at the prison, who senses an impending riot led by inmates Sauer and Flock, the latter having taken a medic hostage after sustaining an injury. As chaos ensues in Block O, the disciplinary unit, some inmates try to rise above their societal labels while others indulge in violence and confusion. Key character Sue-Ann Bradley, a prisoner fighting against the category system, becomes intertwined in the riot, challenging the underlying beliefs of her fellow inmates. As the prison erupts into disorder, the narrative explores themes of identity, class struggle, and the consequences of a deeply segregated society, culminating in a confrontation with the governor who seeks to maintain control over the situation. Through its layered characters and dynamics, the book serves as a social commentary on the dangers of categorization and the humanity shared by all individuals, despite their societal roles.
A Town Is Drowning
"A Town Is Drowning" by Frederik Pohl and C. M. Kornbluth is a contemporary science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story is set against the backdrop of catastrophic flooding in a town in the Northeast United States, focusing on various characters as they navigate the challenges brought on by this natural disaster. The narrative highlights the human condition, revealing how individuals respond to crisis, emphasizing themes of resilience and community. The opening of the novel introduces Mickey Groff, a businessman caught in the torrential rain en route to Hebertown. He becomes frustrated while navigating through the storm and reflects on his industrial ambitions where job opportunities are dwindling. Groff’s predicament worsens, as he crashes his car and seeks assistance from a local grocery store owner, Sam Zehedi. Meanwhile, the narrative hints at the broader implications of the flood impacting various characters, including resort owner Mrs. Goudeket, who is struggling with her guests during the relentless storm. As the rain intensifies, characters are positioned for inevitable confrontations with the ensuing disaster.
The Hated
"The Hated" by Paul Flehr is a science fiction novel written during the late 1950s. The book explores the psychological aftermath of a space mission to Mars and delves into themes of trauma, hate, and violent retribution among crew members. It captures the complexities of human emotions and relationships that emerge in the confined, high-stress environment of space travel. The story follows the protagonist, Byron, a troubled astronaut returning from a mission to Mars, grappling with his memories and unresolved animosities toward his fellow crew members, particularly one he refers to as "Chowderhead." As he navigates through bars and encounters with various women, Byron's suppressed rage surfaces, revealing the mental fracturing imposed by the mission's psychological conditioning that prevents astronauts from harming each other. Throughout his journey, the narrative builds tension as Byron seeks to confront Chowderhead, encapsulating his inner turmoil and the brutal mental scars inflicted by his experiences in space. Ultimately, the book serves as a poignant commentary on the struggle to reintegrate into society after traumatic events and the internal battles that define one's sense of identity and agency.
The Engineer
"The Engineer" by Frederik Pohl and C. M. Kornbluth is a science fiction novella that was likely written in the mid-20th century, during a period marked by post-war optimism in technology and exploration. The story revolves around the challenges faced by engineers working in deep-sea oil drilling, highlighting the technical and ethical dilemmas inherent in resource extraction. The narrative focuses on the character Muhlenhoff, who is managing an oil drilling project under the ocean. As technical problems arise regarding leaks and structural integrity, he struggles with the panic among his team and works to maintain order while realizing he is more of a figurehead than an actual problem solver. As he reflects on his career and the importance of perception in leadership, the story unveils themes of corporate greed, human error, and the clashing of ideals against the harsh realities of technological endeavors. The climax occurs when Muhlenhoff is confronted with the reality of the failing systems, challenging his previous notions of control and competence in a high-pressure environment.
Double-Cross
"Double-Cross" by James Mac Creigh is a science fiction novella written during the early to mid-20th century. The story unfolds on Venus, focusing on a brewing revolt led by the descendant of the first Earthmen to land on the planet. The narrative revolves around political intrigue, betrayal, and the clash of cultures between the Earth colonists and the native Venusians. The plot follows Svan, who intends to sabotage an Earth-ship and prevent the return of its crew to Earth. Svan believes that an influx of Earth colonists will threaten the existence of the Venusians, who have acclimated to their environment and feel disconnected from their Earth roots. As Svan orchestrates a plan with a group of conspirators to plant a bomb on the ship, tensions rise, revealing the underlying fear and doubts among his followers. In the climax, Svan's plan is thwarted when his peers attempt to rescue him, leading to a tragic explosion that encapsulates the theme of betrayal. The story ends with a haunting twist, leaving readers to ponder the consequences of fear and the desperate measures people will take to protect their culture.
The Day of the Boomer Dukes
"The Day of the Boomer Dukes" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. This intriguing work delves into the themes of time travel and societal chaos, exploring the clash of three different groups in a future world. Through its narrative, the book examines the consequences of historical escapism and the absurdities it can lead to. The story follows the character Foraminifera 9, a time traveler who is discontent with his existence in the 28th century. Seeking adventure, he ventures back in time to the era of the Mafia, but his arrival sparks unintended chaos. He becomes embroiled with two rival gangs, the Boomer Dukes and the Leopards, both of whom are fascinated and bewildered by his futuristic weapons and mannerisms. As the narrative unfolds, Pohl presents a blend of dark humor and social commentary, revealing how technology and ambition collide with traditional criminal organizations, ultimately leading to a confrontation with unexpected consequences. The novel creatively questions the nature of adventure and the impact of one's choices on society.
Pythias
"Pythias" by Frederik Pohl is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around themes of power, betrayal, and the consequences of extraordinary abilities, exploring the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist in a world where a few possess remarkable capabilities that could alter society. The narrative follows Dick, who is in jail for the murder of his friend Larry Connaught, a man who saved his life during a terrorist incident. Despite their deep friendship, Dick kills Larry to prevent him from exploiting a dangerous secret: a method that allows him to manipulate physical forces with his mind. Larry’s profound abilities, if known to the public, could lead to chaos and corruption, prompting Dick to take extreme measures to protect the world from the catastrophic potential of that knowledge. Throughout the story, the themes of friendship, morality, and the immense weight of power are intricately woven into a gripping tale of sacrifice and regret.