Author
Fletcher Pratt
1897-1956
Fletcher Pratt (1897-1956) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Fletcher Pratt
The Blue Star
"The Blue Star" by Fletcher Pratt is a fantasy novel first published in 1952. Set in a parallel world where witchcraft has evolved into a science while technology has stalled at an eighteenth-century level, the story follows Lalette Asterhax, a hereditary witch, and Rodvard Bergelin, a clerk recruited by revolutionaries. When Rodvard seduces Lalette to gain her magical talisman—a mind-reading jewel called a blue star—both become pawns in a larger conspiracy. Forced to flee, they embark on adventures that transform them from shallow conspirators into something greater.
The Onslaught from Rigel
"The Onslaught from Rigel" by Fletcher Pratt is a science fiction novella first published in 1932. When a mysterious comet approaches Earth, Ben Ruby awakens to find himself transformed into a metal being while most of humanity has become lifeless statues. The comet is actually a spacecraft carrying the Lassans—militaristic elephantoid aliens from Rigel who plan to enslave or destroy all survivors. Ruby and fellow survivors must face thought-controlled creatures and armored forces as they fight to reclaim their planet and their humanity.
Potemkin village
"Potemkin Village" by Fletcher Pratt is a science fiction novelet written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around a delegation sent to visit the hermit state of Tolstoia on Venus to investigate peculiar occurrences surrounding castaways who disappear without a trace. The book explores themes of societal control, philosophy, and the implications of a utopian society rooted in pacifism and communitarianism. The story follows the mission of a small delegation comprising Director Unterbaum, Mr. and Mrs. Lanzerotti, photographer Ann Starnes, and writer Robert Heidekopfer. They are tasked with assessing the situation in Tolstoia, where past visitors have oddly chosen to remain there, sometimes under eerie circumstances leading to preserved corpses sent back to their home planets as supposed suicides. As the delegation interacts with Tolstoian society, they uncover a form of totalitarian control disguised as harmony, manipulative societal pressures, and the consequences of ascribing to a rigid ideology. Tension builds as they confront the patriarch, Pitrim Androvich, and navigate the complexities of their own desires and identities, ultimately leading to a thrilling escape and contemplation of the implications of Tolstoia's way of life on freedom and individuality.
Expedition to Pluto
"Expedition to Pluto" by Fletcher Pratt and Laurence Manning is a science fiction novel written in the late 1930s. The story follows the crew of the spaceship Goddard, particularly focusing on Captain McCausland, First Mate Adam Longworth, and reporter Paulette de Vries, as they embark on a perilous journey to Pluto. The crew must contend with space hazards, interpersonal conflicts, and the looming threat of failure as they search for a precious metal needed for Earth's future. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to the main characters aboard the Goddard, each grappling with the tension and uncertainty of their expedition. Captain McCausland appears troubled and depressed, while Adam Longworth tries to maintain morale but feels the weight of the mission's high stakes, particularly concerning the precious beryllium they are meant to collect. Events take a dramatic turn as the ship is hit by a meteorite, resulting in damage that could jeopardize the mission. Meanwhile, tensions rise between crew members, especially between Paulette and Adam, as they confront the dangers of their quest and the mysteries of Pluto itself. The groundwork for a gripping adventure is laid, promising conflicts both external in the wilds of space and internal among the crew.
War in Heaven
"War in Heaven" by Fletcher Pratt is a science fiction exploration of space warfare written during the early 1950s. The book delves into the strategic, tactical, and technological aspects of potential space battles, offering insights into the feasibility of various weapons and ship designs. With Pratt's background as a military and naval historian, the narrative presents a well-researched speculation on how such conflicts might unfold, shedding light on the constraints of physics in outer space. The text discusses various concepts related to space vessels, including their shape, armament, and the unique challenges of maintaining air supply for the crew. Pratt argues for the superiority of spherical ships for maneuverability and safety, and critiques conventional ideas like death-rays and torpedoes, advocating instead for solid projectiles and guns that accommodate the vacuum of space. He examines the importance of establishing bases on celestial bodies like the Moon and asteroids for resource extraction and as strategic points in a wider campaign. Overall, "War in Heaven" serves as a thoughtful treatise on future military engagements beyond Earth, balancing imaginative scenarios with grounded scientific reasoning.