Author
Frank Riley
1915-1996
Frank Riley (1915-1996) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Frank Riley
The Cyber and Justice Holmes
"The Cyber and Justice Holmes" by Frank Riley is a science fiction narrative composed in the mid-20th century. The story explores the implications of technology in the judicial system, particularly the concept of "Cyber justice," wherein human judges are replaced by cybernetic units that deliver decisions devoid of human error and emotion. The book delves into the themes of humanity, justice, and the potential consequences of relying too heavily on machines for moral and legal judgments. The plot centers around Judge Walhfred Anderson, an 86-year-old jurist grappling with the threat of being replaced by a Cyber judge. He presides over a case involving Professor Neustadt, who stands accused of fraud and claims to be able to out-perform a Cyber in answering legal questions. As the trial unfolds, the Professor challenges a Cyber unit to a competition of sorts, using the opportunity to argue for the irreplaceable value of human imagination and emotional understanding in the pursuit of justice. Ultimately, the Professor’s victory over the machine serves as a metaphor for the enduring essence of human creativity and dreaming, asserting that while technology can assist, it should never replace the human spirit in legal and moral matters.
Eddie
"Eddie" by Frank Riley is a science fiction novel that was likely written in the mid-20th century, specifically during the 1950s. The story revolves around an advanced "educatable computer," named Eddie, developed by a brilliant electronics engineer, Dr. John O'Hara Smith. The narrative delves into espionage themes, focusing on Dr. Smith's dangerous discoveries related to missile technology and security, as well as the efforts to protect this sensitive information from hostile forces. The plot initiates with the explosion of Dr. Smith’s trailer, leading to an investigation by various government agencies including the FBI and Air Force. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that Dr. Smith's work with Eddie could potentially revolutionize the field of security and missile defense but also puts him in the crosshairs of espionage elements. Throughout the narrative, Smith engages in intense dialogues about the implications of Eddie's capabilities, revealing the intricacies of espionage, technology, and human intellect. Eventually, through Smith’s collaboration with military officials, Eddie provides crucial insights into the disappearance of a prototype missile, showcasing both the strengths and unpredictability inherent in artificial intelligence.
A Question of Identity
"A Question of Identity" by Frank Riley is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The book delves into profound philosophical questions about human identity and what it means to be a man, particularly in the context of science and law as they intersect with personal identity. The narrative centers on the trial of Tony Corfino, a man accused of robbery and murder, defended by the aging and renowned attorney Jake Emspak, who takes on the case as his last. The story unfolds in a courtroom setting where Jake Emspak seeks to prove that the man standing trial is not the same Tony Corfino that existed before a tragic accident altered him both physically and mentally. Throughout the trial, Jake employs various medical and philosophical arguments to contend that advances in medical science have effectively created a new person from Corfino’s body, raising questions about legal responsibility and identity. As the trial progresses, the courtroom becomes a battleground for abstract concepts of humanity, ultimately challenging the jurors—and the readers—to ponder the essence of individuality and the implications of scientific advancements on human lives.
Abbr.
"Abbr." by Frank Riley is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows Walther Von Koenigsburg, a wealthy colonist from the Andromeda galaxy, as he embarks on a long-anticipated journey to Earth, the mythical homeland of his ancestors. Upon his arrival, he finds a world vastly changed by a culture of extreme brevity and superficiality, where the richness of art and literature has been severely condensed, leading him to question the value of his dream of immersing himself in Earth's culture. The opening of the novel introduces Walther as he travels on an earth shuttle, filled with excitement and nostalgia for the cultural treasures he hopes to experience on Earth. However, his enthusiasm starts to fade as he encounters a language barrier and the peculiarities of the new culture, especially after witnessing the condensed versions of art and literature. As Walther navigates the disheartening reality of a society that prioritizes fast-paced entertainment over depth, he becomes determined to rescue the original works of art and literature from being lost forever, setting the stage for a larger conflict between cultural preservation and societal progress.
Bright Islands
"Bright Islands" by Frank Riley is a science fiction novella likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around themes of genetics, telepathy, and the human condition, exploring the intersections of scientific ambition and personal tragedy amidst a dystopian backdrop. It delves into issues of identity, societal norms, and the emotional turmoil experienced by its protagonist. At the heart of the narrative is Miryam, a young woman in a Genetics Center preparing to give birth to a child conceived through artificial means. As pain and despair engulf her, she reflects on her life, her heritage, and the cold reality of her circumstances—isolated and used as an experimental subject. The story captures her internal struggle as she contemplates the potential of her child, who possesses a unique telepathic ability that could hold the key to humanity's future. Despite her dire situation, Miryam's hope begins to resurface as she envisions a world where her child's abilities might bridge the divides created by scientific and societal barriers. Ultimately, the tale examines the complexities of human emotion and the quest for meaning in a world dominated by scientific progress devoid of compassion.
Project Hi-Psi
"Project Hi-Psi" by Frank Riley is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers on Dr. Lucifer Brill, a parapsychologist who uncovers alarming evidence of widespread kidnappings of individuals with psi abilities across the United States. As Brill delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself embroiled in a larger conflict involving extraterrestrial beings who have abducted psi talents for sinister purposes. At the start of the narrative, Dr. Brill visits the FBI to report on the alarming number of disappearances, believing they may be linked to an experiment conducted by aliens on the planet Melus. Initially met with disbelief, his findings set off a chain reaction that leads to his own kidnapping alongside Nina Poteil, a woman he had previously tested, ultimately finding them forced into a new life on Melus. The opening portion establishes the tension between ground-level bureaucratic skepticism and the profound implications of Brill's discoveries, setting the stage for a confrontation between science, personal responsibility, and the ethical dilemmas of using psi abilities in an alien society.
The Executioner
"The Executioner" by Frank Riley is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The story takes place in a futuristic setting where public executions are a form of entertainment and serve as a societal release. The book explores themes of duty, love, and moral conflict through the character of Jacques, a Lord High Executioner, who faces a profound dilemma when he discovers that the woman he must execute is someone from his past. In the narrative, Jacques de Carougne finds himself conflicted when he learns that Lady Ann of Coberly, a woman he deeply loved long ago, is the condemned individual he is scheduled to execute. The public eagerly anticipates the execution, which is set to unfold in a ceremonial arena filled with spectators. As the event unfolds, Jacques grapples with his professional obligations and personal feelings for Ann, who challenges the execution's morality and speaks boldly against her fate. The story escalates to a heart-wrenching climax as Jacques is compelled to carry out the execution, resulting in tragic consequences that ultimately reveal the depth of their connection and the challenges of navigating duty versus personal desire.