Author
Frank M. Robinson
1926-2014
Frank M. Robinson (1926-2014) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Frank M. Robinson
You Don't Walk Alone
"You Don't Walk Alone" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction story originally published in the mid-20th century. The narrative is set in a contemporary backdrop, focusing on the concept of an alien invasion that is not overtly obvious but manifests as an infiltration of human society. The book explores the eerie idea that some individuals may not be who they seem, creating a tension that resonates throughout the plot. The story follows Charley, a reporter who is drawn into a conspiracy after his friend John Kelley is murdered while investigating strange lights in the sky that hint at an alien presence on Earth. As Charley delves deeper, he discovers unsettling truths about his surroundings and those within it, leading him to suspect that aliens, who can perfectly imitate humans, have infiltrated society. This revelation becomes personal when he realizes that one of his closest acquaintances, Fred, may be one of these impersonators. Amidst growing paranoia and a struggle for survival, Charley becomes determined to expose the hidden organization behind the invasion, setting him on a perilous path where he must confront the possible alien threat and his own humanity.
Cosmic Saboteur
"Cosmic Saboteur" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a young protagonist named Stan Martin, who initially seems to be a bright, optimistic 17-year-old, navigating the streets of Chicago when he suddenly becomes embroiled in a violent encounter that changes his life. The narrative hints at larger themes, including questions of identity, loyalty, and the nature of humanity, as Stan faces mysterious forces that seek to recruit him for an unsettling purpose. The opening of the book depicts Stan's brutal initiation into a world of treachery and manipulation after a gang assaults him in a Chicago alley. He awakens in a facility that feels more like a prison than a hospital, where he is interrogated by cold, authoritative figures who claim to know his deepest thoughts and feelings. As Stan endures mental and physical torment, he begins to grapple with questions about his identity and past. The atmosphere is heavy with tension and foreboding, presenting a mysterious setting where Stan is torn between his past as an ordinary teenager and the dark forces that threaten to reshape him into a ruthless instrument of destruction for a higher alien agenda. The stakes escalate as Stan realizes he must choose between his forgotten humanity and the sinister plans of those manipulating him from the shadows.
The Fire and the Sword
"The Fire and the Sword" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story explores themes surrounding human interaction with an idyllic yet perplexing alien society on the planet Tunpesh, where seemingly perfect inhabitants exhibit an unsettling disinterest in the newcomers from Earth. The novel grapples with deeper questions of identity, belonging, and the nature of perfection, particularly as it relates to the mysterious death of a diplomat who was sent there. The plot centers around two diplomats, Eckert and Templin, who are dispatched to investigate the apparent suicide of their colleague, Don Pendleton. Upon arriving on Tunpesh, they find the native society extraordinary yet alien—perfectly healthy citizens, an absence of crime, and an overall harmony that feels both enchanting and ominous. As they delve deeper, Templin's growing infatuation with the planet leads him to confront his own sense of belonging, culminating in an exploration of why Pendleton, who had thrived in this paradise, ultimately chose to end his life. The narrative raises profound questions about cultural differences and the potentially isolating nature of utopias, ultimately suggesting that paradise may come with its own set of dangers.
The Girls From Earth
"The Girls From Earth" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The book brazenly explores themes of gender ratios in colonization and the complexities of human relationships across different worlds. It revolves around the unique and complicated situation where the male-dominated colonization of other planets has resulted in a dire need to arrange marriages between men on one planet and women from Earth, prompting questions about identity, cultural expectations, and the traditional notions of partnership. The storyline follows colonists Karl Allen and Joseph Hill as they anticipate the arrival of women from Earth, whom they are matched with through a lottery system due to the overwhelming male population at their colony. As they navigate their personal desires and societal pressures, we are introduced to the women themselves—each with their own reasons for migrating, whether escaping societal pressures or crime. The narrative reveals their struggles to adapt to their new lives and the often stark realities that contrast with the romanticized notions they held about frontier life. Ultimately, the book offers a thought-provoking commentary on the intersections of duty, desire, and survival in the face of a very human need for connection, all set against the backdrop of a speculative future.
Guaranteed—Forever!
"Guaranteed—Forever!" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a man named Manning, who has dedicated his career to exposing fraudulent mail-order schemes, only to encounter a particularly outrageous scam involving a carburetor that allegedly runs on water and promises extraordinary mileage. Set against the backdrop of post-war America, the book engages with themes of deception, technology, and the darker sides of human nature. In the narrative, Manning embarks on an investigation of the Forsythe Carburetor Company, which seems to be at the heart of a convoluted con scheme. As he digs deeper, he discovers that Forsythe is not just a common fraudster but may have connections to something far more enigmatic and potentially dangerous. The tension escalates when Manning narrowly avoids a violent confrontation with Forsythe’s associate, leading him to question the reality of the products being sold. Ultimately, the plot reveals a surprising twist regarding Forsythe's intentions and the potential existence of a time machine, weaving a complex tale that challenges perceptions of reality and hope in the face of dire circumstances, especially when Manning finds a vial labeled "Forsythe's Cancer Cure." This unexpected turn leaves readers contemplating the implications of the products and the disturbing possibility of their origins.
The Reluctant Heroes
"The Reluctant Heroes" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book revolves around the psychological and emotional struggles of astronauts stationed on the Moon, exploring themes of duty, sacrifice, and the yearning for home amidst the isolation of space. It highlights the tension between personal desires and the responsibilities one has towards a groundbreaking scientific mission. The narrative primarily follows a group of lunar researchers, focusing on Chapman, who has spent three years on the Moon and is eager to return to Earth. As he prepares for the arrival of a relief ship, the story unfolds through his interactions with fellow crew members and their discussions about life on Earth and the future. Amidst the backdrop of their scientific work, we witness their individual stories, including strained relationships and the heavy toll of isolation. The climax reveals a choice that Chapman must make, leading to the poignant realization of the sacrifices made for the greater good of humanity's ambitions in space exploration. The book ultimately portrays the complexities of heroism and the notion that true bravery can be reluctant and deeply personal.
Wanted: One Sane Man
"Wanted: One Sane Man" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story unfolds in a future where the demand for personnel is managed by a centralized agency, Personnel Incorporated, which claims it can provide the right person for any job. The book explores themes of sanity, human capability, and the psychological complexities involved in space travel, focusing on the search for a qualified pilot for the first lunar mission. The narrative centers around two main characters, George Burger, a director at Atlantic Motors, and Frank Maxwell, a government representative. They visit Personnel Incorporated to find a suitable pilot for their ambitious rocket project, but soon realize the task is more complicated than anticipated. Whiteford, the head of Personnel, prides himself on the corporation's efficiency, yet when he attempts to find a psychologically stable pilot for the mission, he discovers that the majority of applicants are mentally unfit. As the story unfolds, Whiteford becomes the pilot himself, grappling with isolation, mental strain, and the question of what truly qualifies a person to undertake such a dangerous journey. Ultimately, it’s revealed that a degree of neurosis and obsession—traits Whiteford exhibits—might be essential for the type of person willing to brave the unknown of space. The novel cleverly critiques the metrics by which society judges capability and success.
Two Weeks in August
"Two Weeks in August" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. This lighthearted narrative revolves around the daily experiences of office workers and their interactions, particularly focusing on the protagonist's disdain for his boastful colleague, McCleary. The story humorously explores themes of imagination versus reality, with a satire on vacation aspirations and the human tendency to exaggerate personal experiences. The plot centers on the protagonist, who is resigned to spending his vacation at home due to financial constraints. He engages in playful banter with colleagues, leading them to believe he is going on an extravagant journey to Mars, just to counter McCleary's incessant bragging. However, after the vacation, McCleary surprises everyone by returning from an actual trip to Mars, complete with photographic evidence and souvenirs. The twist challenges perceptions of belief and reality, as it reflects on how far people will go to assert their experiences, lightheartedly leaving the reader to ponder the possibilities of space travel and the wonder of imagination.
Beyond the Ultra-Violet
"Beyond the Ultra-Violet" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction narrative written in the early 1950s. The book explores the profound consequences of an experimental procedure designed to expand human vision beyond the conventional spectrum of light. It focuses on the themes of sight, perception, and the nature of reality, illustrating the potential dangers of human curiosity and ambition. The storyline follows Charles, a young physics student who, upon the encouragement of his professor, embarks on a radical experiment to enhance his vision to perceive wavelengths beyond the visible spectrum. As he undergoes the treatment, Charles describes a transition from the known colors of his world into a vibrant realm filled with unimaginable hues and forms, ultimately leading to a complete loss of his sight in the conventional sense. Despite this, he discovers a deeper understanding of light and perception. However, he faces a poignant moment when, after the final procedure, his vision opens to a world beyond comprehension, where he unexpectedly cries out for Alice, his deceased wife, suggesting that his journey might have led him to a realm of emotional resonance rather than mere visual experience.
The Worlds of Joe Shannon
"The Worlds of Joe Shannon" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story explores the concept of alternate realities and how individuals might escape their dissatisfaction with life. The central topic revolves around a character named Joe Shannon, who creates a machine called the "Paradise booth," allowing people to choose and enter idealized worlds that cater to their dreams and desires. The narrative follows Joe Shannon, a brilliant electronics engineer, who feels that many people are unhappy in their current lives. To address this, he invents the Paradise booth, which transports individuals to their desired reality. Initially met with skepticism, the booths begin to attract users seeking an escape. However, as more townsfolk disappear into their perfect worlds, Joe and his friend Harry discover the troubling consequences of this invention. The story culminates in Joe's realization that the world’s discontent is universal, prompting a decision to seek his own paradise, ultimately leaving behind the empty town of Fremont. Through its exploration of dreams, reality, and the consequences of escapism, the novella raises important questions about the nature of happiness and human connection.
Decision
"Decision" by Frank M. Robinson is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The book explores the themes of duty, hatred, and moral decision-making in a military context as the crew of a U.S. naval vessel encounters an unknown and potentially hostile alien spaceship hovering over a rival battleship. The tension between personal beliefs and official responsibilities unfolds against a backdrop of interstellar conflict and military rivalry. In the story, the Captain of the U.S.S. Oahu grapples with a critical decision when an alien vessel appears above the Josef Dzugashvili, a significant aircraft carrier from the Asiatic Combine. As the situation escalates and the Josef is attacked, the Captain must weigh his long-standing hatred for the Combine against the instinct to assist fellow humans facing destruction. With a chance to engage with the alien aggressors, the narrative explores the complexities of warfare, loyalty, and the evolving morality of humanity in the face of external threats. The Captain ultimately decides to render aid to the endangered ship, signifying a shift in perspective that challenges his ingrained animosities.