Author
Joseph Samachson
1906-1980
Joseph Samachson (1906-1980) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Joseph Samachson
Forgotten danger
"Forgotten Danger" by William Morrison is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around the character Crusoe, who suffers from amnesia and grapples with a looming sense of danger that he cannot fully comprehend. Set against a backdrop of intrigue and otherworldly elements, the narrative explores themes of identity, memory, and the struggle to recall one's past. The plot follows Crusoe as he wakes up near a swamp with no memory except for the feeling that he is in grave danger. He is found by a group of ragtag men, including Angel and the Professor, who take him under their wing. As he navigates through the challenges of his amnesia, Crusoe discovers he possesses strange powers that cause weapons to explode upon his pointing gesture. His journey leads him to uncover the mystery of his identity, revealing that he is actually an alien named Tlaxon, trapped on Earth after a crash landing. The tale culminates in a confrontation with the Professor, who turns out to be a malevolent being, and Crusoe must decide whether to save his newfound friend, Angel, or allow the Professor to face justice. The story offers a blend of suspense, action, and the exploration of personal and cosmic stakes.
Hop O' My Thumb
"Hop O' My Thumb" by William Morrison is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story takes place in a futuristic setting where Earth is confronted by an overwhelmingly powerful alien race known as the Hops. The plot revolves around the themes of betrayal and survival, as the protagonist George Everson deliberates the painful decision of surrendering to the Hops to prevent extinction of the human race. In this gripping tale, George Everson struggles with the moral implications of submitting to the Hops, despite public outrage and personal stigma, particularly from his son, Arthur. As he navigates through political pressures and the looming threat of annihilation, it becomes evident that the Hops, small yet formidable beings, wield advanced weaponry and possess a deep-seated ambition for expansion. The story intensifies as Everson realizes the Hops hold secrets that could lead to humanity's demise. However, a surprising twist reveals that the Hops' planetary mass is on the brink of collapse, giving humanity a sliver of hope to reclaim their autonomy. In a dramatic climax, the story highlights the complexities of sacrifice, fear, and unexpected resilience in the face of insurmountable odds.
No star's land
"No Star's Land" by William Morrison is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores the theme of misperception regarding size and power, focusing on the plight of two newlywed astronauts, Jan and Karin, who become entangled in a cosmic conflict between two enormous stars. Through their experience, the author delves into the resilience of the human spirit when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. In the story, Jan and Karin find themselves marooned in space after their ship comes to an inexplicable halt while traversing the dangerous region between two battling stars. As they struggle to comprehend their situation and the mysterious forces at play, their relationship is tested amid the growing tension. They soon realize that the stars are engaged in a fierce battle, and they are trapped in the middle—akin to a bird caught in a battlefield. When all seems lost, Jan devises a daring plan that exploits the ignorance of the star entities, allowing them a chance to escape. Ultimately, this harrowing experience rekindles their bond, leading to a new understanding of love and partnership against the backdrop of cosmic chaos.
Shipping Clerk
"Shipping Clerk" by William Morrison is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a down-and-out character named Ollie Keith, who spent his life in poverty, struggling with hunger and failed aspirations. The narrative explores themes of desperation, survival, and unexpected consequences, highlighting the sharp contrast between his bleak existence and the bizarre twists of fate that befall him. The novella follows Ollie's life as he scavenges for food and tries to survive in a harsh urban environment. His fortunes take a strange turn when he unwittingly consumes a mysterious object that significantly affects his physiology, allowing him to consume vast quantities of food without gaining weight. As he enters an eating contest, he becomes the center of attention, attracting the curiosity of extraterrestrial beings who wish to recover the lost object he has ingested. The narrative weaves humor and absurdity into Ollie's plight, culminating in a transformation that offers him a chance for a more fulfilling life, but not without leaving lingering questions about identity and the nature of his new existence.
Messenger
"Messenger" by William Morrison is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story follows an enigmatic being on a mission through the vastness of the Universe, tasked with finding and helping an intelligent species on a distant planet, though he suffers from amnesia about the specifics of his mission. The narrative explores themes of isolation, purpose, and the struggles within civilizations. The protagonist, a celestial messenger, awakens in the aftermath of a nova explosion, with fragmented memories of his mission to find a specific planet and assist its intelligent life. As he travels through galaxies with a mix of hope and despair, he finally locates the third planet in a solar system teeming with sentient beings. However, upon observing the desolation—characterized by fear, greed, and conflict—he realizes the urgent need for change. Overcoming his initial caution, he ultimately confronts the brutal reality of war and human suffering. In a moment of clarity, he crafts a powerful instrument intended to communicate a transformative message to humanity, signaling a potential path to healing the chaos around him.
The Addicts
"The Addicts" by William Morrison is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story unfolds aboard a lonely asteroid lighthouse where the protagonist, Jim Palmer, struggles with his addiction to a drug called marak, which is both pleasurable and debilitating. The central theme revolves around addiction and the lengths Palmer is willing to go to ensure his wife, Louise, shares in his euphoric experience, reflecting on love, dependency, and the contrasting attitudes towards life and death. The narrative follows Palmer and Louise as they navigate their precarious existence amidst looming death due to external threats from alien creatures. Palmer believes that by making Louise an addict as well, he can cure her unhappiness caused by their dire circumstances. However, in a twist of fate, Louise cleverly administers an antidote to Jim, forcing him into sobriety and a clearer mindset. As he grapples with the harsh reality of their situation without the comforting veil of marak, he ultimately must confront the external dangers waiting outside the lighthouse. The story culminates in a dramatic irony where, liberated from addiction, Jim's newfound clarity allows him to take decisive action against the threats, even as he longs for the joy marak once provided.
The Weather on Mercury
"The Weather on Mercury" by William Morrison is a science fiction novella published in the early 1950s. Set against the backdrop of Mercury, this story involves an expedition team sent to locate an intrepid explorer named Kalinoff who has mysteriously gone missing. The plot centers around the unexpected and bizarre weather phenomena on the planet, including rain and snow, sharp contrasts to its typically arid climate, as the team grapples with both environmental and interpersonal conflicts. As the crew navigates the challenges of the Twilight Zone on Mercury, they encounter a range of complications, particularly involving the character McCracken, whose impulsive actions create tension among the team. Amidst the backdrop of strange weather, the expedition leader, Captain Lamoureux, must manage the fallout from McCracken's mischief and the questionable motives of another crew member, Carvalho. The narrative takes a twist when they finally locate Kalinoff, revealing a clever ruse involving the planet's native inhabitants and their treatment of weather as a form of communication. This results in a blend of humor and tension as the men navigate their own conflicts while attempting to survive on a peculiarly unpredictable Mercury.
Monster
"Monster" by William Morrison is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. Set on Mars, the story captures the struggles of a family, the Kidds, as they contend with various predatory creatures on the planet while trying to maintain their lives amidst the threats these large, hungry animals pose. The novel addresses the challenges of colonization and the humorous yet dire consequences of bureaucracy in a futuristic setting. In "Monster," the Kidd family, consisting of Anthony, Alice, and their son Small, grapples with the dangers of their isolated Martian home, plagued by formidable creatures like badgerines and snaffles. As they attempt to secure their safety, they humorously navigate the frustrations of dealing with a bumbling bureaucrat named T.I. Tapling, who impedes their efforts to acquire adequate weapons. The arrival of Rover, a colossal dog bred for protection, brings both relief and new challenges as the Kidds learn to adapt to life with this unconventional guardian. As the story unfolds, it cleverly intertwines themes of survival, family, and the absurdities of managing life on a hostile planet.
Date of publication, 2083 A.D.
"Date of publication, 2083 A.D." by William Morrison is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a woman named Carrie Samason, whose life becomes unexpectedly chaotic following a mix-up involving a library book about hypnotism. The book explores themes of control, family dynamics, and the unpredictable consequences of seemingly mundane events. The narrative unfolds as Carrie, busy with her daily life, inadvertently sets off a series of bizarre occurrences after her son James retrieves the wrong book for her—a book on hypnotism, which leads to mass disturbances in her environment. As various characters, including her husband Bill and her friends, fall under the influence of hypnotic suggestions, Carrie struggles to regain control. The book creatively examines how quickly order can descend into chaos and the lengths to which Carrie must go to protect her family from the unintended consequences of hypnotism, ultimately highlighting the fragility of normal life amidst unforeseen disturbances.
Picture Bride
"Picture Bride" by William Morrison is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative centers around the unusual love story between a man named Perry and a woman he has never met in person, who exists a thousand years in the future. The story explores themes of love across time, using a fictional time-contact machine that allows Perry to communicate with his future bride. The plot unfolds as Perry reveals to his brother, George, that he has fallen in love with a woman from the distant future, only having seen her through this time-contact device. Despite George’s skepticism, Perry becomes enamored with the idea of their love, leading George to investigate further. The tension escalates as George crashes into Perry's laboratory during one of their time-contact sessions, resulting in a catastrophic incident that leaves Perry missing, yet hints at a profound connection between the two lovers. The story culminates with George witnessing a glimpse of Perry with the girl on the screen just before the equipment fails, suggesting that their love transcends the barriers of time.
Spoken For
"Spoken For" by William Morrison is a science fiction short story that was published in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores themes of identity, love, and the impact of time on human relationships, focusing on the protagonist's struggle to reconnect with his lost family in a future where he has been unwittingly adrift for centuries. The story revolves around a man named Callendar, who awakens to find himself disoriented and searching for his wife and children after having undergone an experimental treatment called L-treatment, aimed at prolonging life. Set against the backdrop of Ganymede, one of Jupiter’s moons, he encounters Carol Marsh, a woman grappling with her growing feelings for him while learning about his tragic past. As Callendar struggles with the realization that he has been adrift for 200 years—long after his loved ones have passed away—Carol's father, Mr. Marsh, understands the emotional turmoil ahead in revealing this painful truth. The story poignantly captures the tension between hope and despair as it reflects on the profound consequences of technological advancements on human lives and relationships.
Task of Kayin
"Task of Kayin" by William Morrison is a science fiction novel that explores themes of identity, belonging, and the implications of scientific discovery. Written in the early 1950s, the story follows Kayin, a fugitive from a distant and perilous world, as he seeks refuge on Earth, a planet fraught with its own dangers. The narrative dives into both the psychological and physical challenges Kayin faces as he navigates the complexities of human society while concealing his extraterrestrial origins. The plot centers on Kayin's struggle to adapt to his new environment, highlighting his feelings of loneliness and the cultural barriers he encounters. As he takes on manual labor despite his superior intellect and abilities, he learns the local language and begins to integrate into human society. However, he soon discovers a catastrophic scientific experiment being conducted by humans that could lead to their extinction. Confronted with his growing sense of attachment to the people he encounters, Kayin must decide whether to intervene and prevent disaster. Ultimately, he chooses to stand and fight for the survival of the humans he has come to regard as friends, symbolizing his transformation and acceptance of a new home.
Unwelcomed Visitor
"Unwelcomed Visitor" by William Morrison is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative follows Xhanph, the first ambassador from the planet Gfun, as he unexpectedly encounters a starkly indifferent humanity upon his arrival on Earth. The story explores themes of alienation, communication, and societal norms, particularly in the face of the extraordinary. Xhanph lands on Earth with high hopes of being welcomed as a hero, only to find that the inhabitants are largely uninterested in him or his mission of friendship. His attempts to engage with individuals are met with dismissal and apathy, leading him to question the reason behind their indifference. Despite his unique status as an interplanetary visitor, he discovers that people have grown weary of the concept of extraterrestrial life due to overexposure through media and imagination. This realization culminates in a mix of frustration and self-reflection, highlighting not only the alien's struggle for recognition but also a commentary on human behavior and curiosity. Ultimately, he finds a kindred spirit in another alien, underscoring themes of connection in a seemingly unwelcoming world.
Runaway
"Runaway" by William Morrison is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story follows a young boy named Plato who yearns for adventure and dreams of becoming a space explorer, drawing inspiration from fictional heroes. As he devises a plan to run away and stow away on a spaceship, the narrative explores themes of imagination, childhood dreams, and the stark contrast between youthful aspirations and the realities of adult life. Plato, feeling stifled by his mundane school life and the teasing arising from his unusual name, decides to embark on an adventure of his own. He meticulously plans his escape, from crafting a fake ticket to stowing away on a ship. However, his fantastical journey takes a turn when he is discovered by authority figures who thwart his aspirations. Ultimately, the story reveals the conflict between the innocent dreams of youth and the sobering constraints imposed by societal expectations, culminating in a poignant reminder of the loss of childhood innocence as Plato confronts the harsh realities that challenge his dreams of adventure.
A Feast of Demons
"A Feast of Demons" by William Morrison is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative submerges readers into a world grappling with the consequences of a scientific discovery that alters the fabric of aging and rejuvenation. The plot intertwines themes of ambition, consequences of unchecked scientific exploration, and the chaotic balance of life and death. The story follows Virgil Hampstead, who reconnects with his old college acquaintance, Theobald Greco, a brilliant but eccentric scientist embroiled in experiments involving Maxwell's demons—entities that manipulate the flow of energy and matter. As Virgie becomes entangled in Greco's world of transmutation and the pursuit of wealth, the situation spirals beyond their control, leading to catastrophic fires and the release of entities that can either age or rejuvenate individuals. As chaos unfolds across society, with people rapidly aging or becoming younger, the characters face moral and existential dilemmas. The narrative culminates in a world where life cycles become unstable and blurred, leaving readers to ponder the consequences of humanity's desire to conquer aging and mortality.
Dead Man's Planet
"Dead Man's Planet" by William Morrison is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. It explores themes of loss, companionship, and the search for meaning through the story of a father and son who land on a desolate, uninhabited planet. The narrative delves into human emotions and the lingering effects of grief while juxtaposing the human experience with the existence of a seemingly immortal dog left behind on the planet. The story follows Sam Wilson and his young son, Mark, as they arrive on a bleak planet that evokes feelings of loneliness and melancholy. As they adapt to their new surroundings, they encounter a mysterious dog that raises questions about its past and its connection to a long-dead human named Julian Hagstrom. Through their exploration, Sam grapples with his harsh personality and the fear of leaving his son alone in a world devoid of human companionship. Mark's bond with the dog symbolizes his longing for friendship and normalcy in the wake of their family's tragedy. Ultimately, the novel confronts the heart-wrenching reality of memory, loss, and the insurmountable distances created by time.
Divinity
"Divinity" by William Morrison is a science fiction novel likely written in the early to mid-20th century. The story explores themes of identity, power, and personal transformation through the unexpected journey of its protagonist, Bradley, who finds himself mistaken for a god by an alien civilization after fleeing from his past as a petty criminal on Earth. The narrative reflects upon the complexities of self-worth and the inherent responsibilities that come with power. The plot centers around Bradley's dramatic escape from a spaceship, which leads him accidentally to an alien planet. Initially reveling in the elevated status granted to him by the natives, he capitalizes on their beliefs, donning a helmet and maintaining his guise as a deity. The story unfolds as he grapples with the contrast between his past cowardice and the newfound responsibility he feels towards the alien people. Problems arise when he has to confront both external threats, such as dangerous creatures, and internal struggles, including his attraction to a native woman and the fear of being exposed. Ultimately, as he evolves from a reluctant fugitive to a capable leader, he discovers the value of personal growth and acceptance of his own identity, culminating in a final twist where he embraces the journey to regeneration.
Bedside Manner
"Bedside Manner" by William Morrison is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of identity, beauty, and the human condition through the lens of an extraordinary medical incident. The story centers around a woman who, after surviving a catastrophic spaceship crash, faces the harrowing reality of being physically reconstructed by an alien doctor who is unfamiliar with human anatomy. The plot unfolds as the protagonist, after waking up without her limbs and senses, learns she has been saved by a non-human race that operates far beyond the current capabilities of human medicine. As she undergoes treatment, she grapples with her new identity and the fear of becoming unrecognizable to her husband, Fred. Their conversations reveal their insecurities and complexities within their relationship, particularly regarding physical appearance and self-worth. Ultimately, the alien doctor succeeds in reconstructing both of them, but with surprising results; while she becomes beautiful, Fred's appearance is less favorable. The story concludes with a sense of acceptance as they realize their love for each other transcends their physical forms, introducing a profound contemplation of love and acceptance in the face of change.
The Model of a Judge
"The Model of a Judge" by William Morrison is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around Ronar, a former predatory creature who has undergone psychological reforming to become a judge. The book explores themes of trust, identity, and the complexities of human relationships as Ronar, now a judge at a cake-baking contest, navigates the societal dynamics that arise from his non-human background and reformed nature. The plot follows Ronar as he judges a cake-making competition among humans. Despite his extraordinary sense of taste, which he uses to judge the cakes, he faces prejudice and fear from the human competitors and spectators who still view him as a former outlaw rather than a reformed being. Throughout the contest, Ronar wrestles with his old instincts and the biases of those around him. As he tastes the cakes and interacts with the humans, he reflects on his painful transformation and the challenges of acceptance. The story culminates in a moment of decision that leads to an unexpected winner, highlighting the themes of redemption, fairness, and the complexities of human nature.
The Hunters
"The Hunters" by Joseph Samachson is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 1950s. The book tackles themes of identity and coexistence, exploring the lives of two alien beings who take on human forms and interact with children and a famous actor in a zoo setting. This story combines elements of adventure with a critique of human psychology and societal norms. In "The Hunters," Curt George, a famed actor and hunter, struggles with his personal demons, particularly his alcoholism. As he prepares to entertain a group of children at a zoo, he unwittingly crosses paths with two aliens, Manto and Palit, who are studying human behavior. This encounter escalates into a thrilling climax when the aliens, after befriending the children, inadvertently reveal their true forms through a stage performance gone awry. The story highlights the contrast between George's struggles and the innocence of the children, ultimately leading to an unexpected resolution that tests notions of usefulness, identity, and the deeper meanings of heroism.