Author
Walter J. Sheldon
1917-1996
Walter J. Sheldon (1917-1996) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Walter J. Sheldon
I, the Unspeakable
"I, the Unspeakable" by Walter J. Sheldon is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. Set in a dystopian future, the story revolves around a conformist society where individuals are renumbered for efficiency, stripping them of their identities and breeding discontent among the populace. The book explores the themes of individuality, love, and rebellion against an oppressive regime, as the protagonist struggles with the implications of his unspeakable name—a word that represents a profound human emotion deemed dangerous by the state. The narrative follows the journey of a man who, identified by a four-letter name that symbolizes his nonconformity, navigates a bureaucratic maze in search of a way to change his identity to regain dignity and purpose. His quest leads him to an underground movement that challenges the norms of the totalitarian regime. Along the way, he encounters Lara, a woman whose voice captivates him in dreams and personal affairs, representing hope and rebellion. As the protagonist's journey unfolds, he grapples with the consequences of love and freedom in a world where such feelings are considered unspeakable and dangerous, ultimately leading him to an unexpected path of escape and liberation.
The shrine
"The Shrine" by Walter J. Sheldon is a fantasy novella written in the mid-20th century. The narrative follows Edward Blair, a reporter for the English-language Tokyo Tribune, who reluctantly travels to a remote mountain to interview the monks of the Hataka shrine. The story explores themes of cultural understanding, the nature of reality, and the tension between scientific rationalism and mystical beliefs. As Edward Blair interacts with Naito, the high priest of the shrine, and Yuki, a mysterious young woman, he is drawn into their world of unusual phenomena that challenge his Western perspective. The narrative delves into Blair's skepticism as he dismisses Naito's mystical abilities as mere "magic tricks." However, he slowly begins to comprehend the deeper philosophical implications of Naito's teachings about psychokinesis and the limitations of Western scientific thinking. The encounter with Yuki evokes in him a profound emotional response, culminating in an understanding that transcends his initial cynicism, ultimately leaving him in contemplation about the nature of wisdom and control in a world steeped in mystery. Through this journey, Sheldon skillfully contextualizes a clash of cultures that speaks to the broader human experience.
Your Time is Up
"Your Time is Up" by Walter J. Sheldon is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Colonel Lawrence E. Boggs, a career officer in the U.S. Army, who inadvertently connects through a telephone with a historical technician from the future named Zon Twenty. The novella explores themes of time travel, destiny, and the moral implications of knowledge about the future. The plot begins with Colonel Boggs receiving a strange phone call that leads him to discuss historical events with Zon Twenty, who reveals that Colonel Boggs's era is on the brink of a "Final War." As Boggs becomes increasingly tempted by the prospect of using information about future events to advance his career and ensure his survival, he engages in a risky exchange of questions and answers with Zon. However, as the conversation progresses, it becomes apparent that the knowledge Boggs seeks has dangerous ramifications. The story culminates in a dark twist that highlights the potential for hubris and the unforeseen consequences of trying to manipulate fate.
Brink of Madness
"Brink of Madness" by Walt Sheldon is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around Richard Pell, a Central Investigation Bureau (C.I.B.) agent, as he grapples with national tensions and personal strife against the backdrop of a brewing conflict between Earth and Venus. As Pell investigates a mysterious political movement that threatens peace, he finds himself caught between duty and his troubled marriage, seeking to uncover the truth behind a dangerous group known as the Supremists. The plot unfolds as Pell is thrust into a web of intrigue involving a mind-altering enzyme that influences people's thoughts and loyalties. He encounters key figures, including Chief Larkin and scientific advisor Dr. Walter Nebel, who reveal a manipulative scheme to reignite war with Venus. Pell's personal life deteriorates as he struggles to maintain the bond with his wife, Ciel, who has been conditioned by the very people he's trying to uncover. The narrative moves towards a tension-filled confrontation as Pell must outwit his captors and dismantle a nefarious plan that risks the future of interplanetary relations. Ultimately, he must find a way to restore not only peace but also the trust within his own relationship.
Houlihan's Equation
"Houlihan's Equation" by Walter J. Sheldon is a science fiction narrative written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Kevin Francis Houlihan, a scientist engaged in vital research at a nuclear propulsion center, who unexpectedly encounters a group of leprechauns. The book explores themes of imagination, belief, and the intersection of science and folklore as Houlihan learns about the leprechauns’ quest to build a spaceship, driven by their fear of humanity's propensity for self-destruction. In this whimsical tale, Houlihan stumbles upon a community of little people in a park, who are anxiously trying to construct their own spaceship to escape Earth. Initially startled, he discovers that they need his help in calculating a complex equation essential for controlling their ship's propulsion system. As he collaborates with them, he rediscovers the comfort of his Irish roots and the importance of preserving old beliefs. Ultimately, Houlihan decides not to take the promised pot of gold reward, realizing that his assistance was not only beneficial for the leprechauns but also for humanity, as keeping the little people around offers a touch of magic to an increasingly scientific world.
Two Plus Two Makes Crazy
"Two Plus Two Makes Crazy" by Walter J. Sheldon is a satirical short story written in the early 1950s. The book explores the consequences of an overreliance on technology, particularly through the character of a human liaison working with a vast, infallible computer system. The story critiques a future society that blindly trusts mathematical certainties, suggesting that this reliance can lead to absurd outcomes and a breakdown of rational thought. In the narrative, Krayton, a public liaison officer in Computer City, explains the computerized system that governs various societal functions, addressing the fears posed by underground groups questioning the computer's control over their lives. Mr. Tanter, a seemingly unassuming man, challenges Krayton's assertions and injects doubt about the computer's infallibility. As he poses a thought-provoking question—whether "two plus two" is actually equal to "three plus one"—the computer becomes overloaded, illustrating that rigid adherence to numerical logic can lead to chaos. Ultimately, the story draws attention to the dangers of substituting human judgment with cold mechanistic calculations.
Jimsy and the Monsters
"Jimsy and the Monsters" by Walter J. Sheldon is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story explores the intersections of childhood stardom and the fantastical, as an eleven-year-old child actor, Jimsy LaRoche, becomes entangled with real extraterrestrial creatures brought to Hollywood during a film production. The narrative captures the absurdities of movie-making, highlighting the chaos that ensues when fictional monsters turn into real threats. The plot centers around Mr. Maximilian Untz, a beleaguered producer, and his quest for authentic terror in a film's dream sequence. When Dr. John Mildume, a quirky scientist, introduces two alien creatures, Untz hopes they will elevate his film but instead they cause mayhem on set. Jimsy, known for his mischievousness, inadvertently proves to be the key to managing the monsters, as they turn out to be terrified of him. This humorous and absurd tale critiques the entertainment industry while weaving a whimsical and engaging story about courage, responsibility, and the often comedic nature of Hollywood.
This is Klon Calling
"This is Klon Calling" by Walter J. Sheldon is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. The narrative is centered around Professor Lyman Dane, an eccentric scientist known for his humorous teaching style, who finds himself caught in a bizarre situation involving an FBI investigation into unidentified flying objects (UFOs). As Dane navigates his surreal circumstances, the story explores themes of humor in academia, curiosity about extraterrestrial life, and the intricacies of human interactions with authority. In the story, Professor Dane's practical joking nature leads him to prank his colleague, Dr. Wallace Fincher, by pretending to be an alien commander communicating about potential threats to their home planet from Earth. His joke takes a sudden and dark turn when Fincher appears in person with unexpected intentions. The narrative humorously contrasts Dane's light-hearted antics against the serious undertones of governmental surveillance and the tension surrounding the era's fascination with space and extraterrestrial contact. Ultimately, this story encapsulates a playful examination of intelligence, authority, and the absurdity that can arise from misunderstanding the unknown.