Author
George H. (George Henry) Smith
1922-1996
George H. (George Henry) Smith (1922-1996) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by George H. (George Henry) Smith
The Last Crusade
"The Last Crusade" by George H. Smith is a science fiction narrative written in the mid-20th century. The story is set in a dystopian future where characters cope with the ravages of a prolonged war, reflecting on the loss of identity and purpose in a world plagued by violence and propaganda. The likely topic of the book centers around the futility of war and the struggles of soldiers as they navigate a complex conflict, questioning the motives behind their fight. The plot follows a group of mecho-unit soldiers, including characters such as Ward, Whitey, and Sergeant Coleman, as they endure life in a war-torn Paris, which has been reduced to rubble. The story unfolds through their conversations and experiences as they face enemy threats and grapple with their own memories, or lack thereof, stemming from brainwashing. As the soldiers prepare for a significant assault under the orders of their general, Fightin' Joe Mac Williams, they confront their fears and uncertainties about the war's purpose, particularly Whitey, who struggles to recall his identity and question the sides they are supposed to be fighting for. The narrative culminates in a chaotic battle where themes of memory, censorship, and the impact of war converge, offering a commentary on the human condition in the face of relentless conflict.
The Last Days of L.A.
"The Last Days of L.A." by George H. Smith is a science fiction short story written in the late 1950s. The narrative explores the psychological and social ramifications of living under the impending threat of nuclear annihilation, focusing on a protagonist grappling with dread and existential despair in a decaying Los Angeles. The story serves as a reflection on the dark undercurrents of human nature amidst the backdrop of a world on the brink of destruction. The plot centers on an unnamed narrator who is haunted by nightmarish visions of nuclear devastation, exacerbated by his daily encounters with a group of disillusioned friends. As tensions rise in the world around them, their conversations shift between irony and cynicism about life and death. In the face of a chaotic society fueled by violence and fear, the protagonist oscillates between a desire to engage with the world and a longing to escape its horrors. Ultimately, he attempts to awaken the populace to the imminent threat they all face, only to be violently rebuffed, highlighting the futility of individual efforts in a collective state of denial. The work encapsulates the psychological weight of living during a nuclear age, filled with dark humor and bleak insight into human existence.
Witness
"Witness" by George H. Smith is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around a murder investigation in a highly secure research facility, where a sophisticated computer named Edith becomes a key witness. Its exploration of the relationship between human emotions and technology highlights themes of jealousy, ambition, and morality in an era increasingly concerned with the implications of artificial intelligence. The story opens with the gruesome murder of Dr. Dudley Ballard, who is found dead in a secret computer room, leading to an investigation that includes the advanced machine, Edith. As Bill Green, one of the researchers, grapples with his feelings of hatred for Ballard and concern for Edith's fate, the coroner and security officers attempt to use Edith to determine the identity of the murderer. Tension mounts as Edith confirms that she witnessed the murder but later refuses to disclose who the killer was, citing a self-incriminating clause. In a tragic turn, Green realizes too late that he could have influenced Edith’s responses to protect her, revealing the story’s deeper commentary on the intersection of human emotion and technology.
Narakan Rifles, About Face!
"Narakan Rifles, About Face!" by Jan Smith is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. Set on the harsh, swampy planet of Naraka, the story revolves around the struggles of both Terran and indigenous Narakan forces in the face of an aggressive enemy known as the Rumi. The book likely explores themes of duty, cultural misunderstandings in military contexts, and the dynamic between the colonizers and the natives. The narrative centers on Lieutenant Terrence O'Mara, who has been tasked with training the Narakan Rifles, an army composed of the native amphibian-like Narakans. O'Mara faces immense challenges as he encounters the inadequacies of his troops, formed under the weight of historical oppression from the Rumi. As tensions escalate and the Rumi launch an assault on their territory, O'Mara and his men must come together, pushing against their own limitations, to defend both their home and the lives of several civilian orphans left behind. The story blends intense combat with personal growth, humor, and the forging of unlikely bonds, leading O'Mara to discover his deeper motivations and capacity for leadership amidst chaos and adversity.
The Ordeal of Colonel Johns
"The Ordeal of Colonel Johns" by George H. Smith is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story blends historical elements with speculative concepts, focusing on the experiences of a Revolutionary War hero who unexpectedly meets his modern descendant. The likely topic revolves around the intersection of history and family legacy, exploring themes of identity and the impact of past actions on the present. In this engaging narrative, the protagonist, Clark Decker, assists Professor MacCulloch in demonstrating an innovative invention known as the historical Reintegrator, which reconstructs historical figures from the past. During a convention of the Patriot Daughters of America, Colonel Peter Johns is brought forth, only to find himself confused and astonished by the modern world and his great-great-great-great-granddaughter, Rebecca Johns-Hayes. As the Colonel grapples with his legacy and the reality of being a historical figure, he becomes increasingly disillusioned by the values of contemporary society, ultimately deciding to return to his own time, leaving behind a poignant commentary on the evolution of ideals and heritage.
Benefactor
"Benefactor" by George H. Smith is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story explores themes of progress and societal backlash against technological advancements, particularly the role of robots in the workforce. It delves into the consequences of innovation and the fear that such changes evoke in humanity, ultimately questioning what it means to be a benefactor of mankind. The narrative follows Jacob Clark, an inventor whose revolutionary robots lead to mass unemployment, inciting a furious mob that seeks to harm him for what they perceive as his betrayal. In a desperate attempt to escape, Clark inadvertently activates a time machine, transporting him a thousand years into the future. There, he discovers that robots have thrived and taken over the Earth, while humans have become extinct. As Clark regains consciousness, he is mistaken for a damaged robot and disassembled by the very creations he once brought to life. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of technological progress and highlights the tensions between creator and creation.