Author
Margaret St. Clair
1911-1995
Margaret St. Clair (1911-1995) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Margaret St. Clair
The Autumn After Next
"The Autumn After Next" by Margaret St. Clair is a science fiction novella written in the early 1960s. The story explores themes of magic and cultural dissonance through the experiences of Neeshan, a wizard missionary trying to teach a lazy and indifferent tribe called the Free'l about the proper use of magic. The novella highlights the challenges of bridging different worldviews, especially when one party lacks the motivation to engage with the teachings being offered. The plot centers around Neeshan's frustrating attempts to instruct the Free'l in performing spells accurately. Despite his efforts to demonstrate the efficacy and power of magic, the Free'l remain mostly apathetic to the practices he teaches, preferring simple pleasures over the diligence required for true magical mastery. When Neeshan's attempts to implement a more aggressive teaching strategy backfire, he discovers that the very spells he influenced them to cast to rid themselves of him inadvertently result in his transformation into a stone statue. Ultimately, the story reflects on human (and non-human) behavior, the consequences of manipulation, and the persistence of community faith in magic, even in the face of failure.
Flowering Evil
"Flowering Evil" by Margaret St. Clair is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around Aunt Amy Dinsmore and her peculiar relationship with a carnivorous plant called the Venusian Rambler, which her nephew Robert has sent her from a distant planet. The story explores themes of domesticity, obsession, and the potential dangers lurking in nature, particularly when it comes to what is perceived as beautiful or exotic. The plot unfolds as Aunt Amy becomes increasingly captivated by the Venusian Rambler despite warnings from Captain Bjornson about the plant's potential dangers. As she tries to care for it, she begins experiencing unsettling dreams that hint at a dark connection to the plant. The tension escalates when Aunt Amy loses control over herself and her mind becomes intertwined with the plant's will, leading to a horrifying confrontation. In a moment of clarity, she fights back, ultimately leading to a bizarre and unsettling resolution. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the allure of the exotic and the thin line between nurturing and danger, culminating in a darkly ironic twist that challenges the reader's perceptions of morality and domestic life.
Return Engagement
"Return Engagement" by Margaret St. Clair is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around a human named Joseph McBream, who recounts a peculiar incident involving an Earthman, Denis Farquarson, a distinguished culinary figure on an intergalactic voyage. The story explores themes of cultural misunderstanding, the consequences of carelessness, and the quirks of interspecies interactions. The tale begins with Farquarson's poorly timed curiosity about an alien delicacy, which leads him to inadvertently put himself in peril among the Talipygians, a non-humanoid species native to the satellite Iapetus. After unwittingly cooking foods sacred to the Talipygians, Farquarson’s life hangs in the balance, prompting McBream to embark on a rescue mission. The adventure unfolds with humorous and dramatic elements, culminating in a whimsical resolution where Farquarson must fulfill an annual commitment to entertain the Talipygians, much to McBream's annoyance at being overlooked despite his crucial role in saving his life. Overall, the story combines comedy and a thoughtful exploration of human and alien relationships in an imaginative universe.
The Dancers
"The Dancers" by Wilton Hazzard is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story explores themes of humanity, knowledge, and the consequences of actions in a new world following the demise of Earth. It follows a group of astronauts who land on a new planet and grapple with the ethical implications of their first contact with a primitive humanoid species, ultimately leading them to ponder deeper existential questions about the nature of knowledge and the human connection to the cosmos. The plot centers around Rossiter and Bernard, two crew members of the spaceship "Elpis", who reflect on the violent encounter they had with the planet's native inhabitants. Their initial shock and guilt over killing five primitives - a woman, a baby, and three men - lead to discussions about loss, memory, and the potential for unintended consequences of their actions. As they delve into their conscience, Rossiter proposes a thought-provoking idea: that throughout history, humanity's collective rituals and dances may have played a crucial role in the natural order of the universe, including the rising of the sun. This notion brings a sense of irony and heaviness as they realize that in their quest for knowledge and civilization, they may have severed a vital connection that influenced the cosmos, prompting readers to reflect on the nature of belief, culture, and humanity's legacy.
The Vanderlark
"The Vanderlark" by Margaret St. Clair is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story delves into the eerie and isolating nature of deep space, exploring the psychological and physical horrors faced by its characters as they encounter a mysterious entity known as the Vanderlark. Through its narrative, the book probes themes of desperation, fear of the unknown, and the consequences of human actions in unfamiliar realms. The plot follows two characters, McFeen and Alice, who are on a perilous space journey while transporting Hyra, a biological organism intended to combat a blight on the planet Varro. Their mission takes a dark turn when the Hyra begin to breed uncontrollably in the unforgiving expanse of deep space, leading to the discovery of a shadowy presence—the Vanderlark. As they grapple with their deteriorating situation, the characters face not only the haunting reality of their spacecraft's condition but also the surreal and threatening nature of the Vanderlark itself. The story builds tension as McFeen's desperation to control the situation culminates in a terrifying confrontation, ultimately leading to the complete engulfment of both characters by the omnipresent, enigmatic Vanderlark.
Garden of Evil
"Garden of Evil" by Margaret St. Clair is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. Set on the alien planet Fyhon, the narrative explores themes of addiction, survival, and the clash between civilization and primitive cultures. The book revolves around an ethnographer's journey into the uncharted territories of Fyhon, leading him to unexpected discoveries and dire consequences. The story follows Ericson, who, recovering from a debilitating addiction to the drug "byhror", finds himself in the care of a native green-skinned woman named Mnathl. As she guides him deeper into the wilds of Fyhon, he becomes enamored with the beauty and mystery of the land, eventually yearning to explore its heart, the fabled city of Dridihad. However, as their journey unfolds, Ericson realizes that he is entangled in a dangerous ritual of the Deidrithes, the inhabitants of Dridihad, who have ulterior motives for his presence. The climax reveals a shocking twist where Ericson's previous assumptions collide with the dark reality of the culture he admires, leading to a horrifying conclusion. Ultimately, "Garden of Evil" delves into the complexities of human desires and the chilling realities that can lurk beneath the surface of exploration and discovery.