Author
William Tenn
1920-2010
William Tenn (1920-2010) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by William Tenn
Of All Possible Worlds
"Of All Possible Worlds" by William Tenn is a science fiction novella that appears to have been written in the mid-20th century, specifically during the 1950s. The story revolves around themes of time travel, human survival, and the consequences of altering historical events, centering on a character's mission to prevent a catastrophic epidemic that arises from a failed missile experiment in 1976. In the narrative, Max Alben, a time traveler, is tasked with going back in time to a critical moment when a guided missile is launched, with the goal of deflecting it to avert a disastrous event known as the Blight. Throughout his journey, he grapples with the implications of his actions, discovering a competing alternative future where a different sequence of events has unfolded. The exploration of human desperation in a dystopian world and the ethical dilemma of intervening in the past weave together a complex tale where personal motivations conflict with the greater good. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into the moral ambiguity of Alben's choices, questioning the nature of fate and humanity's responsibility to itself.
Venus is a Man's World
"Venus Is a Man's World" by William Tenn is a science fiction short story originally published in the early 1950s. Set in a futuristic world where societal roles have dramatically shifted, the narrative unfolds the travails of Ferdinand Sparling, a young boy traveling to Venus on a spaceship largely filled with women seeking husbands. The story explores themes of gender dynamics within a setting that portrays an inversion of traditional gender roles, posing questions about identity, power, and societal expectations. The plot follows Ferdinand as he grapples with his identity aboard a ship primarily catering to women in their quest for mates on Venus, facing challenges and adventures along the way. He finds himself intertwining with Butt Lee Brown, a rugged Venusian man with a colorful history, who inadvertently ignites Ferdinand's burgeoning understanding of masculinity and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. When Ferdinand's sister, Evelyn, encounters Butt, tensions rise as she struggles with her own expectations and the traditional norms that she has been taught. Ultimately, they navigate a blend of conflict, societal rules, and personal choices leading to unexpected developments that redefine their relationships and roles in this new world. The story combines humor and satire to convey a thought-provoking commentary on gender relations and societal structures.
Me, Myself and I
"Me, Myself and I" by Kenneth Putnam is a science fiction short story published in the early 20th century, specifically in the winter of 1947. The narrative follows the humorous and chaotic adventures of Galahad (Gooseneck) McCarthy, a vagabond who becomes involved in an experimental time-traveling journey that ultimately leads to a series of unforeseen complications. The central theme revolves around the potential consequences of time travel and the butterfly effect, where a simple action in the past can drastically alter the present. The story begins with Professor Ruddle enlisting McCarthy, a stubborn tramp, to operate a time machine. McCarthy reluctantly agrees in exchange for a monetary incentive and jumps back 110 million years to the Cretaceous Period. After moving a rock—a task he was warned could have significant implications—he returns to find adverse changes to the present, including the professor's altered identity and a hastened marriage. The need to rectify these unintended consequences leads to multiple trips through time, wherein McCarthy encounters doppelgängers of himself—each with their own agenda regarding the rock's displacement. The narrative comically examines identity, choice, and the paradoxes inherent in manipulating time, concluding with the characters ultimately becoming stranded in their own absurd cycle.
Ricardo's Virus
"Ricardo's Virus" by William Tenn is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The book takes place on the planet Venus, exploring the challenges faced by human colonists amidst the harsh and dangerous alien environment. The central theme revolves around a deadly virus named after the first man who attempted to settle on Venus, highlighting the struggle for survival and the quest for a vaccine that could save countless lives. The story follows Graff Dingle, a colonist on Venus, as he grapples with a knife wound that exposes him to Ricardo's Virus, giving him only hours to live. In his quest to rescue the kidnapped Greta Bergenson and her father, Graff teams up with a pterodactyl named MacDuff, who has his own reasons for pursuing the villains responsible for the abduction. The narrative unfolds through Graff's perilous journey into the dangerous swamps of Venus, filled with hostile flora and fauna, as he confronts outlaws like Max Pubina who seek to profit from the chaos. With time running out due to the virus and numerous obstacles in his path, Graff's determination and innate connection to the planet offer a gripping exploration of courage, adaptation, and the survival of both humans and native creatures alike.
The Men in the Walls
"The Men in the Walls" by William Tenn is a science fiction novel published in 1968. In a conquered Earth, humans live like vermin inside the walls of alien homes, stealing food and supplies from their technologically superior overlords. Young Eric must complete a dangerous rite of passage by venturing into monster territory. His journey forces him to question whether ancient human knowledge or alien science holds the key to humanity's survival and freedom.
Project Hush
"Project Hush" by William Tenn is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a highly secretive military operation aimed at establishing a permanent armed base on the Moon before any potential adversary can do so. The underlying theme explores the intricacies of secrecy, military operations, and the impact of competition in space exploration during the height of the Cold War. The narrative follows Colonel Benjamin Rice and his team as they embark on their mission to set up a base on the lunar surface. Upon landing, they unexpectedly discover evidence of another dome, leading to a tense situation where they must assess whether it belongs to hostile alien creatures or enemy forces from Earth. As Major Monroe Gridley scouts the area, an unexpected twist reveals that the other dome is a U.S. Navy base. This revelation highlights the absurdity of their situation and the intense secrecy surrounding Project Hush, a facet that shapes the overarching tension of the story. The plot balances suspense and humor, ultimately reflecting on the nature of competition and collaboration in a world where confidentiality reigns supreme.