Author
F. L. (Floyd L.) Wallace
1915-2004
F. L. (Floyd L.) Wallace (1915-2004) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by F. L. (Floyd L.) Wallace
The assistant self
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The Music Master
"The Music Master" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The story revolves around a young boy named Danny Tocar who lives in a future where robots have replaced humans in most musical endeavors, but Danny yearns to create music himself. The narrative explores themes of creativity, individuality, and the struggle against societal norms that dictate what humans can or cannot do. The plot follows Danny as he discovers a rare, real piano amidst a world filled with robotic musicians, which inspires him to pursue his passion for playing and composing music. Despite facing opposition from a society that believes music should be left to robots, Danny's determination drives him to secretly cultivate his talent. As he navigates various challenges, including evading the psych squad—whose role is to suppress individualistic pursuits—Danny ultimately performs a groundbreaking concert using a unique modification to the piano, showcasing not only his talent but also paving the way for a renaissance of human creativity. The climax of the story reveals Danny’s triumph as he earns the respect of both the audience and the robotic caretaker, signaling a potential shift in societal attitudes toward music and the creative expressions of humanity.
End as a World
"End as a World" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction narrative likely written in the mid-20th century, specifically during the 1950s. The story explores profound themes about the end of the world, weaving in elements of suspense and intrigue through the eyes of its youthful characters as they wrestle with their perceptions of an impending apocalypse. The book delves into societal reactions, the uncertainty of fate, and the way people come together in moments of existential crisis. The plot follows a group of boys, particularly focusing on Paul Eberhard and his friends, as they navigate the day when they believe the world will end. Despite mundane activities and typical childhood concerns, an overwhelming sense of dread and anticipation permeates their actions. As news spreads about the final moments before the world's supposed annihilation, the narrative captures their thoughts, conversations, and the collective anxiety of society. Ultimately, the end they expected culminates not in destruction but in the wondrous emergence of something new, reflecting both a physical and symbolic rebirth of the universe as the boys—and humanity—experience a transformative moment in a quiet yet powerful way.
The Man Who Was Six
"The Man Who Was Six" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel probably written in the early to mid-20th century. The book explores the life of Dan Merrol, a man who survives a catastrophic accident but endures extensive surgeries that leave him physically and mentally altered, showcasing themes of identity and self-discovery. Through the story, Merrol grapples with merging memories and personalities from various individuals whose body parts and brain segments have been used to piece him back together, resulting in complications when he attempts to reconnect with his wife, Erica. In the book, Dan Merrol awakens in a hospital after a devastating accident to find himself physically transformed and mentally confused, questioning his own identity as both a pilot and a patched-together individual. His struggle to convince his wife, Erica, of his true identity is marred by his mismatched physical features and varying personalities, leading to comedic and poignant moments as he attempts to reclaim a semblance of his former life. As he navigates this bizarre new existence filled with remnants of other lives, he ultimately faces the choice of embracing his new reality or escaping from the hospital that has transformed him. The novel delicately balances humor and exploration of the human condition, posing questions about what it means to be oneself in the face of abject change.
Address: Centauri
"Address: Centauri" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a group of accidentals—humans who have been severely injured and rendered partially non-functional—who live on an asteroid known as Handicap Haven. As they battle their confinement and seek a way to escape to the stars, the characters face not only external societal rejection but also confront their own physical limitations and desires for belonging and agency. The opening of the novel introduces the main character, Doctor Cameron, as he navigates a difficult conversation with Docchi, a biocompensator, about the Solar Committee's refusal to let the accidentals leave their undesirable situation on the asteroid. Docchi expresses frustration over this decision, feeling a strong sense of spirit among his fellow accidentals, who are eager to prove their worth beyond their disabilities. Meanwhile, the reader is introduced to various characters, including Nona, Anti, and Jordan, who form a local recreation committee, indicating a growing discontent among their ranks. As the narrative unfolds, hints of rebellion and the characters’ resourcefulness begin to take shape, setting the stage for their quest to reach the nearest star systems against overwhelming odds.
The deadly ones
"The Deadly Ones" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel likely written in the early to mid-1950s. This story delves into themes of alien encounters, survival, and the interplay between advanced technology and primal instincts. It invites readers into a world where humans are not the only sentient beings and explores what happens when an ambitious character seeks to outsmart extraterrestrial visitors. The narrative follows the protagonist, who is part of a non-human race existing alongside humanity. When he devises a plan to attract and investigate UFOs using an illusion of a spaceship, he unwittingly embarks on an extraordinary adventure after the plan sets in motion a chain of events that leads to his capture aboard an alien craft. As he observes the operations of the robot aliens, he becomes acutely aware of his precarious situation when he realizes the daunting and merciless nature of the beings in this new world. The book combines thrilling escapades with introspective moments, culminating in an exploration of fear, the instinct for survival, and the realization of one's limitations.
Big Ancestor
"Big Ancestor" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel published in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of evolution, interstellar travel, and the origins of humanity as it follows an expedition team searching for their ancestral roots within the Milky Way. The characters include both humans of different evolutionary stages and an alien pilot known as Taphetta, offering a unique perspective on human interbreeding and the biological spectrum of the species. The storyline revolves around a group of researchers and scientists led by Sam Halden, who embarks on a journey through space to uncover the truth about human origin and their connection to an ancient, long-forgotten civilization. As the crew encounters various species, they grapple with their racial identities and the implications of their shared lineage. They eventually discover a deserted planet of a once-advanced civilization that had previously fled due to an uncontrollable plague, which ironically, had mutated from vermin they unwittingly allowed aboard their ships. This twist not only challenges the characters' perceptions of superiority and progress but leaves them facing a disconcerting truth about their own history.
Simple psiman
"Simple psiman" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century, specifically published in the 1950s. The story follows Egan Rains, a telepathic individual who is both a psiman and an astronomer, as he navigates a dangerous journey through a futuristic India filled with mentalists, telepaths, and a looming threat from space. The novella explores themes of telepathy, the intersection of science and spirituality, and the impact of advanced technology on human society. The plot centers around Rains' quest to prevent a catastrophic collision between Earth and an errant comet. He embarks on a mission to locate a powerful teleport who can assist in manipulating the comet's course. Along the way, he encounters various challenges, including dealing with his own telepathic abilities, evading the scrutiny of local mentalists, and navigating the complexities of Indian culture and spirituality. Rains teams up with Gowru Chandit, a dyeman with unique skills, and together they confront both human and cosmic threats. As the story unfolds, Rains’ scientific rationale clashes with the mystical elements surrounding him, culminating in a thrilling blend of action and philosophical inquiry about the nature of power, belief, and humanity's place in the universe.
The Impossible Voyage Home
"The Impossible Voyage Home" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. It explores themes of space travel, aging, and the human condition, all set against the backdrop of a future where the challenges of interplanetary travel are influenced by the effects of radiation and biological limitations. The story centers on the concepts of heredity and human resilience amidst the harsh realities of space. The narrative follows the elderly couple, Ethan and Amantha, as they long to see their youngest grandchild on Earth. With a limited time frame due to the constraints of aging and space travel, they hatch a plan to steal a spaceship to make the journey home. As they unexpectedly succeed in piloting the craft through their combined experiences and sheer determination, their adventure illuminates the depth of their bond and the wisdom accumulated over a lifetime. Along the way, they confront both the physical challenges posed by space and societal perceptions of the elderly, ultimately rediscovering their agency and capabilities, much to the surprise of those who doubted them. The book culminates in a realization of the potential within those often overlooked due to age, and presents a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to truly live and connect with one’s family.
Student Body
"Student Body" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction short story published in 1953. When colonists land on the seemingly ideal planet Glade, they begin preparing to establish humanity's newest settlement. But biologist Dano Marin soon discovers something disturbing about the native lifeforms. The creatures possess an extraordinary ability to adapt and mutate at incredible speed, transforming in response to every threat the colonists introduce. As each countermeasure fails, Marin realizes the mutations are following a terrifying pattern toward an inevitable conclusion.
Tangle Hold
"Tangle Hold" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story follows Thadeus Jadiver, a consulting engineer who finds himself in a precarious situation after an accident that leaves him in a hospital with synthetic skin and a terrifying realization that he may have been the target of a murder attempt. As he navigates the complexities of his recovery and grapples with a mysterious circuit embedded in his body, the plot unfolds into a tense narrative of survival, deception, and intrigue on the planet Venus. The opening of the story thrusts readers into a disorienting scene where Jadiver awakens in a hospital, struggling to recall the events that led to his critical condition. Through conversations with a police doctor and reflections on his past, we learn that he has undergone a procedure that replaced his skin with a synthetic material. As Jadiver's memories gradually return, he suspects foul play involving a tampered autobath—a robotic cleaning device. The narrative captures his growing paranoia and desire to uncover the truth behind the accident while keeping ahead of the authorities who may see him as a valuable pawn in their own investigations. The tone is infused with mystery and tension, promising a thrilling journey as Jadiver seeks to escape the danger surrounding him.
Delay in Transit
"Delay in Transit" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds across the backdrop of an interstellar setting, focusing on the tension and dangers encountered by travelers in the galaxy, particularly on a strange planet called Godolph. The story's central themes involve survival, identity, and the complexities of intergalactic travel, marked by unforeseen troubles that leave characters stranded and fighting for their safety. The plot centers around Denton Cassal, a sales engineer who finds himself in a precarious situation on Godolph after a delay in his interstellar travel plans. Initially, he is being stalked by a would-be assassin with a mysterious motive tied to his prolonged stay on the planet. As the story unfolds, Cassal discovers that the assassin wants his identification tab—a key piece of documentation that allows for safe passage through space. After a harrowing encounter, he realizes that the identity of the assassin connects to the shadowy workings of the Travelers Aid Bureau, an organization that appears to support stranded travelers but may have ulterior motives. The narrative escalates when Cassal is forced to confront not only those who would harm him but also the machinations behind galactic travel, ultimately leading him to take a significant turn in his quest for survival and identity.
Growing Season
"Growing Season" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The book explores themes of survival, identity, and the relationship between man and manipulated nature through the story of a plant scientist aboard a ship dedicated to tagging uncharted planets. The narrative delves into Alsint's journey as he attempts to prove the viability of his innovative plant concept while contending with unknown threats from his shipmates and the complexities of living in a closed, mechanical environment. The story follows Richel Alsint, a plant mechanic who has developed a unique hybrid plant designed to thrive in space. As he works on his plant aboard the tagging ship, he begins to suspect a conspiracy against him, where crew members might want to sabotage his efforts or eliminate him entirely due to the disruption his meticulous care of the plant causes. After a series of near-death experiences, including an attempt to abandon him on an uninhabited planet by his crew, Alsint discovers a talking red bird that embodies the memories of previous marooned plant mechanics. The narrative culminates in Alsint's realization of his distinct place in a civilization that prefers mechanical efficiency over the natural world, ultimately leading him to a new life among a different people who understand and value his quest for harmony between the plant and its environment.
Accidental Flight
"Accidental Flight" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. It explores the lives of a group of "accidentals," individuals who are physically imperfect and have been sidelined by a society of supposedly perfect beings. The story primarily focuses on their desire for freedom and the struggle they face against systemic discrimination that keeps them confined to an asteroid known as Handicap Haven. The opening of the novel presents a tense meeting between Dr. Cameron and one of the accidentals, Docchi, who are discussing a recent refusal by the Medicouncil regarding a request from the accidentals to form a crew for a spaceship. The accidentals, who include characters with severe physical disabilities, feel frustrated by their confinement and are determined to escape. As Cameron learns about the unrest among the accidentals, the narrative gives insight into their struggles and aspirations, setting the stage for their quest for liberation and self-acceptance amidst societal rejection. The chapter vividly delineates the conflict between the accidentals’ desire for agency and the elitist views of the Medicouncil, highlighting themes of identity, capability, and defiance.
Forget Me Nearly
"Forget Me Nearly" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. It explores themes of identity, memory, and the consequences of advanced technology in a future society where individuals can have their memories altered or erased entirely through the use of a retrogression gun. The story delves into the moral implications of such technology and the human desire for self-discovery and connection. The narrative follows a man who, after being retrogressed, finds himself devoid of his past and struggling to regain his identity. He adopts the name Luis Obispo as he navigates the complexities of his new life and unwittingly encounters a woman, Luise Obispo, who shares an unsettling connection with him. As he unravels the mystery of his retrogression, he learns about a sinister figure, Dorn Starret, who was involved in his and Luise's past. Through his quest for the truth, he faces challenges from those who wish to keep the past hidden and grapples with ethical dilemmas surrounding memory manipulation. The story culminates in revelations that lead Luis to confront the duality of his existence and the choices he must make to forge a new path.
Mezzerow Loves Company
"Mezzerow Loves Company" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel published in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. The narrative explores themes of identity, societal norms, and the complexities of communication, as it follows the protagonist Marcus Mezzerow on a mission to address a bureaucratic error regarding the name of his home planet, which is incorrectly labeled "Messy Row" on Earth. The story delves into the interpersonal dynamics between humans and the role of technology in society. The plot centers on Marcus and his son, Wilbur, who travel to Earth seeking to amend the name of their home planet. They quickly experience the absurdity and complexity of Earth's bureaucracy while encountering a world vastly changed from what Marcus's father had described. They meet various characters, including women who are vastly outnumbered by men, and face humorous and frustrating situations involving robots and officials. Ultimately, Marcus writes an emotional request to change the planet's name to Mezzerow, embodying the struggles and desires of the inhabitants. However, his request leads to an ironic twist, resulting in the planet being renamed "Misery Row," reflecting the challenges of connection and understanding across different worlds.
Second Landing
"Second Landing" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction novel published in the early 1960s. The story unfolds as two alien beings, Ethaniel and Bal, journey through space to Earth, where they are confronted with humanity’s perilous situation, marked by impending nuclear warfare. The aliens grapple with their conscience regarding whether to intervene and help the fragile planet, weighing the futility of humanity's self-destructive tendencies against their own moral responsibilities. The narrative follows Ethaniel and Bal as they observe life on Earth from their spacecraft, gathering information about human behavior and technological advancements. They eventually decide to interact with humans, landing separately on the planet during a winter holiday season. Employing their advanced technology, they illuminate their ship to capture the attention of Earth’s inhabitants, who see the aliens as angels. Despite initial skepticism and the challenges posed by Earth’s hostile environment, both aliens manage to foster a tenuous peace among humans, believing that their intervention will stave off total destruction. The story reflects on themes of empathy, intervention, and the shared vulnerabilities of both extraterrestrial and human cultures.
Bolden's Pets
"Bolden's Pets" by F. L. Wallace is a science fiction story written in the mid-20th century. Set on the planet Van Daamas, the narrative explores themes of survival and interspecies relationships as the protagonist, Lee Bolden, encounters a native tribe and their peculiar customs regarding a mysterious creature. The story delves into the complex dynamics between human settlers and the indigenous beings of the planet, as well as the consequences of trade and medical advancements. The plot unfolds with Lee Bolden negotiating for the natives’ labor while grappling with an unknown illness he contracts during his travels. The exchange leads him to receive one of the tribe’s enigmatic animals as a gift. Throughout a stormy ordeal, Bolden discovers the creature’s unique properties are vital for combating the Bubble Death, a lethal disease plaguing him. As the story progresses, the connection between Bolden and the creature intensifies, culminating in a poignant realization about sacrifice and the value of life. Ultimately, the tale reflects on the interplay between necessity and companionship, revealing the profound impacts of inter-species interactions in the context of a new world.