Author
Manly Wade Wellman
1903-1986
Manly Wade Wellman (1903-1986) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Manly Wade Wellman
The black drama
"The Black Drama" by Gans T. Field is a work of fiction likely written in the late 1930s. This intriguing novel revolves around Gilbert Connatt, a former film star who finds himself drawn back into the theatrical world when he is offered a role by a mysterious director named Varduk. The narrative weaves a tale of ambition, artistry, and potentially dark forces at play, as Connatt grapples with his complicated past and the enigmatic people surrounding him. The opening of the story introduces Connatt at a hamburger stand as he encounters Jake Switz, a persistent friend eager to rekindle their professional connection. Jake reveals that Sigrid Holgar, an actress he once shared fame with, is preparing for a horror play directed by Varduk. Despite his reluctance to take on charity or revisit old wounds, Connatt is drawn back into the fold after Jake insists that Varduk believes in his talent. The atmosphere is tense and filled with unspoken history, setting the stage for a blend of personal drama and the eerie influences that the play and its creator may impose on Connatt and the ensemble cast. As the story unfolds, it hints at various supernatural elements tethered to the mysterious significations of the play, seemingly penned by the legendary Lord Byron.
Fearful Rock
"Fearful Rock" by Manly Wade Wellman is a fiction novel written in the late 1930s. This eerie tale unfolds during the American Civil War, centering on the strange and malevolent character of Persil Mandifer and his adoptive daughter, Enid, who discovers unsettling truths about her origins and her intended fate. The narrative promises themes of dark powers and supernatural elements interwoven with the historical backdrop of the war, raising questions about identity and sacrifice. The opening of the novel introduces us to Enid Mandifer, who is shocked to learn that Persil is not her biological father. As she grapples with this revelation, Persil explains that her marriage has been predetermined to a mysterious force known as the Nameless One, which requires the offering of a bride. Meanwhile, the story’s tense atmosphere thickens with the presence of her enormous and unsettling brother, Larue. The setting forms a blend of personal drama and supernatural dread, as Enid's life becomes entwined with ancient evil and the ominous expectations of her adoptive family. The narrative quickly shifts to Lieutenant Kane Lanark, who is patrolling during the war, and will likely intersect with Enid's fate in unexpected ways.
The hairy ones shall dance
"The Hairy Ones Shall Dance" by Gans T. Field is a novel of horror and supernatural investigation written in the late 1930s. The story centers around Talbot Wills, a skeptic and former magician, who becomes embroiled in a terrifying and mysterious adventure during a psychic investigation in a small, seemingly normal town that harbors dark secrets, particularly concerning a medium and something ominous referred to as the Devil's Croft. The opening of the novel sets the stage with a foreboding atmosphere, as Talbot Wills is drawn into a debate about the existence of psychic phenomena with Doctor Otto Zoberg, an advocate for spiritualism. Wills’ skepticism is challenged when they embark on a journey to visit a proficient medium in a secluded town. The narrative emphasizes their conflicting beliefs as they prepare for a séance that may unravel the truth behind ghostly apparitions and lead them into the heart of a terrifying secret involving a gruesome murder. As the sequence of events unfolds, dark forces converge, leading to a nightmarish confrontation that tests Wills's courage and convictions in chilling ways.
Warrior of Two Worlds
"Warrior of Two Worlds" by Manly Wade Wellman is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story begins with the protagonist, Yandro, awakening on a strange planet called Dondromogon after being drawn from his home on Earth. As he navigates his new reality, he learns he is destined to lead the inhabitants of Dondromogon in their struggle against invaders known as the Newcomers. The opening of the novel introduces Yandro's disorientation as he wakes in a dust storm, experiencing a mysterious voice asserting that he has been brought to Dondromogon for a vital purpose. He finds himself amid tension, intrigue, and an immediate conflict involving the military of Dondromogon, where he is accused of being a spy. As Yandro contends with his lost memory and struggles to assert his identity, he is caught between two forces: those who believe in his destiny and those who are skeptical of his claims. This sets the stage for a tale of adventure, leadership, and the exploration of memory and identity as he seeks to define his role in the unfolding battle.
Half Around Pluto
"Half Around Pluto" by Manly Wade Wellman is a science fiction novella published in the late 1950s. The story revolves around the inhospitable and frigid environment of Pluto and the survival challenges faced by a small team of astronauts. The tale highlights themes of isolation, human resilience, and the emotional complexities of relationships in extreme circumstances. The narrative follows Lieutenant Wofforth and his crewmates, Jenks and Corbett, who are stranded on Pluto after their scout rocket crashes. While trying to make their way back to Base Camp, Wofforth faces not only the harsh elements but also the tensions that arise among the crew due to their dire situation. As they journey across the desolate landscape, they must contend with dwindling supplies and the psychological strain of isolation. After a tragic conflict leads to the death of his companions, Wofforth continues alone, ultimately reaching Base Camp, only to find it locked and inaccessible. However, he is unexpectedly reunited with Lya Stromminger, the ship's first mate, who had chosen to stay behind. Together, they find hope in the possibility of survival on Pluto, setting the stage for a new beginning.
Venus Enslaved
"Venus Enslaved" by Manly Wade Wellman is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. The story revolves around a castaway Earthman named Planter who, along with two convicts, is thrust into a perilous adventure on the mysterious planet Venus. As they navigate the strange and dangerous environment, they encounter a society of Amazons and face off against the oppressive Frogmasters of the Veiled Planet, setting the stage for a narrative rich in conflict and exploration. The opening of "Venus Enslaved" introduces the protagonist, Planter, who is aboard a spaceship en route to Venus alongside Disbro and Max, two fellow convicts. As they hurtle towards their destination, the characters are established through their personalities and backgrounds—Planter's contemplations about his past, Disbro's commanding presence, and Max's surprising strength despite his mental challenges. Upon landing, the story quickly escalates into action when Planter encounters a dangerous tentacled creature, only to be saved by a beautiful Amazon named Mara. Through this encounter, the complexities of life on Venus unfold, hinting at both the beauty and brutality that awaits them. The stage is set for a tale of survival, unexpected alliances, and the struggle against tyranny.
Bratton's Idea
"Bratton's Idea" by Manly Wade Wellman is a short story written in the early 20th century, likely during the mid-1900s, that intertwines elements of science fiction with dark comedy. The narrative centers around an aging janitor named Old Bratton, who is obsessed with creating life through electricity. His ambitions and experiments take an unexpected turn when he acquires a ventriloquist's dummy, Tom-Tom, and infuses it with life through his mechanical inventions, leading to a series of chaotic and dangerous events in the world of show business and organized crime. In the story, Old Bratton's endeavors to animate Tom-Tom result in unintended consequences when the dummy gains a twisted form of sentience. As Tom-Tom embarks on a crime spree after Bratton's death, he wields his unwitting abilities to command a gang and orchestrate kidnappings, including that of the beautiful Shannon Cole. The tale unfolds with Ben Gascon, a ventriloquist, trying to uncover the connection between his former partner, Bratton, and Tom-Tom's sudden malevolence. As a cat-and-mouse game ensues between Gascon and the doll, the story explores themes of creation, ambition, and the darker sides of sentience, culminating in a climactic confrontation where the true nature of life and morality is sharply questioned.
The invading asteroid
"The Invading Asteroid" by Manly Wade Wellman is a science fiction novel written in the early 1930s. Set in the year 2675, during an interplanetary conflict between Earth and Mars, the story revolves around the discovery of an asteroid that serves as a hideout for Martian forces preparing to invade Earth. The narrative follows three young Terrestrial soldiers as they inadvertently get involved in unraveling the Martian plans, which could lead to devastation for their home planet. The plot unfolds when the protagonists, Bull Mike Tishinev, Neil Andresson, and Sukune, take a joyride in a military craft, only to encounter a Martian scout who reveals the existence of an artificial asteroid housing an imminent Martian invasion force. After a series of escapades, including capturing and interrogating the Martian, the characters find themselves in a position to thwart a massive Martian attack. The climax of the story leads to a battle where the protagonists fight against overwhelming odds, showcasing their courage and ingenuity. Ultimately, Neil and a Martian named Yaxa form an unexpected alliance amid the chaos of war, leading to a conclusion that focuses on the futility of conflict and the hope of peace between worlds.
The Golgotha Dancers
"The Golgotha Dancers" by Manly Wade Wellman is a horror short story published in the late 1930s. The narrative revolves around the themes of art, sacrifice, and the supernatural, detailing a bizarre encounter with a sinister painting that comes to life. The protagonist's experience delves into the implications of a pact with darkness, exploring both the allure and the terror of artistic obsession. In the story, the main character discovers a disturbing painting in an art museum, which depicts demonic dancers surrounding a crucified figure. Intrigued yet unsettled, he acquires the painting for his apartment, only to find that the dancers become real and menacing during the night. As he battles against these grotesque figures, a nurse named Miss Dolby comes to his aid. Together, they realize that the artist's intent of creating a "living picture" has manifested in a horrifying way. In a dramatic confrontation, they manage to defeat the undead dancers by destroying the painting, leading to the dissolution of the supernatural threat. This profound experience ultimately deepens their bond, hinting at newfound love against a backdrop of fear and darkness.
The Devil's Asteroid
"The Devil's Asteroid" by Manly Wade Wellman is a science fiction novella written in the early 20th century. The book explores the themes of evolution and devolution through the lens of human exile on a peculiar asteroid. The narrative follows Fitzhugh Parr, a man exiled to the asteroid by Martians, where he confronts not only the harsh realities of survival but also the horrific consequences of reverse evolution that strips humans of their humanity. As the story unfolds, Parr discovers that the asteroid’s environment causes Terrestrial exiles to regress into bestial forms over time. In his struggle to assert leadership among the exiled men, he faces opposition from former leaders and contemplates escape back to Earth. Along the way, Parr befriends a band of degenerate yet loyal beast-men, contending with the societal challenges and moral dilemmas inherent in their degeneration. When a chance for escape arises, he grapples with the implications of returning to a world unprepared for the dimmed humanity of his companions. Ultimately, with the arrival of rescuing forces and revelations about the nature of their predicament, Parr confronts the hidden complexities of both loyalty and survival within this alien environment.