Author
John Foster West
1918-2008
John Foster West (1918-2008) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by John Foster West
Duel in Black
"Duel in Black" by John Foster West is a science fiction short story published in the early mid-20th century, specifically appearing in Planet Stories in the winter of 1947. Set on the moon, the narrative unfolds a tense confrontation around a valuable uranium claim, trapping the main character in a life-or-death duel against a notorious claim jumper. The story captures themes of survival, danger, and the harsh realities of life on Luna. The plot follows young prospector Ron Crag as he stakes his claim on a rich uranium lode but soon finds himself facing the ruthless claim jumper Joe Braun. The action escalates as both men engage in a cat-and-mouse game under the shadows on the moon, where Ron must rely on strategy and courage to survive Joe’s deadly attacks. With Braun taunting from the shadows, Ron calculates his moves carefully, taking risks to reach his catatread while dodging lethal gunfire. The story climaxes as Ron takes a calculated shot amid the chaos, ultimately leading to a dramatic confrontation. In a twist of fate, Ron's gamble pays off, resulting in Braun's demise and leaving Ron to claim his prize, illuminated by both danger and determination.
Cogito, Ergo Sum
"Cognito, Ergo Sum" by John Foster West is a science fiction narrative written in the early 1950s. This thought-provoking story explores themes of existence, consciousness, and the nature of reality through the journey of a rational entity named Marl, who grapples with the concepts of identity, loneliness, and the search for connection in an abyss of nothingness. The book delves into philosophical inquiries about the spirit and flesh, aiming to understand the relationship between thought and existence. In the story, Marl awakens in a void, embracing the realization of his own existence through the famous philosophical assertion "I think, therefore I am." As Marl explores the meaning of his being, he experiences profound loneliness and the desire for companionship, leading him to discover another entity, named Pat. Despite their differences, their connection alleviates their existential fears and introduces emotions like love and contentment. The narrative takes a turn as they encounter a barrier in space that disconnects them from their physical forms, causing Marl to confront the essence of existence without Pat. Ultimately, the tale intertwines the emotional and rational aspects of identity, posing questions about connection and the depth of consciousness.