Author
Richard Wilson
1920-1987
Richard Wilson (1920-1987) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Richard Wilson
The Russian story book : $b containing tales from the song-cycles of Kiev and Novgorod and other early sources
"The Russian Story Book" retold by Richard Wilson is a collection of tales extracted from the rich tapestry of Russian folklore and the historic song-cycles of Kiev and Novgorod, likely written in the early 20th century. The book aims to illuminate the ideals and perspectives of early Russian culture through its legends, often featuring larger-than-life heroes such as Ilya of Murom. The stories blend themes of valor, adventure, and the heroic spirit while attempting to appeal to a youthful audience. At the start of the book, readers are introduced to Ilya of Murom, a young man who, after thirty years of disability, is visited by holy men who restore his strength. With newfound abilities, he decides to embark on a journey to the royal city of Kiev, revealing his courageous nature as he seeks adventure. Ilya meets Svyatogor, another formidable hero, and their introduction is filled with wonder and camaraderie. The opening sets the tone for a series of adventurous tales, focusing on the heroism and mythical elements inherent in Russian folklore.
30-day wonder
"30-Day Wonder" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around Sam Kent, a witty reporter who becomes embroiled in the extraterrestrial advent of the Monolithians, a seemingly peaceful alien race arriving on Earth to establish interplanetary relations. As news of their presence unfolds, the narrative explores themes of diplomacy, societal reactions to the unfamiliar, and the absurdity of bureaucracy. The opening of the story introduces Sam Kent amid an ordinary day at his newsroom, where a lack of news leads him to expect an uneventful shift. That changes dramatically when reports of an alien ship landing at the Burning Tree Country Club surface. As Sam and his colleagues begin to unravel the implications of this news, the narrative takes a satirical turn, highlighting the juxtaposition of mundane newsroom life with the extraordinary arrival of extraterrestrial visitors. The aliens, who claim to come in peace, announce their desire to sign a treaty, prompting questions about their true intentions and the reactions of Earth's governments. The stage is set for a humorous yet thought-provoking exploration of how humanity interfaces with the unknown.
The Big Fix!
"The Big Fix!" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. This book delves into the complex relationship between addiction and the search for an alternate reality, centered around a drug called uru, which serves as both a substance and a key to another world. Through its narrative, the novel addresses themes of escapism, telepathy, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of a society grappling with the consequences of drug use. The story follows Barry, a former junkie navigating his life in a grimy city, searching for something more fulfilling than his existing addiction. He encounters Jones, a mysterious pusher who introduces him to uru, a hallucinogenic dream that transports him to the idyllic planet Uru. As he becomes entrenched in this new world and life as Boru, the Fighting Man, he finds both beauty and violence intertwined in the exhilarating experiences. However, the deeper he immerses himself, the more he realizes the darker implications of this paradise and the distinction between a high-stakes sport and moral integrity. Ultimately, he is faced with a critical choice: remain in Uru or return to Earth, leading to an exploration of identity, purpose, and the illusory nature of such "escapes".
And Then the Town Took Off
"And Then the Town Took Off" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story centers around the town of Superior, Ohio, which unexpectedly rises into the sky, leaving behind chaos and confusion for its residents. The protagonist, Don Cort, finds himself trapped in this airborne town and must navigate a bizarre situation filled with eccentric townspeople, including a crackpot professor who may hold the key to their predicament. The opening of the novel introduces the shocking and surreal event of Superior lifting off the ground, setting a mysterious and humorous tone. The narrative starts with the shock from a truck driver, who discovers the town missing, leading to a chain of events that includes the involvement of the military and local authorities. As the townspeople adapt to their new reality, Cort must confront the challenges of being stranded while unraveling the scientific absurdities behind their levitation, all while developing interrelationships with various intriguing characters, including the mayor and the professor.
Course of Empire
"Course of Empire" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores themes of colonization, cultural misunderstanding, and the unintended consequences of human actions as they extend their reach into the cosmos. Through a blend of humor and critique, the story reflects on the inefficiencies and mistakes inherent in the process of establishing human colonies on other planets. The story unfolds with two men, Roger Boynton and Allister, discussing past efforts to colonize Mars, Venus, and Jupiter under a World Government framework. Boynton shares anecdotes about the decisions made during these colonization efforts, revealing how they were often based on whimsical choices rather than sound strategies. As they reminisce, they realize that their initial plans were thwarted by cultural and environmental misunderstandings, such as the wild Martian camels liberating domesticated ones and rain not falling in the expected manner on Venus. The story takes a sharp turn when 'Medeans, the inhabitants of Ganymede, successfully colonize Earth, highlighting the irony of human colonization efforts being outdone by a more capable alien species. The men’s conversation serves as a critique of human hubris and the unpredictable nature of interplanetary relations.
Dateline: Mars
"Dateline: Mars" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction novel likely written in the early to mid-20th century. The story revolves around the political complexities and social dynamics on Mars, particularly focusing on the perspectives of its inhabitants following a period of colonization and exploitation by Earth. It explores themes of political intrigue, betrayal, and the quest for true democracy on a planet marked by historical distrust against its Earth counterparts. The narrative follows Scott Warren, a journalist for Galactic News, as he grapples with the disparity between the official story of harmonious relations between Earth people and Martians, and the uncomfortable truth about the Martian political landscape. During a celebration known as Landing Day, Scott learns of a plot involving Rastol, a former official of the previous Martian regime, who has been offered a high-ranking government position. Rastol's own son, Acton, believed dead, confronts him at a secret meeting, revealing that he survived and gives a chilling account of the atrocities committed under the Rockhead regime. Scott is left torn, knowing he has a monumental story that remains unwritten, as the political situation on Mars teeters between a facade of peace and the underlying tensions of its troubled past.
Traveling Companion Wanted
"Traveling Companion Wanted" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction novella that was likely written during the late 1950s, a period notable for its increased interest in space exploration and imaginative storytelling. The book explores the extraordinary and unconventional journey of a spaceman, Regan, who unexpectedly discovers an underground world while attempting to salvage his damaged spacesuit. The narrative combines elements of adventure and surrealism, delving into themes of curiosity, isolation, and the complexity of communication. The story begins with Regan's mishap during a space mission, where he loses control and falls into the ocean, only to find himself in a mysterious undersea river that leads to a vibrant, subterranean civilization. As he navigates this hidden world, Regan encounters curious inhabitants and learns about their culture, all the while battling his own physical exhaustion and hunger. Despite his struggles to find a way back home and communicate with the locals, he develops a sense of appreciation for this newfound environment. Ultimately, the tale concludes with Regan returning to the surface, filled with the desire to revisit this alien world—a poignant reminder of the explorative spirit that defines humanity.
The Sons of Japheth
"The Sons of Japheth" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story explores themes of time travel and the consequences of human actions, centering around a pilot tasked with eradicating humanity to ensure the survival of animals. This provocative narrative delves into the implications of meddling with history and the moral questions that arise from such actions. The plot follows Pilot Officer Roy Vanjan as he becomes one of the last survivors after Earth's destruction during World War V. He meets Dr. Garfield Gar in a space station, who assigns him the colossal task of traveling back in time to eliminate Noah and his family during the biblical Flood, specifically targeting humanity while sparing the animals. As Vanjan embarks on this mission and successfully kills Noah and his kin, he anticipates a reset of history that will allow animals to flourish. However, his journey results in unforeseen consequences, leading to his own transformation and the realization that despite his actions, life on Earth endures. The novel culminates in a twist of fate that illustrates the complexities of existence and the unintended repercussions of one's choices in time travel.
The post of honour : $b stories of daring deeds done by men of the British Empire in the Great War
"The Post of Honour: Stories of Daring Deeds Done by Men of the British Empire in the Great War" by Richard Wilson is a collection of courageous tales written in the early 20th century during the time of World War I. The book highlights the valor of soldiers from the British Empire as they engage in profound acts of bravery amidst the horrors of war. Each chapter presents a unique story of individuals who exhibited exceptional courage, including the likes of Captain Grenfell and the renowned Edith Cavell. The opening of this work introduces the concept of bravery, asserting that “the post of danger is the post of honour.” It sets the tone for the subsequent tales of heroism by describing how ordinary individuals—from soldiers to nurses—displayed remarkable courage and selflessness during the Great War, regardless of their origins within the Empire. With emotional anecdotes, the author emphasizes that true bravery often involves the call of duty, as exemplified by figures such as Corporal Holmes and Nurse Edith Cavell. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that the stories will not only evoke a sense of historical reflection but also aim to instill values of courage and unselfishness in readers.
The Man From Siykul
"The Man From Siykul" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s, specifically published in "Planet Stories" in the winter of 1942. The story explores themes of space exploration, communication with alien beings, and the question of intelligence across different species. It follows the adventures of a married couple, Myra and Steve Horn, as they navigate unexpected encounters and challenges during their space journey. The narrative begins with the Horns pursuing what they believe to be a meteor, only to discover it is a spaceship piloted by a small alien named WalmearFgon, affectionately nicknamed "Peachy." This unorthodox encounter leads them to the planet Siykul, where they learn about the complexities of its inhabitants, including the presence of a neighboring continent teeming with dangerous creatures that induce insanity in the intelligent race of Siykul. As Peachy reveals the dire situation threatening his people, Steve and Myra find themselves reluctantly embroiled in a mission to confront the dangers posed by the neighboring continent, all while grappling with their own identities and the nature of sanity. The story combines humor with philosophical undertones, ultimately reflecting on the relationship between intelligence, environment, and survival.
Deny the Slake
"Deny the Slake" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative follows a crew aboard the research ship "Pringle" as they explore a seemingly abandoned planetoid, S743, where they uncover the remains of a once-thriving civilization that has mysteriously turned to dust. The book delves into themes of communication, existential crisis, and the consequences of societal control through its unique exploration of an alien culture. The story centers around Ernest Hotaling, a linguist and psychologist, who deciphers the poetic riddles left behind by the planet's inhabitants. As the crew investigates the cause of the civilization's demise, they learn that the android-like beings on the planetoid were once governed by oppressive "Masters" who exerted control to the extent that any infraction could result in death, a fate that ultimately befell the entire population. The crew discovers two surviving androids who reveal their tragic story of oppression and hope, culminating in a chaotic encounter with a law-enforcing robot that leads to their instant demise. Through Ernest's poetic translations, the narrative reflects on the nature of freedom, communication, and the deep sadness of the androids' existence, ultimately leaving the crew to grapple with the moral implications of their unintentional role in the androids' fate.
The Futile Flight of John Arthur Benn
"The Futile Flight of John Arthur Benn" by Edward Halibut is a science fiction short story published in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores the concept of time travel through the experiences of the protagonist, John Arthur Benn, as he navigates various historical periods and reflections on life, ultimately arriving at a poignant, tragic conclusion. With its unique premise and dark humor, the tale delves into the futility of escapism and the consequences of one’s choices. The story follows John Arthur Benn as he embarks on a whimsical yet perilous journey backwards in time, gaining fleeting glimpses of history—from the roaring twenties to the prehistoric era. His sense of adventure quickly turns to futility as he grapples with the absurdities of his situation, punctured by dangerous encounters, like being chased by a wild boar. After experiencing the disorienting effects of time travel and the subsequent realization of his inescapable reality, Benn finds himself back in 1956, leading to a tragic and darkly ironic self-conclusion. The story serves as a satirical reflection on the human desire to avoid present struggles through escapism, exposing the often harsh realities that lie beneath.
The enemy
"The Enemy" by Richard Wilson is a thought-provoking science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The book explores themes of warfare and humanity through a lens that questions the morality of killing in combat, contrasting past and present conflicts. Set in a dystopian scenario, it examines how war can dehumanize soldiers and the psychological toll it takes on them. The story centers on a sergeant and a lieutenant standing watch over the battlefield, grappling with the horror of their actions as they witness the aftermath of combat. The sergeant reflects on the grim responsibility of inflicting death on the enemy, demonstrating a deep sense of empathy and reluctance to embrace total violence. They discuss the idea that the enemy soldiers they fight are somehow preserved, metaphorically “frozen,” raising questions about the nature of life and death in war. As they navigate their discomfort with the brutality surrounding them, the narrative delves into the internal struggles of soldiers who must reconcile their humanity with the demands of warfare.
Double Take
"Double Take" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. The narrative centers on Paul Asher, an unsuspecting protagonist who becomes embroiled in a high-stakes scenario involving espionage and interstellar conflict. The story combines elements of adventure and suspense as it explores themes of mistaken identity and the hidden complexities of space travel. In the plot, Paul Asher's life takes a sharp turn when he finds himself steering a car with the enigmatic Naomi, who forces him to cross a frontier and leads him to a disguised spaceship within a barn. There, he is mistaken for a secret agent tasked with delivering sensitive information about a way-station project in space. The story unfolds with Paul navigating the treacherous dynamics between Naomi, a potential ally or enemy, and Hafitz, the commanding figure behind the operation. As Paul discovers his unexpected role, he grapples with his own innocence and the resulting dangers that come with it. Ultimately, the tale reveals not only the thrill of adventure but also the uncertainties of reality as Paul awakes from what he initially believed to be an extraordinary experience, suggesting a continuous loop back to the beginning where he may confront Naomi once again.
Back to Julie
"Back to Julie" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction narrative likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the complex dynamics of alternate dimensions and human relationships, exploring themes of truth, ambition, and personal transformation. The protagonist navigates through a parallel universe where he becomes entangled in a plot involving a truth gas that could alter political landscapes. The tale follows a character who possesses the unique ability to travel between dimensions, which is sought after by a corrupt District Attorney named Krasnow. In exchange for assisting Krasnow in acquiring a formula for the truth gas—an invention that has eradicated war in his universe—the protagonist finds himself emotionally drawn to Julie, a charming woman from the alternate timeline. As he successfully retrieves the formula while enjoying the pleasures of Julie's world, he grapples with his own moral dilemmas and aspirations for power. Eventually, he realizes that he can use the same deceptive schemes as Krasnow in Julie’s dimension, leading him to reconsider his motives and plans for the future as he resolves to return to her.
The Inhabited
"The Inhabited" by Richard Wilson is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around an extraterrestrial traveler sent to Earth by a dying race, seeking a new world suitable for habitation. The theme explores concepts of identity, control, and the consequences of a stagnant civilization. The narrative follows a nameless alien who becomes a "spy" by inhabiting various beings on Earth, starting with a cat and then progressing through the minds of humans. Through these experiences, the traveler grapples with their inability to control the minds they enter, ultimately finding themselves trapped in the psyche of a mentally ill man named Mersey. As Mersey articulates the dire state of his original civilization, the alien realizes that their race's survival might come at a cost that compromises their identity. The story culminates in a poignant struggle between the needs of the traveler’s people and the realities of life on Earth, leaving readers to ponder the implications of empathy, existence, and the quest for a new home.