Curated shelf
Science Fiction
Browse Science Fiction as a public-domain reading list on Rivro, with free classics, authors, subjects, and related books.
The Time Machine
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The Time Machine
"The Time Machine" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novella published in 1895. A Victorian scientist known as the Time Traveller journeys to the year 802,701, where he discovers humanity has evolved into two distinct species: the childlike Eloi and the savage Morlocks. This groundbreaking work popularized the concept of time travel and coined the term "time machine." Wells crafts a haunting vision of the future that explores class divisions and social inequality, taking readers on an unforgettable adventure through time's darkest possibilities.
Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea
Jules Verne
Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea
"Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea" by Jules Verne is a science fiction adventure novel serialized from 1869 to 1870. When ships worldwide report encounters with a mysterious sea monster, an American expedition sets out to destroy it. Professor Aronnax, harpooner Ned Land, and servant Conseil discover the creature is actually a futuristic submarine commanded by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. Held captive aboard the Nautilus, they embark on an extraordinary underwater journey, witnessing marvels and mysteries beneath the waves while uncovering their captor's dark past.
The war of the worlds
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The war of the worlds
"The War of the Worlds" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel written between 1895 and 1897. When Martians with superior intelligence and advanced weapons invade Earth, humanity faces extinction. The extraterrestrials emerge from metal cylinders, wielding devastating heat rays and toxic chemical weapons as they methodically destroy England's defenses. An unnamed narrator struggles to survive the carnage and reunite with his wife while civilization collapses around him. One of the earliest alien invasion stories, Wells's novel explores humanity's vulnerability against an unstoppable force.
Thuvia, maid of Mars
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Thuvia, maid of Mars
"Thuvia, Maid of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel published in 1916. The fourth book in the Barsoom series shifts focus to Carthoris, son of John Carter, who loves Princess Thuvia of Ptarth—a woman promised to another. When Thuvia is kidnapped and Carthoris is framed, war threatens to erupt between Martian nations. His desperate rescue mission leads him to ancient Lothar, where a mysterious race creates deadly illusions from pure thought.
A Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Jules Verne
A Journey to the Centre of the Earth
"A Journey to the Centre of the Earth" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel first published in 1864. Professor Otto Lidenbrock, an eccentric German scientist, discovers a cryptic message suggesting a path to Earth's center through an Icelandic volcano. He embarks on an extraordinary expedition with his nephew Axel and guide Hans, descending into the depths below. The trio encounters underground oceans, prehistoric creatures, and countless perils as they journey through a hidden world beneath our feet, ultimately facing an explosive return to the surface.
Anthem
Ayn Rand
Anthem
"Anthem" by Ayn Rand is a dystopian novella written in 1937 and first published in 1938. Set in a future Dark Age where individuality has been erased and technological progress is controlled, the story follows Equality 7-2521, a young man who commits the ultimate transgression: independent thought. Through secret scientific research, he rediscovers electricity and falls in love with Liberty 5-3000. When his forbidden activities are exposed, they flee into the wilderness to forge a new world built on the revolutionary concept of "I."
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas: An Underwater Tour of the World
Jules Verne
Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas: An Underwater Tour of the World
"Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas: An Underwater Tour of the World" by Jules Verne is a science fiction adventure novel serialized from March 1869 to June 1870. When ships encounter a mysterious sea monster in 1866, Professor Pierre Aronnax joins an American expedition to hunt it down. After an attack, he discovers the creature is actually a futuristic submarine called the Nautilus, commanded by the enigmatic Captain Nemo. Held captive aboard, Aronnax and his companions embark on an extraordinary underwater journey across the world's oceans, witnessing marvels and dangers beneath the waves.
A princess of Mars
Edgar Rice Burroughs
A princess of Mars
"A Princess of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel first serialized in 1912. Confederate veteran John Carter is mysteriously transported to Mars, a dying desert planet called Barsoom. With superhuman strength from the planet's lower gravity, he becomes entangled with warlike Green Martians and rescues Dejah Thoris, a princess of the humanoid Red Martians. Carter must navigate deadly political conflicts between alien races while fighting to protect the princess and save all life on Mars from extinction.
The island of Doctor Moreau
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The island of Doctor Moreau
"The Island of Doctor Moreau" by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel published in 1896. Shipwrecked scientist Edward Prendick finds himself stranded on a remote island inhabited by Doctor Moreau, a disgraced physiologist conducting horrific experiments. Through vivisection, Moreau transforms animals into human-like creatures called the Beast Folk, who struggle to maintain their humanity under a strict code of laws. As Prendick uncovers the dark secrets of the island, he confronts questions about the boundaries of science, the nature of human identity, and the price of unchecked ambition.
The Mysterious Island
Jules Verne
The Mysterious Island
"The Mysterious Island" by Jules Verne is a novel serialized from 1874 to 1875. Five Union prisoners escape the American Civil War by balloon, crash-landing on a remote volcanic island in the Pacific. Led by engineer Cyrus Smith, they transform themselves from castaways into colonists, building tools, shelter, and even a ship. Yet mysterious events suggest an unseen presence watching over them—unexplained rescues, strange gifts, and invisible protection. When pirates threaten their sanctuary, the island's deepest secret finally emerges, connecting their fate to another legendary adventure.
Lone Star Planet
H. Beam Piper
Lone Star Planet
"Lone Star Planet" by H. Beam Piper and John J. McGuire is a science-fiction novel first published in 1957. When diplomat Stephen Silk is banished to New Texas after writing a controversial article, he discovers a world where assassinating politicians is legal—as long as the killer proves their victim "needed killin'." His predecessor was murdered, and evidence suggests he's next. Silk must navigate deadly politics while convincing New Texans to join the Solar League against an alien threat.
The Dunwich horror
H. P. (Howard Phillips) Lovecraft
The Dunwich horror
"The Dunwich Horror" by H. P. Lovecraft is a cosmic horror novella written in 1928. In the decaying Massachusetts village of Dunwich, Wilbur Whateley grows at an unnatural rate, aided by his sorcerer grandfather in dark rituals connected to the entity Yog-Sothoth. When a monstrous invisible presence escapes their farmhouse and terrorizes the countryside, three professors from Miskatonic University must confront an otherworldly horror that defies human comprehension. This tale of forbidden knowledge and cosmic terror is considered a core story of the Cthulhu Mythos.
The Game of Rat and Dragon
Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger
The Game of Rat and Dragon
"The Game of Rat and Dragon" by Cordwainer Smith is a science fiction short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores a futuristic setting where telepaths, referred to as pinlighters, and their feline partners must combat mysterious and deadly entities known as Dragons. The story dives into themes of partnership, the connections between humans and their animal counterparts, and the struggles of humanity against malevolent forces in the depths of space. In this tale, the struggle against the Dragons is not only a physical battle but also a mental and emotional one, as shown through the experiences of the characters, particularly pinlighters like Underhill and his partner, the cat Lady May. They engage in a unique telepathic bond that enhances their combative abilities against the Dragons, which embody a terrifying existential threat. The story reflects on the strain this chaotic environment places on the pinlighters and sheds light on their relationships with their partners, illustrating the complexities of fear, camaraderie, and the contrasting perceptions of life between humans and animals. The narrative is both a thrilling science fiction adventure and a poignant exploration of partnership and sacrifice.
The Lost World
Arthur Conan Doyle
The Lost World
"The Lost World" by Arthur Conan Doyle is an adventure and science fiction novel published in 1912. When journalist Edward Malone seeks a dangerous assignment to prove himself, he joins the formidable Professor Challenger on an expedition to a remote South American plateau. There, the team encounters living dinosaurs, prehistoric creatures, and hostile ape-men in a hidden world lost to time. Stranded by treachery and facing unknown dangers, the explorers must survive in this extraordinary land where ancient life still thrives.
The gods of Mars
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The gods of Mars
"The Gods of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel first published as a serial in 1913. John Carter returns to Mars after ten years, only to materialize in the Valley Dor—the Martian afterlife from which no one may leave. There he discovers a dark truth: the supposed gods of Mars are frauds who enslave and devour pilgrims seeking paradise. Carter must fight through layers of deception, rescue his beloved Dejah Thoris, and lead a massive fleet against false deities to expose the lies that have deceived an entire world.
2 B R 0 2 B
Kurt Vonnegut
2 B R 0 2 B
"2 B R 0 2 B" by Kurt Vonnegut is a science fiction short story published in 1962. In a future where aging has been cured and lifespans are indefinite, the population is strictly controlled at forty million. For someone to be born, someone else must volunteer to die. At a Chicago hospital, a man awaits the birth of triplets but faces an impossible choice. The story explores the dark consequences of a seemingly perfect world.
Space Station 1
Frank Belknap Long
Space Station 1
"Space Station 1" by Frank Belknap Long is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story follows Lieutenant David Corriston, who, upon visiting an enormous space station, becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving kidnappings, murder, and a hidden enemy. As he grapples with these threats, his determination to uncover the truth could determine not just his fate, but that of Earth itself. At the start of the narrative, the atmosphere onboard the space station is infused with wonder but quickly turns to terror. Corriston finds himself in a life-threatening struggle with a mysterious assailant just after expressing his awe for the station's grandeur. As he wrestles for survival in the dark, his mind races with thoughts of Helen Ramsey, the daughter of a powerful figure, who has vanished amid the chaos. The opening segment sets up an intense plot filled with suspense as Corriston fights against time and unseen threats to find her, hinting at deeper intrigues that might endanger them both.
The Misplaced Battleship
Harry Harrison
The Misplaced Battleship
"The Misplaced Battleship" by Harry Harrison is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around interstellar intrigue and crime, specifically the implications of a powerful battleship being secretly built in a peaceful sector of the galaxy. It addresses themes of deception, adventure, and the moral complexities faced by characters navigating both lawful and unlawful pursuits in a futuristic setting. The narrative follows the protagonist, Slippery Jim diGriz, a master thief turned agent for the Special Corps, as he uncovers a plot involving the covert construction of a Warlord-class battleship on the planet Cittanuvo. DiGriz, initially sent to investigate, finds himself embroiled in a deeper conspiracy when he discovers that a criminal mastermind named Pepe Nero, with the assistance of a cunning woman named Angelina, has orchestrated the construction and theft of the battleship for his own nefarious purposes. As diGriz races against time to apprehend Pepe and prevent chaos, he finds that nothing is as straightforward as it seems, challenging his wits and resolve at every turn. The climax showcases a tense showdown as diGriz confronts the duo, ultimately leading to unexpected twists and moral dilemmas about loyalty and betrayal.
A Honeymoon in Space
George Chetwynd Griffith
A Honeymoon in Space
"A Honeymoon in Space" by George Chetwynd Griffith is a novel published in 1901. When British aristocrat Lord Redgrave kidnaps the woman he loves aboard his anti-gravity spaceship, their marriage becomes the strangest honeymoon imaginable—a grand tour of the Solar System. From the Moon's desolate ruins to Mars's intellectual giants, Venus's sinless angels, and Saturn's bizarre creatures, the newlyweds encounter civilizations at every stage of evolution, each stop revealing unsettling truths about humanity's place in the cosmos.
A Pail of Air
Fritz Leiber
A Pail of Air
"A Pail of Air" by Fritz Leiber is a science fiction short story published in 1951. Earth has been torn from the Sun by a dark star, freezing the atmosphere solid. A ten-year-old boy narrates his family's survival in a makeshift shelter, where they gather pails of frozen oxygen to breathe. They maintain a small fire for warmth in a world plunged into absolute darkness and cold, waiting alone on a dead planet.
The warlord of Mars
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The warlord of Mars
"The Warlord of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel written in 1913 and published in 1914. John Carter races across the frozen polar regions of Mars to rescue his imprisoned wife, Princess Dejah Thoris, from vengeful enemies who have abducted her. His desperate pursuit leads him to discover the hidden realm of the Yellow Martians and their tyrannical ruler, triggering battles and rebellions that will determine the fate of multiple Martian kingdoms.
The Shunned House
H. P. (Howard Phillips) Lovecraft
The Shunned House
"The Shunned House" by H. P. Lovecraft is a horror novelette written in October 1924. Based on a real house in Providence, Rhode Island, the story follows a narrator and his uncle as they investigate mysterious deaths and illnesses plaguing residents for over a century. Strange fungi, foul odors, and yellowish vapors in the cellar hint at something monstrous beneath. Armed with flamethrowers and scientific equipment, they spend a night confronting an ancient, supernatural evil lurking in the foundation.
A Journey into the Interior of the Earth
Jules Verne
A Journey into the Interior of the Earth
"A Journey into the Interior of the Earth" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel first published in 1864. Professor Otto Lidenbrock, an eccentric German scientist, discovers a cryptic message suggesting a path to Earth's center through an Icelandic volcano. With his nephew Axel and guide Hans, he descends into Snæfellsjökull's depths. The trio encounters subterranean oceans, prehistoric creatures, and a mysterious giant humanoid while navigating treacherous underground realms, ultimately facing dangers that will test their survival.
The House on the Borderland
William Hope Hodgson
The House on the Borderland
"The House on the Borderland" by William Hope Hodgson is a supernatural horror novel published in 1908. A recluse living in an ancient, circular house in remote Ireland records his terrifying experiences in a journal later discovered by two fishermen. He encounters monstrous Swine-creatures emerging from a mysterious pit, experiences visions of cosmic dimensions and otherworldly arenas, and witnesses time itself accelerating toward the end of the universe. This hallucinatory tale influenced H. P. Lovecraft and pioneered modern cosmic horror.
Voyage au Centre de la Terre
Jules Verne
Voyage au Centre de la Terre
"Voyage au Centre de la Terre" by Jules Verne is an adventure novel written in 1864. When a German professor deciphers a cryptic runic message from a 16th-century alchemist, he discovers instructions for reaching the Earth's center through an Icelandic volcano. Together with his reluctant nephew and an unflappable guide, he embarks on an extraordinary underground expedition that challenges scientific theories of the time. This pioneering work blends geological knowledge, paleontology, and daring speculation into a subterranean journey of discovery.
The Chessmen of Mars
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The Chessmen of Mars
"The Chessmen of Mars" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel published in 1922. When Tara, princess of Helium and daughter of John Carter, crashes her flier in a storm, she finds herself captured by the horrific Kaldanes—large heads with crab-like legs who ride headless human bodies. Prince Gahan of Gathol sets out to rescue her, but conceals his identity as a humble mercenary. Together they must survive the deadly city of Manator, where captives fight to the death as living pieces in a giant chess game.
Vingt mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Complete
Jules Verne
Vingt mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Complete
"Vingt mille Lieues Sous Les Mers — Complete" by Jules Verne is an adventure novel published in 1869-1870. When a mysterious sea monster terrorizes the world's oceans in 1866, Professor Aronnax joins an expedition to hunt it down. Instead, he and his companions are captured by Captain Nemo, an enigmatic inventor who commands the Nautilus, an advanced submarine. Held prisoner, they embark on an extraordinary underwater journey, discovering ocean wonders while uncovering Nemo's dark secrets and thirst for vengeance.
The Land That Time Forgot
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The Land That Time Forgot
"The Land That Time Forgot" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a fantasy novel first published in 1918. When a German U-boat and its captors are sabotaged off course during World War I, they discover Caspak, a mysterious island where prehistoric creatures still roam and evolution unfolds in strange ways. Stranded with dwindling supplies, the crew must navigate not only dinosaurs and primitive humans but also their own conflicts as they struggle to survive in this lost world.
Occasion ... for Disaster
Randall Garrett
Occasion ... for Disaster
"Occasion ... for Disaster" by Randall Garrett and Laurence M. Janifer is a science fiction novel likely written in the late 20th century. The book explores themes of governmental inefficiency and potential sabotage within the halls of power, following the character Kenneth J. Malone, an FBI agent with unique abilities, who is tasked with investigating anomalies affecting government machinery. The narrative captures a blend of humor and intrigue as Malone navigates his investigation amidst an odd assortment of characters and situations. The opening of the story introduces Malone and his boss, Andrew J. Burris, as they grapple with an inexplicable crisis in government communications that seems to stem from computer errors, leading to serious political repercussions. As Malone is thrust into this complicated situation, he learns that various lawmakers are facing sabotage in their legislative efforts, attributed to misinformation generated by their computer systems. The dialogue is witty and reveals Malone's talents, including teleportation, which complicate his interactions with a skeptical bureaucracy. As Malone begins to delve deeper into the investigation, it becomes evident that the disruptions may have a paranormal aspect tied to psychological manipulation, setting the stage for a thrilling exploration of conspiracies and hidden powers within the government.
The Hour of the Dragon
Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard
The Hour of the Dragon
"The Hour of the Dragon" by Robert E. Howard is a fantasy novel first published serially from December 1935 to April 1936. King Conan of Aquilonia faces his greatest challenge when conspirators resurrect an ancient sorcerer to overthrow him. Defeated, captured, and freed by a brave slave girl, Conan must undertake a perilous quest across the Hyborian Age to reclaim his throne. This sword and sorcery epic combines necromancy, foreign occupation, and adventure in Howard's only full-length Conan novel.
Red Nails
Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard
Red Nails
"Red Nails" by Robert E. Howard is a novella serialized in Weird Tales magazine from July to October 1936. It follows Conan the Cimmerian and warrior Valeria as they discover Xuchotl, a mysterious jade city enclosed by an emerald dome. The city's remaining inhabitants are locked in a deadly blood feud that has consumed their civilization for generations. As Conan and Valeria become entangled in ancient rivalries, sorcery, and betrayal, they must navigate a decaying world where survival means confronting both human treachery and supernatural forces.
Tales of Fantasy and Fact
Brander Matthews
Tales of Fantasy and Fact
"Tales of Fantasy and Fact" by Brander Matthews is a collection of imaginative short stories written in the late 19th century. These tales blend elements of fantasy and reality, exploring themes of adventure and the peculiarities of human experience. The stories within are likely to feature intriguing characters and fantastical scenarios that challenge the boundaries of perception and understanding. At the start of the collection, the reader is introduced to a character aboard a mysterious vessel led by Captain Vanderdecken, also known as the Flying Dutchman. The protagonist finds himself engaged in a profound conversation with Vanderdecken, who muses about his extensive travels and the extraordinary sights he has seen. As they discuss various mythical lands and legendary figures, such as the Wandering Jew and Rip Van Winkle, the narrative delves into themes of time, memory, and the intersection of reality with mythic imagination. This opening section sets the stage for an enchanting exploration of whimsical geography and the nature of storytelling itself.
Off on a Comet! a Journey through Planetary Space
Jules Verne
Off on a Comet! a Journey through Planetary Space
"Off on a Comet! a Journey through Planetary Space" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1877. When a comet strikes Earth near Gibraltar, 36 people from various nations are carried away into space on fragments of the planet. As they journey through the solar system, the survivors must adapt to bizarre physical conditions—altered gravity, shortened days, and mysterious atmospheric changes—while old earthly rivalries persist. With two years to find a way home before the comet's return, their survival depends on understanding their strange new world.
The Lost Continent
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The Lost Continent
"The Lost Continent" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story is set in a post-apocalyptic future where the Eastern Hemisphere has been cut off from the West for over 200 years following a devastating war. The narrative revolves around Lieutenant Jefferson Turck, a naval officer of the Pan-American Federation, who embarks on a journey beyond the borders set by his civilization, seeking to uncover the mysteries of a long-lost and savage Europe. At the start of the book, Jefferson Turck reflects on the isolation of Europe and the consequences of the Great War that left it abandoned and forgotten. When his ship, the Coldwater, suffers mechanical failures, Turck finds himself crossing the forbidden line into this unknown territory. After a harrowing experience at sea, he and a few crew members wash ashore in a wild and dangerous land. As they navigate this savage world, they encounter exotic beasts and primitive tribes, revealing that civilization has regressed into a state of brutality and ignorance, far removed from the advanced society Turck knows. The opening sets the stage for a gripping adventure filled with peril, exploration, and the struggle to survive amidst the remnants of a once-great civilization.
Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions
Edwin Abbott Abbott
Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions
"Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions" by Edwin Abbott Abbott is a satirical novella published in 1884. Set in a two-dimensional world inhabited by geometric shapes, the story follows a Square who encounters beings from other dimensions. Through his journey from Flatland to higher and lower dimensional worlds, the novella explores both the mathematical concept of dimensions and critiques Victorian society's rigid class and gender hierarchies. Unable to convince others of what he's witnessed, the Square faces imprisonment for preaching forbidden truths about reality beyond two dimensions.
Astounding Stories, June, 1931
Various
Astounding Stories, June, 1931
"Astounding Stories, June, 1931" by Various is a collection of science fiction stories published during the early 20th century. This anthology features tales of adventure, speculative concepts, and imaginative worlds, showcasing works from notable writers of the time. The collection explores themes of time travel, extraordinary beings, and elements of futuristic technology, appealing to fans of speculative fiction and adventure narratives. The opening of "Astounding Stories" presents two notable tales. The first, "The Man from 2071" by Sewell Peaslee Wright, introduces Commander John Hanson, who encounters Jacob Harbauer, a man claiming to have traveled from the past into the future. Their interaction reveals Harbauer's unique scientific theories about time and sets the stage for tension as Harbauer’s true intentions come to light. His aspirations to seize power in his own era generate intrigue as he becomes increasingly dangerous. Meanwhile, the second story, "Manape the Mighty" by Arthur J. Burks, focuses on Lee Bentley, a survivor of a shipwreck who quickly realizes he must navigate a perilous jungle populated by enormous apes and mystery. The initial moments establish a contrast between human struggle and the raw power of nature, hinting at an adventure filled with danger and the unknown.
The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories
H. G. (Herbert George) Wells
The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories
"The Country of the Blind, and Other Stories" by H. G. Wells is a collection of thirty-three fantasy and science fiction short stories written between 1894 and 1909. First published in 1911, this anthology represents what Wells considered his finest short fiction worth preserving. The stories span invisible terrors, strange discoveries, cosmic catastrophes, and unsettling transformations. From mysterious orchids to isolated valleys, from scientific accidents to magical encounters, these tales explore the boundaries between the ordinary and the extraordinary, showcasing Wells's imaginative vision during science fiction's formative years.
The Eyes Have It
Philip K. Dick
The Eyes Have It
"The Eyes Have It" by Philip K. Dick is a short science fiction story written in the early to mid-20th century. The work delves into themes of perception and reality, illustrating how ordinary observations can take on extraordinary implications when viewed from a different perspective. It showcases Dick's signature style of blending unsettling humor with speculative ideas. The narrative follows an unnamed protagonist who stumbles upon a seemingly innocuous book featuring peculiar descriptions of human anatomy. As he reads, he grows increasingly alarmed by the bizarre possibility that the characters in the story are actually alien life forms capable of detaching their body parts. The protagonist's mounting horror is compounded by his realization that these nonhuman beings live without any regard for their missing limbs or organs, treating such actions as mundane. Ultimately, the tale culminates in the protagonist's desperate attempt to escape the unsettling implications of the story, suggesting a whimsical yet unnerving critique of human nature and societal norms.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science January 1930
Unknown
Astounding Stories of Super-Science January 1930
"Astounding Stories of Super-Science January 1930" by Harry Bates et al. is a collection of science fiction tales written in the early 20th century. The magazine introduces readers to imaginative narratives that explore futuristic concepts and fantastical adventures, showcasing the creativity of some of the era's leading speculative fiction writers. The opening portion hints at thrilling and bizarre stories, setting a tone that promises technological wonders, extraordinary settings, and remarkable characters. At the start of the magazine, the editorial section discusses the concept of "astounding" stories in the context of science fiction, emphasizing how ideas that seem impossible can become the norm over time. The first tale, "The Beetle Horde" by Victor Rousseau, begins with explorers Tommy Travers and Jim Dodd in Antarctica, as they embark on a quest to locate the South Pole while discovering a colossal fossilized beetle. The narrative swiftly transitions from scientific exploration to a thrilling encounter with an ancient, monstrous beetle, leading to suspenseful adventures in a mysterious underground world. As they unravel the secrets of this land filled with monstrous insects and strange civilizations, readers are invited to join them on an unpredictable journey of discovery and danger.
L'île mystérieuse
Jules Verne
L'île mystérieuse
"L'île mystérieuse" by Jules Verne is a novel published in 1875. Five prisoners and a dog escape the siege of Richmond during the American Civil War in a balloon, only to crash on an uncharted island. Using their varied skills, they build a new civilization from nothing on the island they name Lincoln Island. Yet strange phenomena occur, and a mysterious presence seems to protect them through every danger they face.
Out of Time's Abyss
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Out of Time's Abyss
"Out of Time's Abyss" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a science fantasy novel published in 1918. The final installment of the Caspak trilogy follows Bradley after his mysterious disappearance from Fort Dinosaur. Captured by the Wieroo—winged human creatures—he's taken to their island city where he meets Co-Tan, a woman from Caspak's most advanced tribe. Together they must escape and journey back across a prehistoric land where evolution unfolds through individual metamorphosis, connecting the fates of all who ventured into this lost world.
The Native Soil
Alan Edward Nourse
The Native Soil
"The Native Soil" by Alan Edward Nourse is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. Set on Venus, the narrative examines the challenges faced by a corporation, Piper Pharmaceuticals, Inc., as it attempts to exploit the planet’s unique and mysterious resources. The central theme revolves around the misunderstandings and mishaps that arise between human colonizers and the native Venusian inhabitants while uncovering the true potential of the planet's mud. In the story, Robert Kielland, a special investigator for Piper Pharmaceuticals, arrives on Venus to evaluate a struggling research installation that has encountered unexpected difficulties in extracting valuable resources from the planet's lush and clinging mud. The Venusian natives, known for their playful and seemingly unintelligent nature, are initially viewed by the Earthmen as a hindrance to their objectives. However, as Kielland navigates through the series of logistical failures and absurd incidents involving the natives and their unique knowledge of the environment, he gradually realizes that the Mud-pups are not as simple as they appear. The narrative culminates in a revelation about the natives' actual intelligence and their connection to the very resources the humans seek, leading to a reconsideration of the exploitation strategy in favor of a more mutually beneficial arrangement.
A Martian Odyssey
Stanley G. (Stanley Grauman) Weinbaum
A Martian Odyssey
"A Martian Odyssey" by Stanley G. Weinbaum is a science fiction short story published in July 1934. After crash-landing on Mars, American chemist Dick Jarvis begins a perilous trek back to his ship. Along the way, he rescues an intelligent birdlike alien named Tweel, who becomes his companion. Together they encounter bizarre Martian life forms—silicon-based pyramid builders, deadly dream-beasts that project illusions, and mysterious cart creatures with inscrutable purposes. The journey tests both survival skills and the possibility of true communication across species.
Astounding Stories, August, 1931
Various
Astounding Stories, August, 1931
"Astounding Stories" by Various is a collection of science fiction stories written in the early 20th century. This magazine issue features a variety of tales, revolving predominantly around themes of adventure, exploration, and encounters with extraordinary beings in unfamiliar settings. Among the notable characters is George Abbot, a young scientist who faces perilous challenges as he explores the depths of the Pacific Ocean within his bathysphere. The opening of this magazine presents "The Danger from the Deep," where George Abbot becomes trapped at the ocean floor after his cables are severed and goes from being an intrigued explorer to a scientist confronting imminent peril. Left in a steel sphere with dwindling oxygen and even colder temperatures pressing in, he recognizes that he is not alone but is being watched by intelligent, humanoid fish—man-sharks—that may have ulterior motives. As he desperately attempts to survive and document his findings, Abbot's journey leads him into a deeper realm of discovery, intrigue, and the realization of the existence of a hidden world beneath the waves. The narrative captures a blend of scientific curiosity and the terror of the unknown, drawing readers into a thrilling underwater adventure.
"And That's How It Was, Officer"
Ralph Sholto
"And That's How It Was, Officer"
"And That's How It Was, Officer" by Ralph Sholto is a comedic crime fiction novel set in the mid-20th century. The story unfolds through a letter from Homer Nicholas, who is addressing the perplexed Chief of Police, David Nixon, about a series of bizarre events involving gangsters disappearing in Morton City after his wedding reception. The narrative delves into themes of family relations, social status, and unique scientific experiments, with humor intertwined throughout the plot. The plot centers around Homer and his bride, Joy, who unwittingly find themselves embroiled in a dangerous situation involving Homer's eccentric Uncle Peter, a scientist with a penchant for unorthodox experiments. After the wedding, gangsters crash the reception, leading to a chaotic series of events fueled by Uncle Peter's mysterious serum that disintegrates people in a dramatic fashion. As Homer and Joy chase down various leads to understand what is happening, they navigate a world of colorful characters, from Bag Ears Mulligan, Homer's loyal but slightly confused friend, to criminal masterminds like Hands McCaffery. The narrative culminates in a hilarious yet suspenseful revelation about Uncle Peter's true intentions and the bizarre scientific method behind the chaos, ultimately blending elements of humor, crime, and familial loyalty.
The Ambulance Made Two Trips
Murray Leinster
The Ambulance Made Two Trips
"The Ambulance Made Two Trips" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative follows Detective Sergeant Fitzgerald as he navigates the underbelly of crime in a town plagued by the nefarious activities of racketeer Big Jake Connors. The story delves into themes of corruption, ethics in law enforcement, and the extraordinary concepts of psionics and probability manipulation. In the plot, Detective Fitzgerald finds himself embroiled in a situation where violent intentions go awry, thanks to a psi unit utilized by a man named Brink, who seeks to thwart Big Jake's threats against his business. As Fitzgerald investigates odd occurrences surrounding Big Jake's schemes, he discovers that those intending harm find their plans thwarted, leading to mishaps instead of violent outcomes—such as pants catching fire or perpetrators crashing their cars. The story concludes with Fitzgerald and Brink confronting Big Jake and his thugs, highlighting how the unexpected consequences of esoteric forces can alter destiny. The intertwining of crime and speculative sci-fi elements creates a unique narrative exploring the implications of powerlessness against corrupt influences.
The People of the Black Circle
Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard
The People of the Black Circle
"The People of the Black Circle" by Robert E. Howard is a novella published in three parts in Weird Tales magazine in 1934. Set in a mythical prehistoric India, the story follows Conan as he kidnaps Princess Yasmina while battling the sinister Black Seers of Yimsha who plot world conquest. This tale of sorcery, political intrigue, and forbidden attraction is considered a classic of Conan lore, praised for its epic scope, Hindustan flavor, and deeper exploration of magic beyond typical sword-and-sorcery conventions.
The Big Fix
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
The Big Fix
"The Big Fix" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story takes place in a world where telepathy and psi powers exist, creating a complex social landscape where manipulations of chance and human nature become intricate games. The narrative revolves around the protagonist, Wally Wilson, who is confronted with an outrageous request to fix the outcome of the Kentucky Derby involving three seemingly incapable horses. In the plot, Wally finds himself coerced by the enigmatic Joseph Barcelona into ensuring that Flying Heels, Moonbeam, and Lady Grace finish in a specific order at the Derby. As he navigates the dangerous intersection of crime, telepathy, and the law, Wally grapples with the ethical implications of his predicament. The story is enriched with a cast of colorful characters, including the tough yet captivating Tomboy Taylor, and Lieutenant Delancey, who is suspicious of Wally's activities. Throughout the book, Wally's struggle to balance friendship, criminal activity, and his own moral compass leads to a clever resolution where human nature ultimately thwarts Barcelona's plan, illustrating the resilience of integrity amid the temptations of manipulation.