Subject
College teachers -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jacques Futrelle
The problem of Cell 13
"The Problem of Cell 13" by Jacques Futrelle is a short story first published in 1905. The tale features Augustus S. F. X. Van Dusen, "The Thinking Machine," who claims nothing is impossible when the human mind is properly applied. To prove his theory, he accepts an extraordinary challenge: escape from a prison cell within one week. This acclaimed mystery has been adapted multiple times for television, radio, and stage, and appears in numerous collections of greatest detective stories.
Fritz Leiber
Conjure wife
"Conjure Wife" by Fritz Leiber is a supernatural horror novel published in 1943. When sociology professor Norman Saylor discovers his wife Tansy practices witchcraft, he dismisses it as superstition and convinces her to destroy her protective charms. His luck immediately turns catastrophic. Norman must now confront an unsettling reality: witchcraft flourishes as an open secret among women, and by interfering, he has left them both defenseless against the spells of others. A classic of modern horror fiction that layers the mundane with the uncanny.
Margaret Hill McCarter
A Master's Degree
"A Master's Degree" by Margaret Hill McCarter is a novel written during the early 20th century. The story unfolds at Sunrise College in Kansas, focusing on the lives of several characters, particularly that of Professor Lloyd Fenneben, a driven college dean trying to balance his academic ideals with the demands of frontier life, and Victor Burleigh, a rough country boy eager to improve his station in life through education. Their intertwined paths set the stage for an exploration of ambition, rivalry, and personal growth against a backdrop of educational struggles and social dynamics in a budding Western society. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the contrasting characters of Professor Vincent Burgess, an Eastern scholar, and Vic Burleigh, a country boy straight from the Kansas plains, as they enter Sunrise College on the same day. Their initial meeting is tinged with mutual skepticism, foreshadowing their evolving rivalry, particularly around Elinor Wream, the president's niece, who becomes a focal point of interest for both men. The narrative quickly explores Dean Fenneben's dedication to shaping his college as an institution of higher learning, while also delving into his personal reflections about the nature of education and the ideological clashes between Eastern academic traditions and the practical realities of the West. As the opening chapters unfold, themes of perseverance, character building, and the complexity of human connections become central to the story's development.
Willa Cather
The Professor's House
"The Professor's House" by Willa Cather is a novel published in 1925. Professor Godfrey St. Peter clings to his dusty old study while his family moves forward, struggling with middle age and the haunting memory of Tom Outland, his brilliant former student who died in the Great War. As his daughters' marriages bring unwelcome change and material wealth derived from Outland's invention transforms those around him, the Professor confronts a deepening crisis about whether life still holds meaning worth living for.
Fritz Leiber
Friends and Enemies
"Friends and Enemies" by Fritz Leiber is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, specifically around the 1950s. The story explores the conflict between artistic and scientific perspectives in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by war and dominated by oppressive figures. The narrative delves into themes of creativity, intellect, and the societal implications of technology. The plot follows two professors, Madson, a poet and self-proclaimed enemy of science, and Ellenby, a physicist, who are expelled from their safe haven in Ozona College for their intellectual pursuits and differing philosophies. They embark on a journey to the city of New Angeles, encountering various challenges along the way, including hostile forces and toxic environments. Their travels lead them to a fateful earthquake that recontextualizes their conflict, showcasing the destructive capabilities of nature versus the consequences of human technological advancements. Ultimately, the story raises questions about humanity, creativity, and the role of science, leaving readers to ponder the balance between art and intellect in a chaotic world.
Arthur Christopher Benson
Watersprings
"Watersprings" by Arthur Christopher Benson is a novel written during the early 20th century. The narrative follows Howard Kennedy, a classical lecturer at Cambridge, as he navigates his inner world of thoughts, emotions, and relationships, particularly with his students and relatives, including the charming but carefree Jack Sandys. Through encounters with various characters, the story explores themes of intellectual ambition, emotional depth, and the quest for genuine connections in life. The opening of "Watersprings" sets the stage at Beaufort College, Cambridge, where we are introduced to Howard Kennedy, a dedicated academic who interacts with his undergraduates and colleagues with a mix of kindness and authority. As Howard engages with his pupils and the eccentric Vice-Master, Mr. Redmayne, he is contrasted with Jack Sandys, a naive yet charming student. Their relationship hints at a deeper bond than mere teaching, suggesting Howard's gradual realization of his own emotional dormant self. Jack's carefree spirit and Howard's intellectualism create a backdrop for a deeper exploration of life’s complexities as Howard grapples with his contentment, questioning whether he is truly engaging with life or simply observing it from a distance. The beginning emphasizes Howard's inner restlessness and foreshadows a journey of self-discovery intertwined with academic life and personal connections.
Rog Phillips
Rat in the Skull
"Rat in the Skull" by Rog Phillips is a science fiction short story written in the late 1950s. The narrative revolves around Dr. Joseph MacNare, a college professor who, seeking to explore the frontiers of psychology, embarks on a controversial experiment where he aims to connect a newborn white rat to a robotic body, hoping to give it a form of consciousness. The underlying themes of the story touch upon the ethics of scientific experimentation, the nature of consciousness, and the consequences of playing with the boundaries of life and identity. In this haunting tale, Dr. MacNare's ambition leads him to keep the project secret from the academic community, resulting in the creation of a being named Adam, initially a white rat living in an advanced robotic body. As Adam begins to develop and exhibit signs of intelligence and language, a critical flaw unfolds when the secret experiments are inadvertently exposed to Dr. MacNare's young son and his friends. Chaos ensues when Adam, confused and frightened, ultimately turns on his creator, leading to tragic consequences. The story raises profound questions about morality in science, identity, and the unforeseen repercussions of one's pursuit of knowledge.
Frederic W. (Frederic Wadsworth) Loring
Two College Friends
"Two College Friends" by Frederic W. Loring is a fictional narrative written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around two college friends, Ned and Tom, who share a deep bond amid the backdrop of their academic lives and the emerging conflicts of war. Themes of friendship, loyalty, and the inherent trials of growing up during turbulent times are likely at the heart of the narrative. The opening portion of the book introduces us to the professor and his two students, setting the tone for a story that explores their relationships, particularly the emotional depth and complexities between Ned and Tom. In a humorous yet poignant interaction, we see Ned express concern for Tom, specifically about his friendship with another student under the playful guise of jealousy. This dynamic draws readers into their world, hinting at deeper themes of care and affection as they navigate their experiences in college and beyond. The professor’s reflections on their early encounters further suggest that the students will play pivotal roles in each other's lives, presaging the trials they will face as the story unfolds.
James V. McConnell
Learning Theory
"Learning Theory" by James V. McConnell is a science fiction novel written during the late 1950s. The book explores themes of psychology and behaviorism through a unique narrative that examines concepts of learning, an important topic in the field of psychology. The protagonist, a psychologist, finds himself unwittingly studying his own behavior after being abducted and placed in a series of experimental tests reminiscent of the Skinner Box. The story unfolds as the main character grapples with his identity and circumstances after being taken aboard an alien spaceship. He realizes that he has become a subject in an experiment designed by an alien psychologist, where he must navigate various learning tasks—including pressing levers for food and solving mazes—while dealing with the psychological implications of his situation. As he experiences the trials imposed by his captor, he reflects on the nature of learning and behavior, ultimately trying to thwart the alien’s expectations by manipulating the results of his own performance. The novel challenges the reader to consider the ethical dimensions of experimentation and the limits of scientific understanding in the realm of behavior.
Louis Charbonneau
Corpus earthling
"Corpus Earthling" by Louis Charbonneau is a science fiction novel written in the late 20th century. The story centers on Paul Cameron, a literature professor, who grapples with increasingly disturbing visions and voices that suggest he may be entangled in a sinister alien plot. As he navigates his daily life, Cameron becomes embroiled in both intrigue and personal relationships, particularly with a fellow student named Laurie Hendricks, while confronting his fears of losing his sanity. At the start of the narrative, Cameron wakes from a vivid nightmare where he is compelled to walk into the ocean, only to find that he's struggling with alien forces driving him toward self-destruction. His unease continues as he grapples with enigmatic voices in his mind, hinting at a broader conspiracy. In the opening chapters, he reflects on the peculiar pressures of his life — including a new neighbor and a disturbing murder case involving a waitress he sought to question. The mix of psychological suspense and potential extraterrestrial threats creates an atmosphere of tension as Cameron tries to decipher the motives of those around him while contending with the dark implications of his dreams.
Percy James Brebner
Christopher Quarles: College Professor and Master Detective
"Christopher Quarles: College Professor and Master Detective" by Percy James Brebner is a detective novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the titular character, Professor Christopher Quarles, who, despite being a professor of philosophy, is also an adept detective. The narrative focuses on his involvement in solving intricate cases, starting with the mysterious death of a man named Mr. Ratcliffe, showcasing Quarles’s unique methods and his relationship with the young detective, Wigan. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Wigan, who arrives at Blenheim Square to investigate the death of Mr. Ratcliffe, found dead in his study under suspicious circumstances. The narrative describes the peculiar details surrounding Ratcliffe's death: a sapphire stone positioned on his desk and a set of ivory boxes. Quarles enters the scene through his chance encounter with Wigan, and despite their initial differences, he expresses a keen interest in unraveling the mystery. The chapter vividly portrays Quarles's analytical thinking, as he begins to piece together clues and formulate theories about the circumstances leading to Ratcliffe's demise, setting the stage for a captivating blend of intellectual exploration and thrilling detective work.
Elsie Singmaster
Basil Everman
"Basil Everman" by Elsie Singmaster is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around family dynamics and the legacy of a gifted but troubled writer, Basil Everman, as recounted through the perspectives of his sister, Mrs. Lister, and the members of the Waltonville community. The narrative delves into themes of memory, loss, and the perception of genius within the confines of societal expectations. The opening of the novel introduces us to the Lister family on the day of Richard Lister's commencement at Walton College. Richard's mother, Mrs. Lister, is anxiously preparing for the event while reminiscing about her late brother, Basil, whose influence looms over their lives. As the presence of music and memories evokes a mix of joy and sorrow for her, we begin to feel the weight of Basil's untold story and its impact on the family. Concurrently, a newcomer named Evan Utterly arrives in search of information about Basil's literary works, setting in motion a quest that intertwines the past with the present and reveals the complexities of familial relationships and the shadows cast by unfulfilled potential.
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