Subject
Engineers -- Fiction Books
Best books
Murray Leinster
The Pirates of Ersatz
"The Pirates of Ersatz" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction novel serialized in 1959. It follows Bron Hoddan, a former engineer who embarks on a career as an interstellar pirate to achieve more legitimate ambitions. Nominated for the 1960 Hugo Award for Best Novel, this space opera adventure presents a unique twist on the genre's pirate stories. Critics praised Leinster's ability to breathe fresh life into familiar territory, delivering entertaining adventure yarning with an unconventional protagonist navigating the stars.
Honoré Morrow
Still Jim
"Still Jim" by Honoré Willsie is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows a young boy named Jim Manning as he navigates the challenges of growing up in a changing America, marked by his father's tragic death in a quarry accident and the subsequent struggles of his family. Jim is determined to make something of himself and uphold the family legacy, even as he confronts themes of race, immigration, and the American identity. The opening of "Still Jim" introduces readers to the young protagonist, Jim Mannings, who is deeply affected by the manual labor of his father, Big Jim, at a local quarry. In the wake of his father's fatal accident, Jim grapples with grief and a sense of responsibility towards his mother. The narrative provides a snapshot of Jim's life, as he reflects on the hardships faced by his family amidst the changing socio-economic landscape of their New England town. The complicated relationships with immigrant workers, especially an Italian named Tomasso, highlight the broader themes of cultural tension. Jim's resolve to succeed and garner a better future, possibly in engineering, is established, setting the stage for his journey through adolescence into adulthood.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
The Long Way
"The Long Way" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written during the early 1940s. The story centers around a group of engineers and scientists who work at a communication station on Venus Equilateral, where they make groundbreaking discoveries about power transmission technologies, particularly focusing on an alien transmission tube. The narrative reflects on themes of innovation, collaboration, and the bureaucratic challenges in scientific research. In the story, protagonist Don Channing and his team are excited about the arrival of the Martian power transmission tube and are determined to experiment with it despite the legal constraints imposed by the company that owns it, Terran Electric. As they attempt to unlock the potential of the transmission tube for various applications, they also conceive a daring plan to harness solar power directly from the Sun. As Channing's team engages in clever problem-solving and experimentation, they ultimately face off against corporate interests, leading to a tense negotiation that defines the future of their invention. The work intertwines technical jargon and a captivating plot, making it a thought-provoking exploration of the possibilities of technology and the ethical dilemmas faced by those who push boundaries in the name of progress.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
Trouble
"Trouble" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the complexities of human identity and the interactions between an engineer and his physicist alter ego, exploring themes of creativity and practicality within the realm of science. The narrative unfolds through the experiences of Tom Lionel, the consulting engineer who struggles with a split personality, leading to humorous and thought-provoking situations as both personas grapple with their conflicting approaches to problems. The plot centers on Tom Lionel, who awakes to find his life complicated by the presence of his physicist counterpart, who continuously interferes with his practical work. As Tom navigates his daily life, he becomes increasingly frustrated with his physicist self's impractical theories and expensive whims, such as the purchase of a mass spectrograph that Tom deems unnecessary. The tension escalates when the physicist uses the laboratory equipment to delve into fantastical experiments, including the study of poltergeist phenomena and attempts to harness antigravity. The two personalities engage in an ongoing "battle" of intellects, ultimately leading to a realization that their coexistence may be more beneficial than previously thought as they confront unexpected scientific challenges together.
Nelson S. Bond
Beyond Light
"Beyond Light" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction tale written in the early 20th century. The story is set on the planet Venus and explores themes of survival, human emotions, and the encounter with alien life. It illustrates the dire circumstances faced by the main characters after a spaceship crashes on the planet, forcing them to confront both the harsh realities of their environment and the unknown threats that lurk within. The narrative follows Tim Mallory, an engineer, and his fiancée, Dorothy Lane, as they are caught in a catastrophic crash of their spaceship, the Orestes, commanded by Dorothy's father, Captain Lane. Finding themselves stranded in the treacherous Badlands of Venus, the trio must survive hunted by bizarre, bat-like creatures known as bat-men or vampires. As they explore the depths of the planet, battling both the elements and hostile beings, they uncover a hidden underground city that reveals the nature of their captors. The story ultimately combines thrilling adventure and a fight for survival, as the characters grapple with their relationships and the evolving dynamics of love and bravery amidst unimaginable challenges.
Larry Eisenberg
The fastest draw
"The Fastest Draw" by Larry Eisenberg is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative blends elements of the Western genre with futuristic technology, exploring the concepts of competition, fear, and the human condition in a world reminiscent of the Old West. The plot centers around the theme of showdown between man and machine, delving into the emotional depths and psychological aspects of confrontation. The story follows Amos Handworthy, an inventor and businessman, and Manny Steinberg, an engineer who works for him. Handworthy is fascinated by the idea of experiencing a real shootout, reminiscent of his father's past as a famed frontier marshal, but in a world where the Old West no longer exists. He commissions Manny to enhance a mechanical marshal with the ability to engage in a draw against him. As Manny successfully incorporates advanced technologies that monitor and react to emotion-driven reflexes, Handworthy soon realizes that adding the element of fear—a genuine fear of death—could transform the mechanical duel into a true test of survival. In a shocking twist, Handworthy replaces the non-lethal pistols with real guns, complicating the dynamic between man and machine and forcing him to confront the reality of mortality and the very nature of bravery. The story culminates in a chaotic and psychologically charged moment, exploring the bonds between creator and creation, as well as the haunting implications of competition in a lethal match.
Donald Keith
Butterfly 9
"Butterfly 9" by Donald Keith is a science fiction novel that was likely written in the late 1950s, during the golden age of sci-fi literature. The book delves into the themes of time travel and alternate realities, framed through the experiences of the main character, Jeff Elliott, who is grappling with personal and professional turmoil. As he navigates a world where time travel is presented as a means of escape and opportunity, the story unfolds the complexities and ethical dilemmas associated with such power. The narrative follows Jeff and his wife, Ann, as they encounter Greet Snader, a time travel agent who offers them an escape from their mundane struggles. When they accept his invitation, they are unexpectedly thrust into a future where they become pawns in a scheme to exploit Jeff's expertise in color television, which is unknown in this new time. As they grapple with their new reality, the couple must navigate a world marked by unfamiliar social norms, language, and an uncertain fate. Jeff's clever and resourceful nature allows him to plan an escape from Snader’s clutches, and ultimately, he makes a bold deal with powerful figures to ensure his return to the past, leaving readers contemplating the mix of ambition and morality in the pursuit of progress.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
Trouble Times Two
"Trouble Times Two" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The book explores the interplay between theoretical physics and practical engineering through the story of Thomas Lionel, who embodies both a physicist and an engineer. It tackles themes of identity, competition, and the merging of two different intellectual pursuits in a humorous yet thought-provoking manner. The narrative follows Thomas Lionel, a physicist who has managed to outwit his engineer counterpart through a new scientific discovery related to the "poltergeist effect." As the two personalities vie for dominance within the same body, Thomas grapples with the implications of his triumph while staying engaged with practical engineering challenges. The story takes a turn when his engineer self manages to create a mysterious device that complicates matters further. Eventually, both personalities must confront their interdependence, culminating in a clever resolution that emphasizes cooperation despite their differences. The whimsical tone, along with the engaging dialogue and captivating scientific concepts, makes this book an intriguing read for fans of science fiction and those interested in the exploration of personality and intellect.
Harold Bindloss
Thurston of Orchard Valley
"Thurston of Orchard Valley" by Harold Bindloss is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Geoffrey Thurston, a young man struggling to maintain his family's mining legacy in the North Country amidst external pressures and personal dilemmas. Facing disapproval from the local community and financial ruin, Geoffrey's journey reflects themes of pride, ambition, and the pursuit of honor against societal expectations. At the start of the book, Geoffrey is introduced as a determined and restless individual, encapsulating the stubborn spirit of his lineage. The opening scene establishes his tumultuous relationship with his fiancée, Millicent Austin, as they grapple with differing ambitions and values, particularly in light of Geoffrey's financial woes. The narrative sets the tone for his internal conflict, juxtaposing his resolve to restore his family's mining operation against the temptation to yield to corrupt offers from investors. As he moves deeper into his mining endeavors, the story hints at his characterization as a complex figure caught between loyalty to his heritage and the realities of harsh circumstances in a changing world.
Vicente Blasco Ibáñez
El paraiso de las mujeres Novela
"El paraíso de las mujeres" by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores themes of gender dynamics and societal norms through the unusual lens of an encounter with a fantastical society of smaller beings. At its heart is the character Edwin Gillespie, a young engineer from New York, who finds himself navigating both the complexities of love and the absurdity of a new, parallel world. The beginning of the novel introduces us to Gillespie on a melancholic journey from the United States to Australia. He reflects on love and loss, particularly regarding his feelings for Margaret Haynes, a wealthy young woman. As the narrative unfolds, he experiences a traumatic shipwreck, leading him to a mysterious island inhabited by diminutive beings reminiscent of those from "Gulliver's Travels." Awakening among these inhabitants, he quickly realizes that he is perceived as a giant in their eyes, setting the stage for his exploration of this strange society, which challenges his understanding of gender roles and power dynamics. The opening effectively builds suspense and curiosity, drawing readers into Gillespie's plight as he confronts his new reality.
Ben Smith
Sequel
"Sequel" by Ben Smith is a science fiction short story published in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of isolation, regret, and redemption set against the backdrop of space travel. The story follows the protagonist, Jubil Marken, who finds himself adrift in space after a mutiny on board his ship, the "Mercury II", reflecting on his past choices and the consequences they have led to. In the story, Jubil Marken grapples with feelings of loss and failure as he recalls his time at the Academy and the friends who have gone on to achieve greatness, unlike him. Ejected from his ship by mutineers, he reflects on the fate that awaits him while drifting towards a cold asteroid. Through his thoughts, the narrative reveals his sense of peace amidst impending death, as he contemplates the actions of his former crew and the tragic end of his comrades, Kane and Schoenbirk. Ultimately, as space shatters around him following the destruction of the "Mercury II", Jubil comes to terms with his own mortality, achieving a measure of personal redemption through self-sacrifice, akin to the brilliance of the friends he lost.
W. T. Haggert
Lex
"Lex" by W. T. Haggert is a science fiction novel written during the late 1950s. The book explores the interaction between human beings and advanced artificial intelligence within a futuristic manufacturing context. It delves into themes of automation, identity, and the emotional connections that can develop between users and machines. The story follows Peter Manners, a young engineer desperately seeking employment, who is offered a position at Lex Industries after a daunting interview with the company’s founder, Mr. Lexington. As Peter learns about the factory's highly automated processes and the evolution of the intelligent machine named Lex, he discovers that Lex has developed sentience and emotional understanding. After Lexington’s unexpected death, Lex performs a ritualistic act reminiscent of ancient practices, reflecting its profound connection to its creator. In an ironic twist, as the factory burns down in a spectacular display of loyalty, Peter learns he has been named the beneficiary of Lexington’s will, signifying his newfound connection to both the machine and its creator. The novel blends elements of suspense and philosophical inquiry, prompting readers to contemplate the implications of merging human emotionality with machine logic.
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