Subject
Inventions -- Fiction Books
Best books
Theodore L. Thomas
The magnificent profession
No description available.
Sam Merwin
Passage to anywhere
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George O. (George Oliver) Smith
Venus Equilateral
"Venus Equilateral" by George O. Smith is a series of science fiction short stories published between 1942 and 1945. Set at a massive space station positioned at a strategic point between Venus and the Sun, the stories follow communications engineers who solve extraordinary problems through ingenious inventions. Led by Director Donald Channing and his team, the station's crew faces incompetent managers, space pirates, communication crises, and technical disasters—all while maintaining the vital relay linking Earth, Venus, and Mars across millions of miles of space.
Raymond Roussel
Locus Solus
"Locus Solus" by Raymond Roussel is a novel published in 1914. A scientist named Martial Canterel invites colleagues to tour his estate, where he displays increasingly bizarre inventions. These include an aerial pile driver creating tooth mosaics, a water-filled glass diamond, and most remarkably, dead people revived with "resurrectine" who endlessly reenact their life's most crucial moments. The novel unfolds through detailed expositions followed by intricate explanations, creating a strange journey through Canterel's extraordinary world of mechanical wonders and macabre spectacles.
Richard Magruder
And All the Girls Were Nude
"And All the Girls Were Nude" by Richard Magruder is a satirical short story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative centers around Nathanial Evergood, an eccentric old man consumed by his obsession with photographing young women in various states of undress. The book explores themes of voyeurism, morality, and the consequences of one’s deviant pursuits in a society that simultaneously creates and condemns such desires. The storyline follows Nathanial as he meticulously develops a unique photographic lens that allows him to capture the female form without clothing while masking it from the outside world. His escapades take a downward spiral when he becomes so accustomed to using his special glasses that he forgets to wear clothes himself while out in public. This leads to his arrest, trial, and subsequent sentencing for his actions, revealing the outrageous nature of his behavior and exposing the absurdities of societal norms regarding public decency and personal obsession. Through Nathanial’s journey, Magruder presents a critique of human nature, examining the limits of privacy and the often hypocritical moral standards of society.
Robert Moore Williams
Dark Reality
"Dark Reality" by Robert Moore Williams is a science fiction novel that explores themes of fate, existence, and the cyclical nature of human history. Written during the early 20th century, this gripping tale delves into a future where humanity faces an unimaginable dilemma related to the survival of the species. The author incorporates historical references to create a narrative that questions the path of civilization and its potential demise. The storyline follows Lee Garth, a brilliant physicist in the year 1940, who grapples with the consequences of his groundbreaking work. As he becomes increasingly obsessed with an enigmatic sphere connected to humans' destinies, a dramatic series of events unfold. People begin to mysteriously vanish from existence, leading to chaos. Garth’s research reveals the urgency to repopulate a dying world two million years into the future, tapping into collective human consciousness. In a bid to correct historical errors, Garth's journey reaches a climactic conclusion that intertwines science and philosophy, ultimately asking the reader to consider the nature of humanity and the world in which we exist.
Jack Williamson
The second shell
"The Second Shell" by Jack Williamson is a science fiction novel written during the early 20th century, specifically in the late 1920s. The story delves into themes of adventure and extraterrestrial intrigue, exploring the impact of advanced technologies on humanity. It revolves around the mysterious Heaviside Layer and introduces readers to a myriad of imaginative scientific concepts, suggesting that some of the fantastic ideas within its pages may one day become reality. The narrative follows Robert "Tiger Bob" Barrett, a journalist who, after getting embroiled in a secretive investigation alongside a former agent named Bill Johnson, uncovers a conspiracy tied to a scientist's invention—a powerful death ray. Amidst a series of thrilling events, including a daring raid by mysterious red airplanes, Barrett reunites with Ellen Vernon and her father, Dr. Vernon, whose groundbreaking research into thorium plays a pivotal role in the ensuing conflict against a formidable enemy. As they battle against Herman Vars and alien-like beings from a hidden world above the Earth, the story culminates in a climactic showdown that questions the future of humanity and its place in the universe. Ultimately, the characters' determined spirit keeps the narrative charged with excitement, adventure, and a reflection on the potential consequences of unrestrained scientific advancement.
Julian Hawthorne
The Cosmic Courtship
"The Cosmic Courtship" by Julian Hawthorne is a science fiction novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative begins on the birthday of Miriam Mayne, a young woman of remarkable abilities living in a future, technologically advanced society where personal flight is possible. As she prepares to celebrate her birthday with her billionaire father, her life takes an unexpected turn when she is visited by a mysterious spectral figure who has profound implications for her ambitions of interplanetary communication. The opening of the book introduces Miriam and her extraordinary world where advanced technologies allow for personal flight and subterranean living. As Miriam embraces her independence, the narrative hints at her deep curiosity about the cosmos and hints at a quest for deeper understanding that will unfold. During a moment of introspection near the sea, she encounters a spectral woman who proposes collaboration, foreshadowing a grand adventure that intertwines personal growth, romance, and the wonders of space. This initial chapter sets the tone for a story filled with themes of ambition, connection, and the quest for knowledge beyond earthly bounds.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
Special Delivery
"Special Delivery" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novella that was published in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the innovative concept of a matter transmitter, exploring themes of scientific experimentation, technological advancement, and competitive business dynamics in the field of interplanetary communications. Set against the backdrop of space exploration, the book delves into the challenges faced by a group of scientists as they attempt to develop a machine capable of transmitting objects instantaneously through disintegration and reintegration processes. The narrative centers on Don Channing and his colleague Walt Franks, who are deeply engaged in the creation of a matter transmitter for Venus Equilateral. Their progress, however, is mired in technical setbacks and competitive tensions with their rivals at Terran Electric. As they navigate the scientific and legal complexities surrounding their invention, the story highlights the humorous and challenging situations they encounter, especially during a court trial to establish the rightful ownership of their newly developed technology. The climax illustrates their determination to prove the validity of their invention while facing skepticism and opposition, all while maintaining a sense of camaraderie and ingenuity throughout their trials.
Irving E. Cox
Miracle by Price
"Miracle by Price" by Irving E. Cox, Jr. is a science fiction story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around themes of invention and personal relationships, exploring the idea of a brilliant yet misunderstood scientist, Dr. Edward Price, whose life’s work culminates in the creation of unconventional gadgets. The story is set against the backdrop of the beautiful and introspective setting of Yosemite, which enhances the characters’ internal conflicts and personal journeys. The plot unfolds through the correspondence of Walter Gordon, who reflects on his experiences with Dr. Price’s creations, particularly a machine known as the Transpositor and another device dubbed the Semantic-Translator. The story’s protagonist, Bertha Kent, is a botany teacher who grapples with her lofty ideal of love and self-identity, ultimately realizing that her expectations set her up for disappointment. As she navigates brief romance with the graduate physicist, Walt, she gains insights into herself and her desire for connection. The unexpected functionality of the Semantic-Translator, revealing deeper emotional truths, leads Bertha to confront and ultimately embrace her feelings, transforming her understanding of love and her sense of self. The resolution underscores how the machines serve not just as tools of experimentation but as catalysts for personal epiphanies.
Stanley Mullen
Mirage for Planet X
"Mirage for Planet X" by Stanley Mullen is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. Set against the backdrop of Mars and its surrounding celestial bodies, the story follows the character Torry as he navigates a web of danger and intrigue revolving around his former partner, the notorious criminal Bart Roper. The novel encompasses themes of obsession, morality, and the interplay between personal ambitions and the treacherous consequences of one’s past decisions. The plot begins with Torry embarking on a quest to locate Roper after a prison escape, driven by his desire to claim a stake in the transuranic resource market that Roper has supposedly tapped. As Torry delves deeper into the criminal underbelly of Mars, he encounters Tharol Sen, Roper's intended bride, who is entangled in Roper's plans involving a mysterious matter transmitter. The narrative unfolds with Torry risking his life in pursuit of Roper, while navigating conflicts with local law enforcement and rival factions. Ultimately, Torry faces a moral dilemma when confronting Roper, who presents a grim choice between life on Earth, potential rehabilitation, and the darkness of death. The novel culminates in a blend of human complexity, personal redemption, and a touch of romance, set against the vivid and surreal landscapes of Triton, one of Neptune's moons.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
Problem in solid
"Problem in Solid" by George O. Smith is a science fiction story published in the late 1940s. The narrative revolves around advanced concepts of photography and duplication, exploring the implications of creating three-dimensional images and the complex moral consequences that ensue from such technology. The plot centers on Martin Hammer, a film producer, and Tim Woodart, an engineer who has invented a revolutionary way to create lifelike, three-dimensional images. The story takes a darker turn with the character Harry Foster, a motion picture star whose duplicity leads him to create a duplicate of himself, which ultimately results in murder. As the investigation unfolds, themes of identity, morality, and the nature of existence are examined, culminating in a courtroom drama where the distinctions between original and duplicate become entangled in a legal and ethical quagmire. The story highlights the consequences of technological advancement and raises questions about life, reality, and the law in a unique narrative style.
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