Subject
Physicists -- Fiction Books
Best books
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.
R. R. (Russell Robert) Winterbotham
Equation for Time
"Equation for Time" by R. R. Winterbotham is a science fiction novel written in the early 21st century. Set in a future where horses have become extinct and time travel is theoretically possible, the story follows Dr. Fred Huckins, a surgeon who becomes embroiled in a plot involving the brilliant physicist Trella Mayo and the menacing Gustav Keeshwar. The novel explores themes of time, science, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding technological advancements. The narrative begins when Huckins encounters Keeshwar, who offers him a million dollars to perform a dangerous operation on Trella Mayo, a scientist on the verge of a groundbreaking locomotion invention. As threats against her life emerge, Huckins learns about Trella's creation of a machine called the "space-time translator," designed to transport objects through time and space. When an attempt on Trella's life results in her becoming physically split between two points in space-time, Huckins races against time to reunite her halves using mathematical principles of time travel. The story culminates in their successful reunion and poses philosophical questions about time and existence, presenting a blend of intrigue, romance, and speculative science.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
The kingdom of the blind
"The Kingdom of the Blind" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around James Forrest Carroll, a brilliant physicist, who suffers from severe amnesia following a mysterious incident related to the Lawson Radiation. The narrative delves into themes of identity, the impacts of traumatic experiences, and the quest for knowledge against a backdrop of alien influence on Earth’s scientific progress. The opening of the novel introduces Doctor Pollard, a psychologist, as he grapples with the puzzling case of James Forrest Carroll, who cannot acknowledge his own identity. Embedded within a larger conspiracy surrounding the Lawson Radiation, Pollard and his colleague, John Majors, struggle to understand Carroll’s condition while hinting at broader ramifications for humanity’s understanding of interstellar science. As Carroll navigates his new reality, he begins to experience inexplicable urges to reconnect with his former life, suggesting layers of complexity regarding his lost memories and the threat posed by unseen alien forces monitoring his progress. The stage is set for a compelling exploration of the interplay between intellect, memory, and the unknown, inviting readers on a journey filled with intrigue and existential challenges.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
Dark recess
"Dark Recess" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story delves into complex themes of mathematics, psychology, and the dangers of unrestrained scientific exploration. The primary narrative follows Clifford Maculay, a gifted physicist who, while on a sabbatical, unwittingly becomes involved in a cosmic mystery that threatens the very fabric of the universe due to his groundbreaking equations on negative space. In this tale, Clifford Maculay struggles with personal and professional challenges, ultimately undergoing a transformation due to a unique therapeutic approach from Doctor Hanson. As he is hypnotized and encouraged to abandon his obsessive work ethic, Maculay explores a freer, more liberated lifestyle. This leads him to a series of escapades on Venus, where he meets and develops a dynamic relationship with Ava Longacre. However, a looming threat emerges when his assistant, Redmond, seeks to unravel the mysteries of Maculay's theories, potentially unleashing catastrophic consequences. The novel intricately weaves themes of self-discovery and the perils of ambition, culminating in a dramatic revelation about the effects of manipulating space and time.
C. C. MacApp
All That Earthly Remains
"All That Earthly Remains" by C. C. MacApp is a science fiction novel written during the early 1960s. The book intriguingly explores themes surrounding ancient civilizations, the intersection of science and spirituality, and impending disaster, as a group of characters navigates the aftermath of a mysterious nuclear explosion in a remote Andean region. The story centers around Dr. Luis Craig, a nuclear physicist, who is called to investigate the explosion that has uncovered ancient tunnels and is believed to possibly connect to extraterrestrial forces. The narrative follows Dr. Craig as he joins a diverse group, including a priest, a general, and an indigenous guide, embarking on an expedition to the explosion site. As they delve deeper into the tunnels, they encounter a glowing, intelligent entity that reveals connections to both biblical tales and potentially destructive technology. The exploration leads to philosophical confrontations about faith, power, and morality, especially illustrated through interactions between Craig and the priest, Brulieres. Ultimately, the group is faced with the implications of what they discover, blending elements of science fiction with existential reflections, culminating in a confrontation that tests their beliefs and the very nature of humanity.
P. Schuyler (Peter Schuyler) Miller
The Ultimate Image
"The Ultimate Image" by P. Schuyler Miller is a science fiction novel written during the mid-20th century. The book explores advanced concepts in physics and technology, particularly the intersections of science with espionage and defense, as a small group attempts to avert a significant threat. The narrative centers around the character Pierre Dampier, a physicist who claims to have created a weapon that can render attacks ineffective. In the story, journalist Mike Crandall and his colleague Bill Porter find themselves entangled in a high-stakes situation involving an assassination attempt on a Middle-European ambassador by Dampier. After an intense struggle, they discover Dampier's motives are tied to a revolutionary scientific breakthrough: a device capable of creating a zone of total reflection, which protects against any form of attack. As they delve deeper into the implications of this technology, they face threats from various entities, including the very ambassador Dampier sought to eliminate. In a climax of tension and unintended consequences, Dampier's experiment spirals out of control, leading to a catastrophic explosion that challenges the nature of existence and the fabric of reality itself. The book raises profound questions about the universe, the nature of reality, and the consequences of scientific ambition.
Daniel R. Gilgannon
Stopwatch on the world
"Stopwatch on the World" by Daniel R. Gilgannon is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around an urgent global crisis initiated by a physicist named Chetzisky, who threatens to annihilate the Earth unless the United Nations achieves peace within a month. The narrative follows two determined men, Doctor Arnold Bailey and Colonel Jim Armstrong, racing against time to track down Chetzisky and prevent disaster. The novel captures a gripping journey filled with tension and intrigue as Bailey secures his way into the ominous world of nuclear science and global politics. After receiving the threatening letter from Chetzisky, Bailey, alongside Armstrong, embarks on a perilous chase that takes him from Washington to the jungles of the Congo, and ultimately to the remote Canadian wilderness. The plot thickens as Bailey discovers that Chetzisky has a dangerous plan involving a radioactive element with apocalyptic implications. As the clock ticks down, Bailey's race against time is marked by his encounter with various characters, including Doctor MacRoberts, who plays a critical role in the unfolding of events. The story culminates in a fierce confrontation that underscores themes of human ambition, the consequences of scientific discovery, and the existential threat of nuclear war.
Edmond Hamilton
The invisible master
"The Invisible Master" by Edmond Hamilton is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. At its core, the story revolves around the intriguing concept of invisibility, exploring the implications and consequences of such a power when it falls into the wrong hands. The narrative delves into themes of crime, fear, and the intricacies of human nature as societal panic unfolds due to the unprecedented abilities of a villain known as the Invisible Master. The plot follows Charlie Carton, a reporter who witnesses a remarkable demonstration by Dr. Howard Grantham, a physicist claiming to have discovered a method of making objects invisible. However, when Grantham's invention is stolen, chaos ensues in New York City as the Invisible Master emerges, committing audacious robberies and a murder in rapid succession. As law enforcement grapples with the reality of an invisible criminal on the loose, it becomes apparent that the true mastermind may not be the figure of horror they imagine. In a twist, it is revealed that Grantham orchestrated the entire scheme to fund his research and ensure his theories were taken seriously, leading to catastrophic consequences that stemmed from the fear he cultivated within society.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
The world-mover
"The World-Mover" by George O. Smith is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Les Ackerman, a scientist who unwittingly triggers a catastrophic nuclear explosion, which leads to his being caught between two alternate realities—one where he survives and one where he faces the consequences of his experiment. As he navigates these bizarre circumstances, he becomes the focal point for factions from both worlds that believe he holds the key to resolving their conflicts. At the start of the narrative, Les Ackerman is deeply engrossed in his research on a newly discovered transuranic element, Element X, when a nuclear incident propels him into a state of limbo, observing the chaos that ensues from the explosion he caused. Stranded between two realities, he witnesses the aftermath of the catastrophe, struggling to reconcile his existence with the fact that others perceive him as dead. The arrival of Tansie Lee introduces additional complexity, as she explains to him his critical role in the unfolding events and the necessity for his involvement to navigate the dual paths of existence stemming from his experiment. As he grapples with his newfound status, he also faces external pressures from various characters who have their own motivations regarding his fate and the fate of both worlds.
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.
Lee Wallot
Corbow's Theory
"Corbow's Theory" by Lee Wallot is a science fiction novella published in the mid-20th century, specifically in the 1950s. The plot centers around the innovative designs of rocket technology and interstellar travel, focusing on the challenges faced by two engineers, Bronsen Corbow and Mars Kenton, as they grapple with both personal conflicts and technological limitations in their ambitious quest to revolutionize space exploration. The story unfolds in a high-stakes laboratory setting on the moon, where Bronsen is determined to advance rocket design beyond the conventional interstellar drive reliant on the scarce fuel Carbolium. Despite pushback from his assistant, Mars, an experienced but embittered ex-astronaut, Bronsen proposes a radical new launch method likened to a rifled barrel to achieve greater speeds and efficiency. After a disastrous maiden flight of their prototype rocket leads to tragedy, the two men confront their egos and insecurities. In a climactic reconciliation, they discover the crucial design flaw responsible for the crash. With newfound collaboration, they succeed in launching a prototype, opening a promising future for space travel. The novella explores themes of ambition, redemption, and the intersection of innovation and experience.
Jim Wannamaker
Death's Wisher
"Death's Wisher" by Jim Wannamaker is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The narrative revolves around themes of telepathy, psychokinesis, and the ethical implications of possessing such powers, uncovering the potential dangers that accompany extraordinary mental abilities. The story unfolds against a backdrop of government secrecy related to nuclear physics and explores the balance between the safety of millions and the rights of an individual. The plot follows Patrick Flinn, a parapsychologist with telepathic abilities, who is recruited by the government after a failed nuclear test leads to concerns about a scientist named Malcolm Dobbs. Dobbs possesses psychokinetic powers that allow him to manipulate atomic structures, posing a threat to global safety. As Flinn attempts to understand and counter Dobbs's abilities, he grapples with the moral dilemmas of using his own powers to stop a man who might be capable of catastrophic destruction. The tension escalates as Flinn learns of a conspiracy to eliminate Dobbs, leading to a confrontation filled with high stakes, ethical considerations, and a deep examination of the nature of power and responsibility. The climax raises questions about the cost of security and the implications of sacrificing one for the many, leaving Flinn—and the reader—haunted by the consequences of their actions.
Recently surfaced classics