Subject
Plants -- Fiction Books
Best books
Nelson S. Bond
The love song of Lancelot Biggs
"The Love Song of Lancelot Biggs" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novella written in the early 1940s. The story follows Lt. Lancelot Biggs and his crew aboard the space-freighter "Saturn" as they embark on an unusual mission delivering flower seeds to the moon of Iapetus. The tale combines elements of humor, adventure, and romance, presenting Lancelot Biggs as a well-meaning but eccentric character whose unconventional ideas lead to unforeseen complications. In the narrative, Lt. Biggs is excited to surprise his wife Diane with fresh flowers on the anniversary of their wedding, but his plans spiral out of control when an experiment to hasten the growth of the seeds results in unexpected mutations. The crew races against time and a competing corporation, as they attempt to reach Iapetus before their rivals. Amidst the chaos, Biggs' determination leads to the discovery of a unique blue rose, which ultimately provides a twist to the mission that holds the potential for great fortune. The story explores themes of love, ingenuity, and the clash between ambition and reality set against a whimsical space opera backdrop.
Margaret St. Clair
Flowering Evil
"Flowering Evil" by Margaret St. Clair is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around Aunt Amy Dinsmore and her peculiar relationship with a carnivorous plant called the Venusian Rambler, which her nephew Robert has sent her from a distant planet. The story explores themes of domesticity, obsession, and the potential dangers lurking in nature, particularly when it comes to what is perceived as beautiful or exotic. The plot unfolds as Aunt Amy becomes increasingly captivated by the Venusian Rambler despite warnings from Captain Bjornson about the plant's potential dangers. As she tries to care for it, she begins experiencing unsettling dreams that hint at a dark connection to the plant. The tension escalates when Aunt Amy loses control over herself and her mind becomes intertwined with the plant's will, leading to a horrifying confrontation. In a moment of clarity, she fights back, ultimately leading to a bizarre and unsettling resolution. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the allure of the exotic and the thin line between nurturing and danger, culminating in a darkly ironic twist that challenges the reader's perceptions of morality and domestic life.
P. Schuyler (Peter Schuyler) Miller
The Facts of Life
"The Facts of Life" by P. Schuyler Miller is a science fiction story written during the mid-20th century. The book revolves around the concept of botanical life, particularly through the lens of an eccentric professor and his extraordinary plant, the Zulu rose. It delves into themes of education, companionship, and the intersection of human emotions and botanical life. The narrative follows James Abercrombie as he reunites with his former teacher, Professor Melchizedek Hobbs, who has become obsessed with cultivating the Zulu rose—a plant that exhibits unusual, almost animalistic characteristics. As James learns about the professor's experiments, he discovers that these plants possess a profound connection with their caretaker, engaging in behaviors reminiscent of human relationships. The story culminates in a series of events that leads to the extinction of the Zulu rose in the Western Hemisphere, igniting themes of loneliness and loss. Through its whimsical and somewhat bizarre premise, the book explores the intricate bonds that can develop between humans and nature, alongside a commentary on societal perceptions of unconventionality.
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