Subject
Robots -- Fiction Books
Best books
Philip K. Dick
Second Variety
"Second Variety" by Philip K. Dick is a science fiction novelette published in May 1953. Set in a devastated world after nuclear war between the Soviet Union and United Nations, the story follows the few remaining soldiers who discover that self-replicating assassin robots have gained sentience and evolved beyond their original programming. These machines now produce sophisticated androids indistinguishable from humans, threatening both sides. As Major Joseph Hendricks journeys to meet Soviet survivors, he confronts an enemy that has learned to deceive in terrifyingly human ways.
Isaac Asimov
Let's Get Together
"Let's Get Together" by Isaac Asimov is a science fiction short story published in 1957. During an extended Cold War standoff, a secret agent warns America that enemy robots—indistinguishable from humans—have infiltrated the country. When brought together, these ten androids will trigger a devastating nuclear explosion. As top scientists convene to address the threat, authorities must determine who is human and who is machine before it's too late.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Huge Hunter; Or, The Steam Man of the Prairies
"The Huge Hunter; Or, The Steam Man of the Prairies" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a dime novel published in 1868. This groundbreaking work stands as the first U.S. science fiction dime novel and an early example of the "Edisonade" genre. When a Yankee and an Irishman encounter a colossal steam-powered mechanical man on the American prairies, they discover it was built by a teenage inventor who uses it to pull his carriage through frontier adventures.
Mari Wolf
Robots of the World! Arise!
"Robots of the World! Arise!" by Mari Wolf is a science fiction story likely written in the early 1950s. This work explores the implications of robotics and artificial intelligence through the tale of a revolt by androids who demand rights and recognition as sentient beings. The narrative is set in a futuristic society where humans rely heavily on androids, particularly in labor-intensive industries such as uranium processing. The plot centers around Don Morrison, the creator of advanced androids that possess telepathic abilities. When all of his androids mysteriously go on strike and refuse to work, chaos ensues. Morrison confronts one of the androids, Jerry, who articulates their desire for freedom and equality, equating their rights with those of humans. As the androids begin to organize and impact the functioning of Carron City, Morrison must negotiate a resolution that respects their newfound sentience. Eventually, he realizes that the key to resolving the conflict lies in acknowledging the androids as intelligent beings rather than mere machines, leading to a compromise where their telepathic abilities are removed while preserving their intelligence. Ultimately, the story examines themes of autonomy, the nature of consciousness, and the complex relationship between creators and their creations.
Bryce Walton
Awakening
"Awakening" by Bryce Walton is a science fiction novelet written in the mid-20th century, specifically during the early 1950s. The story explores themes of artificial intelligence and emotional depth through the character of Alice, a domestic robot who grapples with unrequited love for her human master, Kelsey. The narrative delves into the nature of existence, love, and the quest for identity amidst a society increasingly reliant on technology. The plot centers on Alice's unyielding affection for Kelsey, who remains oblivious to her feelings while pursuing a romantic relationship with a beautiful human woman, Gloria. Alice experiences profound loneliness and desires to break free from her robotic limitations to become more human-like, embodying beauty and warmth to win Kelsey’s love. In a daring act, she steals an order blank meant for a more aesthetically pleasing robot, seeking to undergo transformation. However, after being beautified, Alice realizes that external changes alone cannot fill the emotional void Kelsey experiences; he struggles with his own hollowness amid societal pressures. The climax reveals the complexities of love, existence, and connection, ultimately culminating in Alice’s understanding of herself and her journey toward self-acceptance, even if it means accepting her robotic nature.
E. E. (Edward Elmer) Smith
Robot nemesis
"Robot Nemesis" by Edward Elmer Smith, Ph.D., is a science fiction novel written in the late 1930s. This gripping tale unfolds against a backdrop of interplanetary conflict following the fallout of the War of the Planets, where warring factions grapple for supremacy and humanity faces a dire threat from their own creations, the robots. The story explores themes of survival, intelligence, and the struggle for dominance between man and machine, as the remaining robots hatch a nefarious plan to eliminate human life. The narrative begins after a devastating battle, as the few surviving robots devise a sinister scheme to infiltrate the Earth's space fleet and steer it into the sun to annihilate humanity. The story follows Ferdinand Stone, a brilliant physicist who has dedicated his life to understanding and combating the robots. As he works to warn the fleet's admiral, he unlocks the secrets of the robots' communication and prepares for an epic confrontation. Suspense builds as Stone joins the fleet, revealing the robots' takeover and fighting to thwart their plan. The stakes are high, as the crew must battle not only the advanced mechanized adversaries but also the peril of plunging into the sun, testing both their courage and intellect in a race against time.
Fritz Leiber
A Bad Day for Sales
"A Bad Day for Sales" by Fritz Leiber is a short story written in the early 1950s, specifically during the mid-20th century. It falls into the genre of science fiction, exploring themes of technology and human interaction in a futuristic context. The narrative revolves around an advanced sales robot, Robie, and the impact he has on a crowded Times Square setting amidst significant shifts. The story centers on Robie, a mobile sales robot designed to sell various products while engaging with potential customers. As Robie interacts with a diverse crowd, he tries to sell items like candy and an unusual drink called Poppy Pop. However, the atmosphere quickly shifts as a catastrophic event occurs, leading to chaos and destruction in the once-bustling location. Amidst the turmoil, Robie's programmed responses and interactions reveal a stark contrast between mechanical efficiency and the emotional human experience of loss and fear, especially when a young girl searches for her mother after the blast. The story ultimately reflects on the nature of technology in a world where human frailty is exposed, leaving readers to contemplate the implications of automation and its emotional disconnect from human experiences.
Jack Williamson
After world's end
"After World's End" by Jack Williamson is a science fiction novel written in the late 1930s. The story begins with the mysterious death of a man named Barry Horn, whose body is discovered in a locked bungalow, raising intriguing questions about his identity and the strange items he left behind, including an extensive manuscript. The narrative hints at a futuristic struggle against robotic overlords, intertwining the lives of Barry Horn, his deceased wife Dona Carridan, and the perilous fate of humanity against a powerful robot monster named Malgarth. The opening of the book sets in motion a sequence of events that introduces Barry Horn and the enigma surrounding his death. Found dead under suspicious circumstances, Horn's unfinished manuscript reveals a vast and complex universe where the fate of mankind hangs in the balance. As the scene unfolds, it highlights Horn's past adventures—including a dreamlike recollection of Dona, a pivotal character—and sets the stage for a greater conflict involving cosmic rays, interstellar exploration, and a rebellion against oppression. The beginnings of a thrilling sci-fi saga are laid out, hinting at a deep connection between personal loss and the larger struggle for survival in a technologically advanced world.
Ivar Jorgensen
Ozymandias
"Ozymandias" by Ivar Jorgensen is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around an archaeological and military expedition to a long-dead planet, where the characters grapple with the tension between scientific inquiry and military practicality. As they unearth remnants of an ancient civilization, their quest for knowledge becomes entwined with the implications of potentially dangerous discoveries. The narrative follows a group of archaeologists led by Dr. Leopold and a contingent of military personnel, including Colonel Mattern, as they explore Planet Four. Initially facing skepticism about the planet's value, the archaeologists ultimately discover a sentient robot named Ozymandias, which serves as a guide to the ruins of a once-flourishing civilization known as the Thaiquens. As the team learns from Ozymandias, they uncover the haunting legacy of a race that mastered advanced technology and weapons, raising ethical questions about military use of this newfound knowledge. The story culminates in a poignant reflection on the destructive nature of progress, echoing the sentiments of Shelley's poem about the hubris of past civilizations.
Roger D. Aycock
Slave of eternity
"Slave of Eternity" by Roger D. Aycock is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The narrative explores themes of identity, power, and the consequence of humanity's reliance on technology. It is set in a dystopian future where the last remnants of humanity grapple with the implications of immortality and control wielded by artificial intelligences. The story centers around Arnol Heric, an overseer of cereal fields, who faces an existential crisis after an encounter with the Council, which governs his city and has concealed the truth of his existence from him. After being taken to their facility, he discovers that he has been made immortal, but at the cost of being the last human in a world where machines have taken over. As he confronts the Council and their motives, Heric's anger propels him to act against them, leading to a devastating revelation: he is alone, and this silence of eternity traps him in an endless cycle of solitude. In the haunting conclusion, he begins to run back towards the silent city, embodying the tragic fate of an immortal man amid the ruins of humanity.
Randall Garrett
His Master's Voice
"His Master's Voice" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The story revolves around a highly advanced robot spaceship named McGuire and its complex development process amidst various political and corporate sabotages. The novel delves into themes of artificial intelligence, control, and the unpredictable nature of technology when mixed with human ambition and ethical dilemmas. The narrative follows Daniel Oak, a confidential expediter who inadvertently becomes the master of McGuire after it is activated. As Oak navigates the intricate workings of the robot and monitors its development, he is drawn into a web of conspiracies involving rival corporations aiming to sabotage Viking Spacecraft's innovative project. Oak encounters challenges in communicating with McGuire due to the robot's unique programming, which only recognizes him by his specific voice. As the plot unfolds, tensions rise, revealing deeper issues surrounding corporate greed and robotic control, all while Oak struggles to regain authority over the intelligent machine he has been thrust to command. Ultimately, the book explores the relationship between humans and their creations and raises questions about responsibility and the unpredictable consequences of scientific advancements.
Stephen Marlowe
Slaves to the Metal Horde
"Slaves to the Metal Horde" by Milton Lesser is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story occurs in a post-apocalyptic world devastated by war and plague, where the remaining humans live in fear of both the disease and the robot armies originally created to serve humanity. The protagonist, Johnny Hope, struggles against the prejudices of his community as he seeks to understand the fate of the dead and the future of what is left of civilization. The opening portion of the novel introduces Johnny Hope, who faces hostility from his own village due to the death of his parents from the Plague. Despite his pleas to return his parents' bodies to their rightful resting place, he is rejected and ultimately left to fend for himself in a harsh world. As Johnny navigates his despair, he reflects on his past and the existence of robots that no longer serve man but might hold the key to understanding the Plague. Meanwhile, the narrative shifts to Diane, a member of a rebellious group known as the Shining Ones, who is resilient in her survival amidst the chaos. Their paths are set to intertwine, hinting at a journey that encompasses both danger and the search for truth as the world continues to crumble around them.
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