Subject
Science fiction -- Authorship -- Fiction Books
Best books
Damon Knight
A Likely Story
"A Likely Story" by Damon Knight is a science fiction narrative written in the mid-20th century. Set against the backdrop of a humorous and chaotic Christmas party in New York City, the book revolves around a group of science fiction writers who experience bizarre, inexplicable phenomena that disrupt their festive gathering. The story dives into themes of creativity, the unpredictable nature of scientific exploration, and the quirks of the writer's life. The plot centers on the protagonist, who navigates this peculiar evening filled with erratic happenings, such as strange weather conditions and bizarre occurrences that trigger laughter and confusion among the partygoers. As chaos escalates, the protagonist engages with various characters, including Ray Alvarez, who speculates on the cause of the disturbances, suggesting they may be linked to a breakthrough in probability manipulation. Ultimately, the mystery unravels, revealing that a young fan, eager for recognition, has unwittingly triggered these events through his newly discovered ability, leaving the science fiction community to grapple with the implications of such power. The narrative combines humor and introspection, highlighting the delicate balance between ambition and the chaos of creativity.
Anthony Boucher
Transfer Point
"Transfer Point" by Anthony Boucher is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a post-apocalyptic world where the remnants of humanity are slowly being wiped out by a new toxic element in the air, agnoton, which causes severe allergic reactions, rendering them unable to breathe. It explores themes of survival, love, and the nature of existence through the experiences of the remaining characters. The narrative follows Vyrko, the last man on Earth in a secluded retreat along with Lavra and her father, the scientist Kirth-Labbery. As the situation grows desperate due to the arrival of deadly yellow bands from an unknown source, Vyrko grapples with his role in preserving humanity through his writings. The interplay between hope and despair unfolds as he and Lavra's relationship develops amidst the backdrop of societal collapse. When Kirth-Labbery hints at the existence of a time machine, the story leads to an unexpected twist involving time travel, forcing Vyrko to confront both his past and future, ultimately questioning the cyclical nature of existence and the impact of his choices. The tale culminates in a poignant exploration of love and identity against an extraordinary sci-fi setting.
Nelson S. Bond
The Ultimate Salient
"The Ultimate Salient" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. The story revolves around Brian O'Shea, a soldier from the future who is connected to a present-day writer, Eben Clinton, through a psychological phenomenon known as telaesthesia. The narrative explores themes of war and survival as O'Shea navigates a defeated America while trying to find hope amidst a totalitarian invasion. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to Eben Clinton, who is interrupted by a mysterious visitor, Dr. Edgar Winslow, seeking his help to transmit a critical message to a future soldier, Brian O'Shea, who will not be born until 1942. The narrative shifts between present-day America and O'Shea's experiences in a war-torn future where he grapples with the consequences of the invasion and the duty to lead his dwindling group of soldiers against overwhelming odds. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that O'Shea and his comrades have little hope left, making their fight for survival even more urgent and poignant. The opening portion sets the stage for an exploration of timeless struggles against oppression, sacrifice, and the quest for freedom, leaving the reader eager to see how these threads will intertwine.
Robert F. Young
The blonde from Barsoom
"The Blonde from Barsoom" by Robert F. Young is a science fiction short story written in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around Harold Worthington Smith, a struggling science fiction writer who becomes deeply entwined in his own fantastical Martian tales. The book engages with themes of creativity, escapism, and the often comical dissonance between reality and fiction, particularly within the context of genre storytelling. In this story, Harold is frustrated by the rejection of his Martian stories, which feature exaggerated characters and improbable scenarios, notably a voluptuous Martian princess named Thejah Doris. As he writes, he inadvertently finds himself transported into his narrative, becoming his protagonist, Thon Carther. The frenzy heightens as Harold and Thejah face threats from a Tark horde, leading to several humorous and absurd plot developments. Ultimately, in a meta twist, Harold realizes he can reshape his own narrative by writing about his life instead of continuing the fictional chase, leading to a satisfying conclusion where he navigates his dual existence between reality and his imaginative storylines.
Charles E. Fritch
Once Upon a Monbeast...
"Once Upon a Monbeast..." by Charles E. Fritch is a science fiction short story written during the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around the struggles of a fledgling science-fiction writer who encounters the whimsical and possibly dangerous consequences of his own imagination when he brings a creature from his writing to reality. The story blends humor and a hint of existentialism as it explores the relationship between creativity and the potential perils that come with it. The plot follows an unnamed protagonist who is initially disheartened by the harsh criticism from the established writer Donald MacDonald. Despite feeling demoralized, he continues to write and eventually receives a publication acceptance, which excites him. However, when he creates a story about a creature called the monbeast, that very creature unexpectedly appears in his life, leading to bizarre and humorous interactions. The monbeast reveals its true nature as a product of the author's imagination and emphasizes that now the responsibility lies with the writer to create more compelling beings, hinting at the inescapable bond between a creator and their creations. The story ends on an eerie note, suggesting that such creatures might be lurking just beyond the veil of reality, leaving readers to ponder the implications of their creative endeavors.
Roger D. Aycock
Travelogue
"Travelogue" by Roger D. Aycock is a science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around the life of Wesley Filburn, a shy and introspective man who unexpectedly embarks on an adventure that introduces him to extraordinary worlds beyond his mundane existence. The novella explores themes of exploration, fantasy, and the yearning for connection, as it entwines the protagonist's journey into a magical dimension with his personal struggles. In this tale, Wesley's quiet life transforms when he saves a tiny, otherworldly child named Mitsik from drowning. This encounter leads Wesley into a fantastical realm where he meets her parents, Clelling and Herif, who are galactic travel agents. They offer Wesley a chance to explore extraordinary planets, igniting his imagination and creativity as a writer. As he delves deeper into this newfound world, he struggles with his everyday responsibilities, familial obligations, and societal expectations, particularly regarding marriage to Miriam Harrell, who represents stability and convention. Ultimately, the allure of the extraordinary pulls Wesley away from what is expected of him, presenting a conflict between adventure and duty that culminates in his decisive departure to a place referred to as Sonimuira. The novella concludes on an open-ended note, leaving readers to ponder the choices we make between mundane existence and the call of adventure.
Emil Petaja
This World is Ours!
"This World is Ours!" by Emil Petaja is a science fiction novel likely written in the early to mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around themes of alien influence and manipulation, specifically focusing on a character embroiled in the world of science fiction publishing who uncovers a dark secret about extraterrestrial beings known as the Kiriki that pose a threat to humanity. The story follows Max Field, a science fiction writer who becomes embroiled in a peculiar and dangerous situation with his enigmatic editor, Wallace Starr. As Max works for the science fiction magazine "Orion," he begins to suspect that Starr is not human but rather a member of the alien Kiriki species, intent on spreading a cosmic agenda of control through their stories. The tension escalates when Max realizes that his new romantic interest, Alice, might also be part of this alien scheme. In a thrilling climax, Max, alongside another writer, Ric Planter, ultimately confronts and overcomes the Kiriki threat through a clever use of insecticide, deciding to launch a counter-narrative to preserve humanity against future invasions. The novel expertly blends elements of suspense and satire, exploring the intersection of fiction and reality while leaving readers pondering the nature of manipulation in storytelling.
Walter Kubilius
Turn backward, o time!
"Turn Backward, O Time!" by Walter Kubilius is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The narrative follows the desperate plight of a man named Donovan, who longs to escape his controlled existence in the 25th century by traveling back to the early 20th century. His desire stems from the harsh realities of a future where rejuvenation is strictly regulated, and one misstep can lead to dire consequences administered by the ruthless Criminal Destroyers (C.D.). The story centers on Donovan’s illicit ambitions to evade societal constraints and regain his youth through unlicensed time travel. Facing threats from the C.D. and grappling with the moral implications of his choices, Donovan ultimately makes a perilous escape to the past, where he attempts to rebuild his life as a painter. As time progresses, he becomes increasingly consumed by the fear of being discovered and loses both his memories and his identity due to the effects of rejuvenation. The climax reveals the intensity of his predicament, as he encounters Edel W. Crane, an agent of the C.D., leading to a chilling conclusion about the futility of his attempts to escape the entrapments of his original time.
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