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Space travelers -- Fiction Books
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Judith Merril
The tomorrow people : $b a science fiction novel
Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Tomorrow_People_(novel)
Garrett Putman Serviss
Edison's Conquest of Mars
"Edison's Conquest of Mars" by Garrett P. Serviss is a science fiction novel published in 1898. Written as a sequel to an unauthorized version of H. G. Wells's "The War of the Worlds," the story follows inventor Thomas Edison as he leads Earth's united nations in a counterattack against Mars. After studying captured Martian technology, Edison develops anti-gravity ships and disintegration rays. The expedition ventures through space, battles alien forces, and ultimately confronts the Martians on their home planet in humanity's fight for survival.
Garrett Putman Serviss
Edison's Conquest of Mars
"Edison's Conquest of Mars" by Garrett P. Serviss is a science fiction novel published in 1898. Written as a sequel to an unauthorized version of H. G. Wells's "The War of the Worlds," the story follows Thomas Edison leading Earth's united forces in a counter-attack against Mars. After developing revolutionary technology including anti-gravity ships and disintegration rays, humanity launches an armada into space. The novel pioneered numerous science fiction concepts, from space suits to asteroid mining, making Serviss arguably the first American professional science fiction writer.
A. E. (Alfred Elton) Van Vogt
The expendables
"The Expendables" by A. E. Van Vogt is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s, emerging from a period when space exploration was a burgeoning theme in literature. The book explores themes of power, survival, and human ingenuity in a high-stakes interstellar setting. It tells the story of a spaceship carrying generations of colonists as they face existential threats from alien beings and internal discord. In the narrative, the spaceship "Hope of Man" arrives at the alien world of Alta III, where the crew must navigate a complex web of power struggles and alien encounters. When Captain Browne decides to send a lifeboat crew to the planet, tensions rise as John Lesbee, a skilled technician, recognizes that he and his conspiratorial friends are being manipulated into a dangerous situation. Upon encountering the telepathic Karn aliens, Lesbee seizes on the opportunity to turn the tables against Browne, who represents a lineage of command that oppresses his own family. As the tension escalates to a climax involving betrayal, strategic maneuvers, and the quest for supremacy, Lesbee must ultimately decide between power and the well-being of the entire expedition. With themes of betrayal and the question of what it means to be "expendable," Van Vogt's story engages with notions of loyalty, authority, and the moral complexities of leadership.
Murray Leinster
Men into space
"Men into Space" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction novel written in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around the character First Lieutenant Ed McCauley as he embarks on a groundbreaking rocket flight—the first manned endeavor into space. The book delves into the excitement, fears, and challenges of being a pioneer in space travel, exploring themes of adventure and human ingenuity against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The opening of the novel introduces Ed McCauley on the day of his historic rocket launch. He wakes up filled with a mixture of anticipation and anxiety, recalling the preparations and the immense significance of his mission. As he navigates through the day, we see his interactions with friends and colleagues who express both envy and concern for him. The opening chapters effectively build suspense leading up to the launch, touching on McCauley’s personal reflections on bravery and the unknown as he undergoes final checks. The atmosphere is both thrilling and tense, capturing the monumental moment when he becomes the first human to travel into space, ultimately transforming his fate and perceptions of the world.
Edward W. Ludwig
Spacemen Die at Home
"Spacemen Die at Home" by Edward W. Ludwig is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. Set in a future where interplanetary travel is becoming a reality, the book primarily explores themes of ambition, the intrinsic pull of the stars, and the personal sacrifices that come with the pursuit of dreams. It reflects on the duality of human desires—the longing for exploration versus the longing for stability and companionship. The narrative follows Ben, a young man freshly graduated from the U.S. Academy of Interplanetary Flight, as he grapples with the choice between a life of adventure as a spaceman or a more grounded existence on Earth with the woman he loves, Laura. Through his interactions with Stardust Charlie, an aging spaceman who embodies both the glory and the grim realities of life in space, Ben reflects on the costs of cosmic exploration. After Charlie's unexpected death and the emotional turmoil that follows, Ben ultimately chooses to stay on Earth, opting for a conventional life filled with love, family, and security—a poignant reminder of the sacrifices often made for one's dreams. The story captures the essence of existential dilemma, poignantly emphasizing that not all dreams can be fulfilled without losing something precious in the process.
Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger
Scanners live in vain
"Scanners live in vain" by Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger is a science fiction short story written in 1945. In a future where space travel causes unbearable pain and death, only Scanners—volunteers who have severed their sensory nerves—can crew starships. When a scientist discovers a way to make Scanners obsolete, their guild faces extinction and votes for murder. Scanner Martel must choose between loyalty to his brotherhood and preventing an assassination that could restore his lost humanity.
Clifford D. Simak
Mr. Meek—Musketeer
"Mr. Meek—Musketeer" by Clifford D. Simak is a science fiction novel written during the early to mid-20th century. The story follows Oliver Meek, a timid middle-aged bookkeeper who, after many years of dreaming about adventure among the stars, embarks on an extraordinary journey into the Solar System. With a rocket ship and a desire for exploration, he finds himself caught up in unexpected peril and excitement, leading him to confront dangers he never anticipated. The narrative centers around Oliver Meek, who, disillusioned with his mundane life, seizes the opportunity to travel beyond Earth. Upon arriving at the chaotic Asteroid City, he accidentally reveals a surprising talent for gunfighting when he defends himself against a local thug. This unwitting act thrusts him into a role as a reluctant marshal, as the townspeople implore him to rid their city of the criminal element. Along the way, he encounters the mysterious Asteroid Prowler and discovers it has a connection to ancient alien inscriptions found nearby. Ultimately, his journey of self-discovery and heroism culminates in a blend of humor, danger, and an exploration of life's unpredictable nature, demonstrating that even the most unassuming individuals can rise to challenges with courage and ingenuity.
Alfred Coppel
Touch the sky
"Touch the Sky" by Alfred Coppel is a science fiction short story first published in the summer of 1955. The narrative explores themes of ambition, dreams, and existential dread as it follows the character Pete Moore, who is preparing for a moonshot mission. The story captures a moment of reflection during his last night before the journey, contrasting his hopeful aspirations with the surreal and often disappointing nature of reality. In the story, Pete Moore grapples with the tension between his ambitions and the nagging fear stemming from a carnival ride that is meant to symbolize the excitement and wonder of space exploration. As he prepares for his moonshot, Pete navigates his complex feelings about leaving the familiar world behind for the allure of the cosmos. His reality shifts dramatically during the flight, where he experiences a hallucination that reveals a startling perspective: the universe may not be as it seems, potentially a mere illusion, leading to a profound realization about man's aspirations and the limits of his journey. In the end, the story culminates in a poignant moment where he acknowledges the frailty of his dreams but embraces the profound experience of touching the sky.
Frank Belknap Long
And we sailed the mighty dark
"And We Sailed the Mighty Dark" by Frank Belknap Long is a science fiction novelet written in the late 1940s. The story revolves around themes of adventure in space and the exploration of human emotions against the backdrop of a lost ship and its haunting history. It presents a blend of speculative elements with vivid characterizations as it navigates the vastness of deep space. The plot follows Jim Sanders and his companion Pete as they embark on a journey through the remnants of old ships in a graveyard on the outskirts of the solar system. After Jim's streak of bad luck in gambling, he decides to purchase an old spacecraft, convinced it will lead them back to Earth. However, upon takeoff, they encounter bizarre phenomena, including a vision of a mysterious woman, which turns out to be an illusion created by a creature known as a mirage pup. The mirage pup remembers a girl who died on the ship long ago, manifesting its memories as real figures and places. As the story unfolds, they confront both the trials of their physical journey through space and the emotional weight of lost love and memories, leading to a poignant conclusion as Jim reconnects with the past and finds hope for the future.
Edward W. Ludwig
The Lonely Ones
"The Lonely Ones" by Edward W. Ludwig is a science fiction novel that was published in the early 1950s. The story revolves around a group of astronauts aboard the spaceship "Wanderer" as they embark on a long journey into deep space, seeking the existence of life beyond Earth. The narrative explores themes of isolation, hope, and the psychological impact of loneliness on the human mind as the crew faces the vast emptiness of the universe. As the crew approaches Proxima Centauri, excitement and trepidation fill their hearts. After years of traveling through dead worlds, their hopes soar when they finally spot a gray planet they believe to harbor life. However, upon landing, they encounter an advanced, telepathic civilization who informs them that contact is impossible due to their lower level of development. Devastated yet enlightened, they realize humanity's insignificance amidst the cosmos and the necessity of continual exploration. The journey culminates in a renewed sense of hope as they set their sights on Alpha Centauri, implying that the quest for connection and understanding will continue.
James V. McConnell
Avoidance Situation
"Avoidance Situation" by James V. McConnell is a science fiction narrative written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around Captain Allen Hawkins and his crew aboard the spaceship "Sunward", who find themselves in a dire predicament with the alien Dakn Empire, facing an ultimatum that threatens the very existence of humanity. The book explores themes of choice, survival, and the human spirit when confronted with overwhelming odds. The plot follows the crew of the "Sunward" as they discover a new habitable planet named Trellis and subsequently encounter an alien named Lan Sur, who presents them with a dire choice: surrender to the Dakn Empire or face annihilation. Captain Hawkins grapples with the implications of this decision, emphasizing the need for humanity's survival over pride. As they attempt to prepare for the inevitable confrontation, they also confront their own emotional responses and the weight of their choices. Ultimately, Hawkins devises a daring plan to escape by using the ship's subspace drive, leading to a climactic moment that not only determines the fate of his crew but also shapes the future trajectory of the human race in the cosmos.
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