Subject
Stowaways -- Fiction Books
Best books
Edgar Allan Poe
The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket Comprising the details of a mutiny and atrocious butchery on board the American brig Grampus, on her way to the South Seas, in the month of June, 1827.
"The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket" by Edgar Allan Poe is a novel written and published in 1838. Young Arthur Gordon Pym stows away on a whaling ship, launching a harrowing maritime adventure filled with mutiny, shipwreck, and survival against impossible odds. As Pym journeys ever southward toward the Antarctic, his voyage grows increasingly strange and unsettling. Poe's only complete novel blends realistic seafaring detail with mysterious elements that defy easy explanation, culminating in an enigmatic ending near the South Pole.
Donald A. Wollheim
One Against the Moon
"One Against the Moon" by Donald A. Wollheim is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story centers around Robin Carew, a young orphan with dreams of space exploration, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he pursues a chance to work with rockets at the White Sands Proving Grounds. As Robin embarks on this journey, he grapples with his humble beginnings, yearning for opportunity and adventure amid the backdrop of the burgeoning space race. The opening of the novel introduces Robin Carew as he navigates his routine life as a factory apprentice, marked by his dreams of the stars and fascination with rocketry. After learning about unexpected layoffs at his job, Robin seizes the opportunity to hitchhike across the country towards the rocket launch sites in New Mexico, driven by a deep desire to be part of the adventure unfolding in the skies. He faces the challenges of being an orphan and his perceived limitations but remains hopeful, ultimately making the daring decision to sneak onto a rocket destined for the moon. This pivotal moment sets the stage for a dramatic tale of exploration and discovery that pushes the boundaries of space travel.
Roger D. Aycock
Palimpsest
"Palimpsest" by Roger D. Aycock is a science fiction novel written during the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of human origin, survival, and identity as it follows a crew of Earthmen who embark on a mission to colonize Venus after Earth has been destroyed. The title suggests the layers of history and identity that may exist within different worlds, drawing a parallel between the physical journey into space and the broader philosophical questions of humanity’s place in the universe. In the storyline, the crew of the spaceship Terra IV, led by Val Conna, discovers that they are not alone on Venus as they initially believed; they encounter a group of human descendants from a previous mission, the Connors. Throughout their journey, tension arises between the crew and Hanlon, a menacing stowaway who is struggling with his identity and purpose after being discharged from the Foundation's training program. As they grapple with the consequences of their mission and the destruction of Earth, they must confront both their individual insecurities and the implications of creating a new human race, concluding with a discovery about their origins that challenges their preconceived notions of humanity.
William Tenn
Venus is a Man's World
"Venus Is a Man's World" by William Tenn is a science fiction short story originally published in the early 1950s. Set in a futuristic world where societal roles have dramatically shifted, the narrative unfolds the travails of Ferdinand Sparling, a young boy traveling to Venus on a spaceship largely filled with women seeking husbands. The story explores themes of gender dynamics within a setting that portrays an inversion of traditional gender roles, posing questions about identity, power, and societal expectations. The plot follows Ferdinand as he grapples with his identity aboard a ship primarily catering to women in their quest for mates on Venus, facing challenges and adventures along the way. He finds himself intertwining with Butt Lee Brown, a rugged Venusian man with a colorful history, who inadvertently ignites Ferdinand's burgeoning understanding of masculinity and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. When Ferdinand's sister, Evelyn, encounters Butt, tensions rise as she struggles with her own expectations and the traditional norms that she has been taught. Ultimately, they navigate a blend of conflict, societal rules, and personal choices leading to unexpected developments that redefine their relationships and roles in this new world. The story combines humor and satire to convey a thought-provoking commentary on gender relations and societal structures.
Henry Hasse
Passage to Planet X
"Passage to Planet X" by Henry Hasse is a science fiction novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The story revolves around a group of adventurers seeking a legendary world beyond Pluto, known as Planet X, filled with the promise of adventure, freedom, and wealth. It reflects the era's fascination with space exploration and adventurous quests into the unknown. The plot follows Mark Travers, who stows away on a spaceship led by the enigmatic Commander Janus, aiming to escape the oppressive influences of an agency known as BINWI. As the crew journeys through space, they not only face the dangers of their clandestine venture but also encounter an extraordinary new world populated by humanoid beings known as Perlacs and strange robots. Their ultimate goal turns into a struggle to defend the civilization on Planet X from the Perlacs while uncovering the secrets of a powerful artifact known as the Stone. The climax involves intense battles, clever technological advancements, and the unique twist of Ketrik—a legendary figure who has transformed into a robot. The narrative blends action, science fiction, and adventure, exploring themes of ingenuity and survival in an alien world.
Bryce Walton
Star bright
"Star Bright" by Bryce Walton is a science fiction novel penned in the early 1950s. The book explores themes of personal reality versus artificial dreams, set against a backdrop of a dystopian future where society is regulated by Personology, a system that enforces emotional suppression and enforces structured fantasy through Sensory Shows as a form of entertainment. The narrative centers on Andy Brooks, a disillusioned Worker who yearns for genuine connection and love, challenging societal norms to seek out the actress of his dreams, Glora Delar. The story follows Andy Brooks as he grapples with his feelings for the actress Glora Delar, feeling trapped by his mundane existence and his ugly marriage. After a deep-seated desire to escape the confines of his dream-filled fantasies and the brutal reality he faces, Andy commits a desperate act that alters his life forever. He sneaks onto a moon rocket, launching him into the glamorous yet hollow world of Studio City, home to the very stars he idolizes. However, upon encountering Glora in person, Andy's ideals are shattered as he confronts the painful realization that the dreams he has chased are merely illusions, as actors are revealed to be hollow representations devoid of human warmth or recognition. In the end, he finds himself caught in the complexities of dreams, reality, and the inherent emptiness of both, leading to a poignant conclusion that reflects on the true nature of love and human experience.
H. B. (Horace Bowne) Fyfe
Luna Escapade
"Luna Escapade" by H. B. Fyfe is a science fiction novella written in the early 1950s. The story unfolds primarily in space, focusing on the exploration and settlement on the Moon and Mars, depicting the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. The central theme revolves around the journey of a young woman attempting to escape her troubled family life, and the consequences of her actions. The plot centers around Pete Dudley, a seasoned pilot of a rocket freighter, who unexpectedly discovers Kathi Foster, a girl who stowed away on his ship bound for Luna. Kathi is escaping a tumultuous family situation tied to her deceased grandfather's fortune, and her desire for independence clashes with the harsh realities of her situation. Throughout their journey, Dudley grapples with his responsibility towards Kathi while navigating his own personal and professional dilemmas. Ultimately, as the story unfolds, it explores the concepts of freedom, choice, and the impact of societal constraints, leading to a poignant resolution that reflects on the importance of individual agency amidst overwhelming odds.
Lu Kella
Image of Splendor
"Image of Splendor" by Lu Kella is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century, specifically during the 1950s. The story explores themes of gender dynamics and societal structure on the planets Earth and Venus, where a young male apprentice, Burnerman O'Rielly, navigates a world dominated by women. The narrative juxtaposes the male and female roles within this futuristic setting, highlighting absurdities and unique challenges posed by these societal norms. The storyline unfolds as O'Rielly, in the high-stress atmosphere of operating a space vehicle, encounters a stowaway named Trillium, a captivating Venusian woman. Her presence complicates his already precarious position aboard the ship, raising tensions between crew members and leading to a series of comedic and dramatic events. The interactions between O'Rielly, Trillium, and their superior officers reveal a deeper commentary on love, power, and interplanetary relations, ultimately culminating in a revolution led by Venusian women seeking equality and love from their male counterparts. The plot takes unexpected twists, blending humor with a critique of gender politics, while exploring the complexities that arise when traditional roles are put into question.
Bill Garson
One Against the Stars
"One Against the Stars" by Vaseleos Garson is a science fiction short story published during the early to mid-20th century. It explores a futuristic scenario where Earth's last hope against a deadly radio plague rests on a spaceship racing to Venus for a cure. The story touches upon themes of sacrifice, destiny, and the struggles of humanity in the face of overwhelming odds. The narrative follows John Bairn, the pilot of a spaceship carrying a team desperate to find a cure for a disease that threatens all of humanity. Among the crew is Joe Wilding, a stowaway who feels a strong connection to the stars and believes he is destined for something greater. As the voyage progresses, Joe becomes a potential source of infection, intensifying the crew's tension and fear. When Joe's plague carrier status is revealed, moral dilemmas arise regarding his fate and the safety of the crew as they strive for survival. Ultimately, Joe makes the ultimate sacrifice to ensure their survival, highlighting the themes of selflessness and the burdens that come with destiny.
Edgar Allan Poe
Valtameren salaisuus
"Valtameren salaisuus" by Edgar Allan Poe is a novel published in 1838. Young Arthur Gordon Pym stows away aboard a whaling ship, embarking on a voyage that spirals into harrowing adventure. He faces mutiny, shipwreck, and unspeakable horrors as the journey pushes further into uncharted southern seas. What begins as a traditional maritime tale transforms into something increasingly strange and difficult to categorize, weaving religious symbolism with exploration of the unknown. This remains Poe's only completed novel.
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