Subject
World War, 1939-1945 -- United States -- Fiction Books
Best books
Nelson S. Bond
Horsesense Hank does his bit
"Horsesense Hank Does His Bit" by Nelson S. Bond is a humorous novella written during the early 1940s, amid the backdrop of World War II. The story revolves around the titular character, Horsesense Hank Cleaver, a man of common sense and mathematical prowess, who feels compelled to contribute to the war effort after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. This light-hearted narrative combines elements of adventure and comedy as it explores themes of patriotism, ingenuity, and the value of practical knowledge in a time of crisis. In the story, Hank, along with his friend Jim Blakeson, volunteers at the Northern Bridge, Steel and Girder Company, eager to assist in defense work. However, after initially being welcomed, Hank finds himself dismissed by a government efficiency expert named Mr. Grimper. Undeterred, Hank solves several pressing problems using his unique brand of common sense, culminating in a thrilling confrontation with German saboteurs at the factory. Hank's quick thinking and unconventional approach save the day, and in a twist of fate, he is offered a position as a confidential adviser to the President. The novella showcases Hank’s earnestness and cleverness, highlighting the importance of ingenuity and determination during challenging times.
Nelson S. Bond
Peter Pettigrew's prisoner
"Peter Pettigrew's Prisoner" by Nelson S. Bond is a short story published in the early 1940s, specifically in a 1942 issue of Amazing Stories. This work falls under the category of speculative fiction, blending elements of fantasy and adventure. The story revolves around the themes of courage, self-discovery, and the ridiculousness of war as it features a timid character thrust into a dire situation during a wartime practice blackout, where he encounters a mysterious figure wielding the power of sleep. The narrative follows Peter Pettigrew, a shy and anxious volunteer Air Warden, who is tasked with guarding an armory during a citywide blackout. Initially viewed as inept by his sergeant and peers, Peter's true character is brought to the foreground when he confronts an enemy agent, Ole Luk Oie, who possesses a magical bag of sleeping dust intended for sabotage. As the plot unfolds, Peter transforms from a timid individual into a resourceful hero, managing to thwart a plot by Nazi agents intent on destroying the armory. In a moment of inventive bravery, he uses the very dust meant to incapacitate him to neutralize the enemy threat, ultimately leading to his recognition and newfound respect among his comrades. The story concludes with a hint of the absurdity surrounding Peter's adventures, tying in the fantastical elements with a critique on perceptions of heroism and valor in wartime.
Nelson S. Bond
Horsesense Hank in the parallel worlds
"Horsesense Hank in the Parallel Worlds" by Nelson S. Bond is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. The book explores the concept of time travel and alternate realities through the eyes of the protagonist, Horsesense Hank Cleaver, who uses his remarkable common-sense reasoning to confront complex scientific problems. The story delves into the nature of time and existence, posing philosophical questions about fate and the consequences of our choices. In the narrative, Hank Cleaver decides to build a time machine after an argument regarding whether events in history are predestined or can be changed. His desire to travel back in time leads to unexpected complications when he and his friend Jim Blakeson accidentally create parallel versions of themselves. As the characters navigate through various alternate realities, they encounter different historical scenarios that showcase what might have been had pivotal moments in history occurred differently. With humor and insight, the novel not only serves as an entertaining adventure but also challenges readers to contemplate the nature of choices, causality, and the vast possibilities of existence.
William P. McGivern
The Chameleon Man
"The Chameleon Man" by William P. McGivern is a short story published in the early 1940s, during the height of World War II. It falls within the genre of science fiction, exploring themes of invisibility, identity, and the struggles of individuals trying to find their place in a chaotic world. The narrative centers on a young man who possesses a unique ability to blend into his surroundings, a trait that reflects his struggles with self-worth and societal expectations. The story follows Horatio Heely, a young man who can become nearly invisible due to his colorless personality and emotional struggles. After being rejected by the army because of his condition, he seeks help from a man named Flannigan, who manages theatrical bookings. Flannigan sees potential in Horatio, considering his ability could make for a compelling act in the entertainment industry. However, when complications unfold involving a magician named Mystiffio and a beautiful assistant, Alice, Horatio's desire to join the army resurfaces. In a twist of betrayal, Alice deceives Horatio into believing she is not married to Mystiffio, and ultimately, with her encouragement, he applies for a commission in camouflage, resolving his quest for identity and belonging. The story deftly combines elements of humor and poignance, presenting a commentary on the complexities of human invisibility both literally and metaphorically.
David Wright O'Brien
Rats in the Belfry
"Rats in the Belfry" by John York Cabot is a speculative fiction story written in the early 1940s. The narrative follows an eccentric suburbanite named George B. Stoddard, who designs an architecturally bizarre home filled with oddities and quirks. The plot revolves around the house’s strange occurrences, particularly the sensation of hearing rats, leading to a bizarre discovery that intertwines the ordinary with the extraordinary. The story follows Stoddard and an exasperated contractor, Mr. Kermit, as they navigate the challenges of building the Stoddard's dream home. As the couple moves in, they are troubled by strange noises that they initially believe to be rats. However, their investigation leads them to uncover a portal in the belfry that connects them to a past moment in history, specifically involving Adolf Hitler and Hermann Goering. Presented with this unique opportunity, Stoddard proposes a radical plan to take action against these historical figures, leading to an unexpected climax that intertwines themes of time travel, ambition, and the quirkiness of human nature in the pursuit of their dreams.
William P. McGivern
Death Makes a Mistake
"Death Makes a Mistake" by William P. McGivern is a comedic fantasy novel written in the early 1940s. The story centers around Reggie Van Fiddler, a man who finds himself confronted by Mr. Demise, an agent of Death, who informs him that his time is up. The narrative explores themes of fate, the absurdity of life and death, and the concept of destiny while blending humor with existential musings. The plot follows Reggie as he attempts to navigate the bizarre encounter with Mr. Demise, who is surprisingly inexperienced and clumsy in his duties. Initially convinced that he is being followed by an Axis agent, Reggie's worries soon turn to panic when he learns that Mr. Demise is indeed an agent of Death, sent to escort him to the afterlife. As Reggie devises a plan to elude Death by getting Mr. Demise drunk, the story evolves into a hilariously chaotic chase filled with witty dialogue. Ultimately, Reggie manages to convince Mr. Demise of a mistake in the death assignment, leading to a comical resolution involving a suggestion to find Hitler, thus incorporating dark humor into the narrative's address of mortality and fate.
Clee Garson
Direct Wire
"Direct Wire" by Clee Garson is a short story written in the early 1940s, likely during World War II. This narrative combines elements of comedy and satire as it explores themes of patriotism, gambling, and communication under unusual circumstances. The story unfolds in a cigar store run by two bookmakers, Mort Robbins and Mike Harrigan, who find themselves getting bizarre phone calls that lead to unexpected and humorous implications. In the content of the story, Mort and Mike, who are not overly patriotic, mysteriously enlist in the army after a series of strange phone calls where a man claiming to be the Angel Gabriel insists on speaking to Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. As the story progresses, the two men attempt to handle this unusual situation while running their gambling operations. Ultimately, the connection becomes more absurd as they realize that the phone call is not just a prank, but an elaborate joke that plays on their understanding of reality. The twist at the end reveals that the phone was, in fact, disconnected the entire time, emphasizing the absurdity of their circumstances and the comedic genius of Garson's writing.
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