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Astounding Stories of Super-Science, May, 1930

Various

"Astounding Stories of Super-Science, May, 1930" is a collection of speculative fiction tales curated by various authors, likely assembled during the early 20th century. This anthology presents stories filled with adventure, science fiction concepts, and fantastic elements that were characteristic of the pulp magazines of that time. The collection includes narratives about journeys to the ocean's depths, confrontations with undersea civilizations, and other intriguing tales that explore the bounds of imagination and science. The opening of the anthology introduces "Into the Ocean's Depths" by Sewell Peaslee Wright, where the main character, Taylor, receives a telegram from his friend Mercer, hinting at an adventurous journey back to the underwater world they previously visited. Taylor, intrigued and compelled by Mercer's message, embarks on a trip to Florida, setting the stage for a reunion with a creature from the ocean depths. The writing vividly captures the excitement of scientific exploration and discovery as Mercer prepares to revisit the underwater civilization, promising thrilling encounters and extraordinary adventures beneath the sea. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Planetoid of Peril

Paul Ernst

"The Planetoid of Peril" by Paul Ernst is a science fiction novel published in the early 20th century, specifically in the early 1930s. The story revolves around the adventures of Harley 2Q14N20, a mining engineer who seeks an exclusive asteroid home and ends up buying the seemingly uninhabitable asteroid Z-40, notorious for housing a terrifying, indestructible creature that poses a lethal threat to anyone who attempts to land there. The narrative explores themes of courage, love, and the struggle against overwhelming odds as Harley confronts the monstrous tenant of his new property. In summary, Harley 2Q14N20's journey begins with his desire to find a profitable asteroid to secure a future with his love, Beatrice 3W28W12. After obtaining Z-40, he discovers that the asteroid is home to a gigantic creature, part organic and part mineral, which he initially cannot combat due to his inadequate weaponry. Despite a harrowing encounter that leaves his spaceship destroyed and his life hanging by a thread, Harley's resourcefulness leads him to devise a plan to rid the asteroid of the monstrous beast. In a climactic moment, he successfully uses a repellor from his wrecked ship to launch the creature into space, thereby transforming Z-40 into the perfect paradise he desired. Ultimately, the tale conveys themes of bravery and the triumph of human spirit against the unknown. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Astounding Stories of Super-Science, August 1930

Various

"Astounding Stories of Super-Science, August 1930" by Various is a collection of science fiction short stories written in the early 20th century. The anthology features various writers and presents a range of imaginative narratives that explore futuristic themes, interstellar travel, and the complexities of human emotion in extraordinary circumstances. The opening of the compilation begins with "The Planet of Dread" by R.F. Starzl, introducing Mark Forepaugh, an Earth man stationed on the alien planet Inra. He faces dire challenges when a supply blunder leaves him without the power source necessary for survival. Joined by his loyal Martian servant Gunga, Forepaugh navigates dangerous jungles teeming with bizarre creatures, including a colossal amoeba. As they confront the treacherous environment and unearthly threats, the duo struggles to find refuge while contemplating their dire circumstances and potential rescue. The vivid descriptions and escalating tension immediately draw readers into a world where survival hinges on wit and bravery. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Finding of Haldgren

Charles Willard Diffin

"The Finding of Haldgren" by Charles Willard Diffin is a science fiction novelette written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Chet Bullard, a passionate master pilot who defies authority to embark on a daring quest to find another pilot, Haldgren, who vanished after becoming the first man to navigate space. The narrative sets the stage for an exploration of adventure and the human spirit in the face of the unknown. The opening of the novelette introduces a pivotal ceremonial event in the year 1974, where Bullard and his fellow pilot, Walter Harkness, are being celebrated for their historic achievement of flying through space. However, Bullard refuses to accept the accolades, insisting that they are not the true pioneers; that honor belongs to the missing Haldgren. As he makes a passionate case for Haldgren's survival, he captures the attention of the audience, revealing a mysterious SOS signal from the Moon that ignites his determination to set out on a quest for Haldgren. The tension between Bullard and authority is palpable as he makes a bold decision to pursue a spacecraft, ultimately leading the narrative into an interstellar adventure filled with danger and intrigue. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Space Rover

Edwin K. Sloat

"The Space Rover" by Edwin K. Sloat is a science fiction novel written in the early 1930s. The book delves into a thrilling narrative about young Winford, who leads a daring escape from the harsh prison mines of Mercury, illustrating themes of resilience and survival in an outer space setting. Through its imaginative take on interplanetary travel and space politics, the story embodies the adventurous spirit of early science fiction. In this gripping tale, Evan Winford and his fellow inmates, a ragtag group of Martians and Venusians, embark on a desperate escape aboard a prison tender ship. Faced with imminent capture, Winford must devise a plan to intercept a passing freighter and secure their freedom. Encountering numerous challenges, including internal discord among prisoners and dangerous confrontations aboard the freighter "Golden Fleece", Winford ultimately confronts his nemesis, Silas Teutoberg, whose betrayal led to his wrongful imprisonment. The plot weaves through action-packed sequences, intricate space maneuvers, and moral dilemmas, culminating in a high-stakes clash that tests Winford’s resolve and his desire for revenge. As the escape unfolds, the novel explores themes of justice, loyalty, and the complexity of human motivations in an unforgiving universe. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Astounding Stories of Super-Science, March 1930

Various

"Astounding Stories of Super-Science, March 1930" by Various is a collection of science fiction short stories likely compiled during the early 20th century. This magazine features exhilarating tales that explore fantastic scientific worlds, focusing on adventurous themes and imaginative narratives that highlight the wonders of super-science and technology. The stories range from bizarre accidents involving mysterious cold temperatures to thrilling interactions in space voyages, drawing in readers with their imaginative plots and characters. At the start of this collection, the narrative opens with "Cold Light" by Captain S. P. Meek, where the protagonist, Dr. Bird, is reluctantly drawn into a chilling mystery following an airplane crash. The pilot and crew are found shattered, as if made of glass, leading Dr. Bird to unravel the scientifically baffling circumstances surrounding the incident. The story sets an intriguing tone as it mixes elements of mystery and scientific inquiry, hinting at larger questions about cold and its unnatural effects. Following this, other tales within the magazine promise further adventures and explorations across both terrestrial and extraterrestrial realms, capturing the essence of 1930s speculative fiction. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Under Arctic Ice

Harry Bates

"Under Arctic Ice" by Harry Bates is a scientific adventure novelette written in the early 20th century. The story follows Kenneth Torrance as he embarks on a perilous journey to rescue the crew of the missing submarine "Peary", believed to be trapped beneath the Arctic ice and at the hands of intelligent creatures known as sealmen. This tale combines elements of science fiction with a thrilling exploration of human endurance and courage in the face of dire circumstances. The plot centers on Kenneth Torrance, who, after being released from a sanitarium, learns about the missing "Peary" and feels compelled to act. Despite others dismissing his earlier encounters with the sealmen as insanity, he is determined to find and rescue the crew. After narrowly escaping a storm and crashing his plane into the icy waters, he utilizes a torpoon to navigate under the ice. Kenneth discovers the "Peary" ensnared by the sealmen, who harbor grudges against humans due to past conflicts. The story escalates to a tense climax as Kenneth devises a plan involving explosives to free the submarine's crew, while fighting against both time and sealmen seeking revenge. The narrative explores themes of survival, the intersection of man and nature, and the depths of desperation when faced with overwhelming odds. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Lords of the Stratosphere

Arthur J. Burks

"Lords of the Stratosphere" by Arthur J. Burks is a science fiction novelette written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the pioneering aviators Lucian Jeter and Tema Eyer, who are determined to explore the stratosphere following a mysterious disappearance of their colleague, Franz Kress, during his ambitious flight. As they embark on their journey into the unknown, they grapple with the implications of their ascent and the potential threats that may await in the uncharted territories above. The opening of the novelette sets the stage with Kress preparing for his historic flight from Roosevelt Field, instilling a sense of competition and dread among his peers. Jeter and Eyer, motivated by both scientific curiosity and personal aspirations, anticipate following Kress into the stratosphere if he fails to return. As they delve deeper into their preparations, a series of strange events unfold across the globe, hinting at a larger mystery linked to Kress’s disappearance. The narrative builds tension as Kress unexpectedly vanishes, leading Jeter and Eyer to set off on their own expedition to uncover the truth behind the bizarre occurrences, including the uncanny columns of light reported worldwide, ultimately setting them on a collision course with unknown forces that threaten not only their lives but potentially the fate of humanity itself. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Loot of the Void

Edwin K. Sloat

"Loot of the Void" by Edwin K. Sloat is a science fiction novel written during the early 20th century. The story revolves around the theme of adventure in space, focusing on the quest for hidden treasure in a perilous extraterrestrial setting. The characters navigate through a universe filled with danger, betrayal, and the supernatural, particularly in relation to the infamous Captain Halkon, a pirate whose legacy and treasure propel the plot forward. The narrative follows Dick Penrun, the grandson of the legendary space-pirate Captain Halkon, who becomes embroiled in a treacherous pursuit for his grandfather's hidden treasure on Titan, a moon of Saturn. After witnessing a murder linked to the treasure, Penrun learns of a map leading to the treasure's location, only to discover that others are also after it, including a gang led by a smugglers' ringleader named Helgers. As Penrun confronts monstrous spiders and human antagonists, he becomes increasingly entangled in the conflict, ultimately teaming up with Irma Boardle, a girl associated with Helgers. Together, they face formidable dangers both from the monstrous inhabitants of Titan and the ruthless gang, leading to heart-pounding encounters as they strive to claim the treasure and escape the lethal environment. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Invasion

Murray Leinster

"Invasion" by Murray Leinster is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative unfolds in the year 2037, offering a speculative vision of a future where Earth faces the threat posed by Martian invaders. The story centers on Thorn Hard, a high-level flier in the United Nations' Pacific Watch, who encounters a mysterious situation involving an unidentified spacecraft and must confront both his own disbelief and external forces at play that could lead to a global conflict. The plot begins with Thorn enjoying a day off with his fiancée, Sylva West, when they become embroiled in an unfolding crisis after the appearance of a massive spaceship. Reports of an incursion lead to confusion as it becomes apparent that the ship might not belong to Martians but rather the Com-Pubs—an enemy political faction. A force dome traps United Nations aircraft, and while Thorn and Sylva work together to elude capture by Kreynborg, a Com-Pub agent, they must also warn their superiors of the brewing disaster before it's too late. The story blends suspense and action, ultimately capturing themes of international strife, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of daunting odds. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Martian Cabal

Roman Frederick Starzl

"The Martian Cabal" by Roman Frederick Starzl is a science fiction novelette written in the early 20th century. The story follows the protagonist, Sime Hemingway, a member of the Interplanetary Flying Police, as he navigates a complex political situation on Mars filled with intrigue and danger. From the outset, the narrative hints at a brewing conflict between Earth and Mars orchestrated by powerful financial interests, and it sets the stage for an exciting adventure. At the start of the story, Sime Hemingway struggles to sleep in an opulent Martian hotel, plagued by a sense of impending danger. His fears are confirmed when a mysterious young woman, claiming to be in danger, emerges from his mist-bath. She warns him of a plot against him and urges him to help prevent an impending war. As the opening unfolds, we learn of a conspiracy, with the girl, Princess Sira, suggesting that corrupt governmental forces, including the ambitious Scar Balta, are involved. The narrative immediately engages the reader with themes of political corruption, rebellion, and the personal stakes surrounding the characters, setting up a riveting tale of suspense and adventure. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Floating Island of Madness

Jason Kirby

"The Floating Island of Madness" by Jason Kirby is a science fiction novel that likely dates back to the early 20th century, when pulp fiction was gaining popularity. The story revolves around a thrilling adventure featuring Secret Service agents who encounter a bizarre aerial island populated by individuals driven to madness by a genius scientist. The novel explores themes of madness, the quest for power, and human ingenuity against a backdrop of high-stakes espionage. The narrative follows three Secret Service men—American agent Lieutenant Ainslee, French detective Paul Foulet, and British inspector Douglas Brice—who pursue a mysterious plane over the Arabian Desert. Their chase leads them to the titular floating island, which is revealed to be the hideout of Algernon Frederick Fraser, a brilliant yet insane scientist with a sinister plan for global domination. As the agents navigate the treacherous environment, they discover that Fraser has developed a powerful magnetic ray that draws objects towards him, trapping them on his floating platform. The story intensifies as the agents must outsmart Fraser and his minions to escape the island and thwart his plans, ultimately culminating in a thrilling confrontation and escape that raises questions about sanity, manipulative power, and the fragility of human will. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Mind Master

Arthur J. Burks

"The Mind Master" by Arthur J. Burks is a two-part science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Lee Bentley and Ellen Estabrook, recently returned from a terrifying adventure in Africa where Bentley's brain was switched with that of an ape by a mad scientist, Caleb Barter. As they attempt to regain normalcy in New York City, they are drawn back into Barter's horrifying machinations as he resurfaces, threatening lives and sanity with his sinister plans. The opening of the novel sets a tense atmosphere as Bentley and Estabrook disembark from their ship, anxious about their past yet hopeful for the future. However, they soon encounter news of a malevolent figure known as the "Mind Master," who begins to execute a series of chilling threats. After witnessing a shocking event—the appearance of a mutilated man just after reading about the Mind Master’s dark intentions—Bentley is propelled into action, realizing the nightmare is not over. He reflects on his harrowing experience as he grapples with the implications of Barter’s return and the potential danger facing him and his fiancé. With a chilling reminder of the ape-like transformation he endured, the stakes escalate as Bentley decides to seek out the truth behind Barter's latest scheme. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The End of Time

Wallace West

"The End of Time" by Wallace West is a science fiction novella that was originally published in Astounding Stories in the early 1930s. The narrative revolves around a peculiar phenomenon where humanity experiences a paralysis of time-sense, causing people to move in extreme slow motion and eventually be trapped in a state of suspended animation. This work explores the concept of time as a subjective experience, guided by both philosophical musings and the story's gripping events that blend scientific inquiry with human drama. In the story, Jack Baron, a radio engineer, and Dr. Frank Manthis, a chemist, discover that a mysterious force is causing individuals to lose their perception of time, leading them to be frozen in place as the world around them continues to function at a normal pace. With only a limited supply of a drug that temporarily corrects this time-sense, the two men, along with June, the doctor's daughter, struggle against a sinister figure, Ivan Solinski, who seeks to control this power for his own nefarious purposes. As they fight to awaken those who have succumbed to this cataleptic state, their desperation leads them to a climactic confrontation that determines not just their fate, but the fate of the entire world. The story is rich with themes of resilience, the nature of reality, and the implications of scientific exploration gone awry. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Wanderer of Infinity

Harl Vincent

"Wanderer of Infinity" by Harl Vincent is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. It explores themes of dimension, the unknown, and the consequences of scientific exploration. The story follows Bert Redmond, who receives a desperate call from Joan Parker to help her brother, Tom, a scientist involved in dangerous experiments with infradimensional space. The narrative begins with Bert's journey to a decrepit estate, where he reunites with Joan and learns about Tom's troubling experiments. As the tale unfolds, Tom’s apparatus inadvertently opens a connection to another dimension inhabited by the sinister Bardeks, leading to the kidnapping of both Joan and Tom. Bert is then whisked away by the enigmatic Wanderer, who guides him through the fifth dimension and reveals the tragic history of his own civilization's demise due to similar scientific arrogance. The climax centers around Bert’s desperate attempt to save his friends from the Bardeks, resulting in a sacrificial act by Tom, which ultimately prevents a catastrophe on Earth. Through rich descriptive passages and a blend of science fiction concepts, Vincent crafts a compelling tale that delves into the interplay between human ambition and cosmic consequences. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

The Solar Magnet

S. P. (Sterner St. Paul) Meek

"The Solar Magnet" by S. P. Meek is a science fiction novel written in the early 20th century. The book follows the adventures of Dr. Bird, a brilliant scientist, as he confronts the nefarious schemes of his nemesis, Ivan Saranoff, who has devised a plan that threatens the very stability of Earth's environment. The narrative blends scientific concepts with thrilling escapades, encapsulating the tensions and anxieties of its time regarding technological advancements and geopolitical conflicts. In this gripping tale, Dr. Bird and his assistant Carnes embark on a perilous journey to prevent Saranoff from achieving his goal of altering the Earth's axis through a mysterious solar magnet. As they travel to a clandestine facility in Russia, the duo faces numerous challenges, including an assassination attempt on Bird, aerial confrontations, and a harrowing escape from captivity aided by a local woman whose motivations are complex. The story is filled with suspense and action, showcasing Meek's imaginative approach to scientific storytelling, as well as a critique of the potential misuse of scientific knowledge for destructive purposes. Ultimately, Bird's determination leads to a climactic battle against Saranoff's forces, solidifying his role as a hero in the struggle between good and evil in a world on the brink of chaos. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Astounding Stories of Super-Science April 1930

Anthony Pelcher

"Astounding Stories of Super-Science April 1930" by Anthony Pelcher is a collection of speculative fiction and science fiction stories written in the early 20th century. The magazine features a variety of plots, many of which delve into themes of resurrection, monsters, and extraordinary adventures in both earthly and cosmic realms. Readers immersed in this genre can expect to encounter a range of unique characters, extraordinary situations, and vivid imaginations typical of the era's pulp literature. The opening portion features the short story "The Man Who Was Dead," showcasing Jerry, a young man who braves a ferocious winter night to join his friends at a local store. Inside, he encounters a disturbing stranger—a gaunt man with a skeletal appearance, who interrupts a discussion on reincarnation. As the tension mounts, the stranger claims he has come back to life after being hanged. The story takes a dark turn as the stranger recounts his past, including a murder, leaving Jerry and his friends in shock and igniting fears of what this living dead man might do. This introduction sets a thrilling tone for the tales that follow in this collection, exploring the boundaries between life and death while evoking both suspense and wonder. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Raiders of the universes

Donald Wandrei

"Raiders of the Universes" by Donald Wandrei is a science fiction novella written in the early 20th century. Set in the 34th century, it explores the discovery of multiple new stars in the constellation Hercules, leading to a catastrophic invasion from a dark star that threatens the solar system. Central to the story is Phobar, an astronomer who grapples with the unimaginable forces at play in the universe. The narrative follows Phobar as he witnesses the birth of new worlds due to cosmic phenomena and the terrifying approach of an alien planet, Xlarbti, which is driven by a ruthless civilization that seeks to extract Earth’s radium. After being transported to Xlarbti, Phobar learns about the invaders' advanced technology and their disregard for life on Earth. As the tensions rise and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, Phobar manages to outsmart the colossal rulers of Xlarbti, leading to the repulsion of their impending doom. Ultimately, the novella combines themes of scientific curiosity, the fragility of human civilization, and the ethical questions surrounding power and piracy in the cosmos. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Disowned

Victor A. Endersby

"Disowned" by Victor A. Endersby is a science fiction novella written during the early 20th century. The narrative explores a bizarre and tragic incident involving two brothers, Jim and Tristan, in which an otherworldly electrical phenomenon leaves Tristan forever altered, experiencing an inversion of gravity that forces him to navigate life upside down. The story grapples with themes of human resilience, the unknown consequences of scientific phenomena, and the complexities of dependence within personal relationships. The plot begins with the three characters—Jim, Tristan, and Alice—caught in a thunderstorm, where they encounter a strange glowing object that results in an electric shock. This incident leads to Tristan's peculiar condition where he is seemingly defying gravity. As the story unfolds, Tristan must adapt to his new reality, where the very concept of up and down is radically altered. This peculiar twist generates a mixture of horror and fascination, as the trio navigates societal repercussions, personal struggles, and ultimately Tristan's decision to embrace his unusual fate as a performer, leading to a public career that culminates in tragedy. The narrative meticulously blends elements of suspense and emotional depth, ultimately exploring how individuals cope with extraordinary circumstances. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Vampires of Space

Sewell Peaslee Wright

"Vampires of Space" by Sewell Peaslee Wright is a science fiction novella published in the early 20th century, specifically in the 1930s. The narrative follows Commander John Hanson as he recounts his terrifying encounter with mysterious entities known as the Electites that inhabit space. The story captures the essence of space exploration and the unknown dangers that come with it, highlighting a thrilling adventure in a vast, uncharted universe. The plot centers on Commander Hanson and his ship, the "Ertak", which is sent on a mission to investigate the disappearance of two passenger ships in a relatively unused area of space. During their journey, Hanson and his crew encounter the Electites—creatures that appear as crescent-shaped entities glowing with a reddish light. As these creatures begin to attack the ship, feeding off its metal hull, the crew must devise a plan to combat this unique threat. Led by the ingenuity of the young officer Hendricks, they create a makeshift weapon using a spray of acidulated water to destroy the Electites and ultimately save themselves and their ship from destruction. The story combines elements of suspense, adventure, and exploration, showcasing the challenges faced in uncharted territories of space. (This is an automatically generated summary.)