Henry Kuttner, both solo and in collaboration with his wife C.L. Moore, stands as one of the most significant science fiction and fantasy writers of the 1940s. His work delved deeply into the sociological and psychological dimensions of the genre, enriching science fiction with a human element that extended beyond mere technology. Kuttner's talent was primarily focused on shorter forms, where he produced dozens of works considered among the field's most important achievements, which remain consistently in print. His writing was noted for its exceptional quality, a rarity not only in science fiction but in literature more broadly.
This classical work has been preserved and republished in a modern format to ensure its significance is recognized by future generations. The book has been reformatted, retyped, and designed to enhance readability, providing a clear and accessible text rather than relying on scanned copies of the original.
Noon, has been regarded as significant work throughout human history, and in order to ensure that this work is never lost, we have taken steps to ensure its preservation by republishing this book in a contemporary format for both current and future generations. This entire book has been retyped, redesigned, and reformatted. Since these books are not made from scanned copies, the text is readable and clear.
The May 1952 issue of SPACE SCIENCE FICTION showcases a collection of classic stories from renowned authors in the genre. Highlights include "PURSUIT" by Lester del Rey and "YOUTH" by Isaac Asimov, along with engaging tales like "THE EGO MACHINE" by Henry Kuttner, "ULTROOM ERROR" by Jerry Sohl, and "TO EACH HIS STAR" by Bryce Walton. This replica offers a nostalgic glimpse into the early days of science fiction, featuring innovative plots and imaginative themes that reflect the era's fascination with space exploration and technology.
The collection features a four-story series centered on Elak of Atlantis, originally published in Weird Tales, alongside a two-story series about Prince Raynor from Strange Stories. This reprint preserves the original pulp text and includes the classic interior illustrations, offering a nostalgic glimpse into early speculative fiction. The stories explore themes of adventure and fantasy within richly imagined worlds.
The narrative revolves around a woman who communicates in an ancient language and has lost all memory of her past, including her connection to a man who once loved her deeply. Their relationship was marked by tragedy, as she died in his arms after an assassination attempt, prompting him to vow revenge. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the haunting echoes of a forgotten past, as the characters grapple with their intertwined fates and the mysteries of memory.
Set against the backdrop of Venus, a treacherous landscape ruled by War-Gods, Jerry Vanning pursues the fugitive Callahan through a perilous swamp. As he navigates this hellish kingdom, Vanning's journey is marked by the robotic movements of a North-fever slave, highlighting the physical and psychological toll of his quest. The narrative explores themes of survival and the struggle against oppressive forces in a vividly imagined alien environment.
The story follows Ed Garth, who faces the formidable guardians of an ancient tomb-city on Ganymede, driven by a promise to a girl he can never meet again. Despite knowing the peril that awaits him and his companions, he feels compelled to return to the deathless realm, highlighting themes of sacrifice and the haunting nature of unfulfilled promises. The narrative explores the tension between duty and survival in a treacherous environment.
Mutanti – Radioaktivní města, která přetrvala po Výbuchu, dala vzniknout rase Mutantů – obyčejnými lidmi nenáviděné nejenom z důvodu chybějících vlasů a zbylého porostu, ale také kvůli neobvyklým telepatickým schopnostem. Ale ani Mutanti nevěděli, že mezi „Lysáky“ přicházejí na svět také paranoici, osoby kruté a zlé, rozhodnuté zničit lidstvo, aby se k moci dostali telepaté. Kromě toho, že se Lysáci snaží o soužití s většinovou společností, musí tak rovněž bojovat s paranoidními renegáty o to, zda půjde o soužití poklidné, nebo zda dojde ke gigantickému pogromu... Hogbeni – Podivuhodná rodina mutantů s neuvěřitelnými schopnostmi žije mezi obyvateli amerického venkova a snaží se nijak nevyčnívat. A až na drobné problémy s atomovým reaktorem v kurníku, létáním a transmutací prvků se jim to vcelku daří... Vraťte se s námi do dřevních dob žánru science fiction v příbězích vyvolávajících nejen nostalgický úsměv, ale i uznání nad vypravěčským uměním mistra krátkých příběhů Henryho Kuttnera!
Three essential works from one of the formative voices of post-war science fiction.
Setkejte se Gallowayem Gallegherem – geniálním vynálezcem a pijanem. Oprava – geniálním vynálezcem, když je opilý. Ovšem jediným Gallegherovým důvodem, proč vůbec něco vynalézat, jsou peníze. Na nákup alkoholu, pochopitelně. A v okamžiku, kdy je už úplně pod obraz, přebírá otěže podvědomí a vynález je na světě… Většinou. Není to samozřejmě zrovna spolehlivá pracovní metoda a výsledkem zpravidla nebývá vynález, jenž by se dal předem očekávat. Bohužel, aby se svérázný vědec vůbec dozvěděl, co to sestrojil a jak to vlastně funguje, musí se znovu dostat do nálady a celá věc se mnohdy ještě více komplikuje… K nemalé potěše klientů. Henry Kuttner je mezi odborníky jedním z nejváženějších klasiků science fiction a zde dokazuje, že byl mistrem i v notně odlehčeném pojetí žánru. Spolu s dobovou patinou jsou jeho humorné kreace jednoduše neodolatelné.
