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The Empire of Isher Series

This series delves into the depths of a vast and seemingly invincible empire facing an enigmatic threat. It follows the struggle of a clandestine organization fighting for human freedom and dignity, employing ingeniously designed weapons with a will of their own. The narrative unfolds as a gripping saga filled with unexpected twists, original technological concepts, and intrigues of cosmic scale. It's an adventure at the heart of pulp science fiction that retains its potent impact to this day.

Ischer
De wapensmeden
M-SF - 56: De arsenalen van Isher

Recommended Reading Order

  1. M-SF - 56: De arsenalen van Isher

    • 192 pages
    • 7 hours of reading

    With the publication, in the July 1941 issue of Astounding Science Fiction magazine, of the story Seesaw, van Vogt began unfolding the complex tale of the oppressive Empire of Isher and the mysterious Weapon Shops. This volume, The Weapon Shops of Isher, includes the first three parts of the saga and introduces perhaps the most famous political slogan of science fiction: The Right to Buy Weapons is the Right to Be Free. Born at the height of Nazi conquest, the Isher stories suggested that an oppressive government could never completely subjugate its own citizens if they were well armed. The audience appeal was immediate and has endured long beyond other stories of alien invasion, global conflict and post war nuclear angst.

    M-SF - 56: De arsenalen van Isher1
    4.2

  2. De wapensmeden

    Following the success of the stories that formed The Weapon Shops of Isher, van Vogt wrote the novel, The Weapon Makers, in 1943, to enlarge the story of human immortality, the conflict between a controlling government, The House of Isher, the mysterious Weapon Shops and man's place in the universe. The promise of the Weapon Shops' slogan, The Right to Buy Weapons is the Right to Be Free, is described thus: "Many of these weapons still carried the old names. “Guns” they were called, or “revolvers,” or “rifles,” but there the resemblance ended. These “guns” did not shoot bullets, they discharged energy in many forms and quantities. Some of them could kill or destroy at a thousand miles if necessary, and yet they were controlled by the same sensitive elements as the Weapon Shop door. Just as the door refused to open for police officers, Imperial soldiers or people unfriendly to the Shops, so these guns had been set to fire only in self-defense, and against certain animals during open season. They also had other special qualities, particularly as to defense and speed of operation."

    De wapensmeden2
    3.9

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