Doctor Spechaug, a psychology professor in a small provincial town, wakes with blood on his hands and clothes and no memory of what he has done. As he makes his way through the woods toward the college, his hatred of the local peasants, his urge to escape Glen Oaks, and the forest's strange hold on him all suggest that his rational, scientific mind is beginning to fracture. Deep in the trees, that buried self stirs. He feels a sudden freedom and vitality, then encounters Edith Bailey, a br...

'Space Science Fiction' was launched in may of 1952. During it's impressive run it published many of Science Fiction's top writers. Collected here in this massive six hundred-plus page anthology are all of the most important stories that were published during its distinguished run. Included here are: 'Second Variety' by Philip K. Dick; 'Youth' by Isaac Asimov; 'To Each His Star' by Bryce Walton; 'Security' by Poul Anderson; 'Divinity' by William Morrison; 'The Hour of Battle' by Robert She...

More than 25 of the greatest Science Fiction stories ever written—many in eBook form for the very first time. More than four hundred pages of top flight fiction selected by the editors at www.fantasticstoriesoftheimagination.com, including 'Ticking' by Allen M. Steele; 'All Cats are Gray' by Andre Norton; 'The Velvet Glove' by Harry Harrison; 'The Day of the Boomer Dukes' by Frederic Pohl; 'The Troubadour' by Peter Sherman; 'Riya's Foundling' by Algis Budrys; 'Asleep in the Forest of the T...

Barstac walked the mile across the red Martian plain. He felt but little emotion as he reached the resort building, and the sports rockets waiting on the other side. He had to get one of those rockets and get to Deimos—or die trying. One would be about as good as the other. Then a slight tension grew in his stomach and sweat began to run down under his helmet and pressure suit, down his sharp nose and the burned face, as he started directly for the sports rockets. He saw no one at all at f...

The Crime: The story begins with a central crime that sets off a chain of events. This could involve a murder, a robbery, or another significant criminal act that forms the basis of the investigation. The crime is both intriguing and challenging, capturing the attention of the detective and driving the plot forward.The Investigator: The protagonist is typically a seasoned detective or investigator who takes on the case. This character is often portrayed as skilled, determined, and somewhat...

"The Floater" is a crime novel that typically involves elements of mystery and suspense. The title suggests a plot revolving around a character or a situation that "floats" in or out of the narrative, possibly indicating a central figure in a crime or a complex, elusive case that drives the story.The novel likely features intricate plotting, a detective or investigator, and a series of twists and turns that are characteristic of Walton’s writing style. Readers can expect a gripping and sus...

The story is set in a future where humanity has developed advanced technology that impacts the way people live and interact. "The Happy Herd" explores themes of conformity, societal control, and the nature of happiness.The plot follows a group of individuals who are part of a society where happiness is manufactured and maintained through technological means. The central character grapples with the implications of this engineered happiness and the loss of personal freedom and individuality ...

In "The Victor," Walton crafts a narrative set in a future society where human conflict and competition have taken on new and dramatic forms. The story likely revolves around themes of power, survival, and the nature of victory in a technologically advanced world. The protagonist, who may be involved in some form of competitive or combative scenario, must navigate complex challenges and moral dilemmas to emerge as "the victor."Walton's writing style is typical of mid-20th-century pulp fict...

Dreamer's World is a science fiction novel that explores themes of dream worlds, altered realities, and the nature of human consciousness. The story follows a protagonist who becomes entangled in a world where dreams and reality intertwine, leading to a series of surreal and thought-provoking adventures.The novel delves into the psychological and philosophical aspects of dreaming and the boundaries between reality and imagination. Walton’s writing often combines imaginative scenarios with ...

"Prisoner of the Brain-Mistress" is a science fiction novel that delves into themes of mind control, psychological manipulation, and personal freedom. The story is set in a future or alternate reality where advanced technology or alien influences affect human consciousness.The plot typically revolves around a protagonist who becomes entangled with a powerful entity or device known as the "Brain-Mistress." This entity exerts control over individuals' thoughts and actions, leading to a strug...

"Mary Anonymous" is a science fiction novel that delves into themes of identity, society, and technology. The story follows the protagonist, Mary, who navigates a futuristic or altered reality where personal identity and societal roles are scrutinized or manipulated.The plot typically involves Mary facing challenges related to her identity or existence within a highly controlled or technologically advanced environment. The narrative explores the implications of anonymity, societal expectat...

"Freeway" is a gripping crime thriller that centers around a high-stakes crime involving a freeway. The novel delves into the world of criminal activity and the tensions that arise when a planned heist or criminal operation goes awry. It focuses on the lives of the characters involved in the crime, exploring their motivations, actions, and the consequences of their decisions.The plot typically involves a mix of suspenseful scenarios, including tense confrontations and dramatic twists, as t...