On a quiet Florida riverbank, the neighbors know Mr. Jell only as a strange old man who spins impossible tales for children. In truth, he is a retired spaceman from a far more advanced civilization, living in hiding on Earth because he has chosen freedom over the strict laws of his own people. After a lifetime in crowded, artificial worlds, he is overwhelmed by the beauty of open skies, forests, and simple earthly routines, and the local children become his closest friends and the only one...

Old Sam Button spent his life chasing one impossible dream: to be the first man on the Moon. Brilliant, relentless, and utterly devoted to science, he pushes the nation toward a future no one else can quite imagine. He wins over Congress, inspires the public, and helps launch a billion-dollar leap into history. At last, the moment arrives. The world watches breathlessly as Sam's ship settles onto the lunar surface. The cameras are rolling. The speeches are ready. The flag is in hand. And t...

In a future where time-scanning can prove ancestry with absolute precision, Thatcher Blitt turns one simple truth into a fortune: people are desperate to know where they come from. He launches Genealogy, Inc., a booming enterprise that promises customers famous forebears, hidden noble ties, and the comforting illusion that almost anyone can be linked to greatness if the search goes back far enough. Ambitious and shrewd, Blitt builds his empire on vanity, status, and the hunger to belong am...

Michael Shaara published many short stories during the course of his early career as an author before getting his first novel published--The Broken Place. He wrote science fiction stories for the pulp magazines with names like Galaxy and Fantastic Universe, but also domestic dramas and humorous stories for magazines such as Cosmopolitan and Redbook, McCall's and The Saturday Evening Post, and even one for Playboy. A couple of stories were published in a 1982 collection called "Soldier Boy,...

"The Vanisher" is a science fiction novel that explores themes of identity, technology, and existential questions. The story revolves around a protagonist who becomes involved in a mysterious and potentially transformative event involving a "vanisher."The plot typically centers on the implications of the vanishing phenomenon, which could involve advanced technology, otherworldly dimensions, or significant changes to reality. As the protagonist investigates or experiences these events, the ...

The story is centered around a spacefaring civilization that is facing an existential threat from a mysterious and hostile alien race. The novel follows the experiences of various characters who are involved in the conflict between humans and these extraterrestrial beings.As the plot unfolds, readers are introduced to a range of futuristic technologies and concepts, as well as the personal struggles of the characters as they navigate the complexities of interstellar warfare and diplomacy. ...

"Soldier Boy" is a historical novel set during the American Civil War. The story follows a young Confederate soldier named Will, who enlists in the army at a very young age. The novel explores Will's experiences and challenges as he navigates the harsh realities of war.Michael Shaara's storytelling delves into the emotional and physical trials of combat, offering a poignant depiction of a young man's coming-of-age amid the chaos and devastation of war. The narrative captures the personal a...

"Conquest Over Time" follows the story of scientist Tom Mallory, who invents a time machine capable of transporting people to different points in history. Mallory's invention attracts the attention of the government and the military, who see its potential for both scientific exploration and military advantage.As Mallory and his team conduct experiments with the time machine, they encounter various challenges and ethical dilemmas. They must grapple with questions about the consequences of a...

The Book by Michael Shaara likely refers to "The Killer Angels," a historical novel written by Shaara and published in 1974. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel is set during the American Civil War and focuses on the Battle of Gettysburg. It's renowned for its vivid portrayal of key figures such as Robert E. Lee, James Longstreet, and Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. The novel offers multiple perspectives, providing insights into the motivations and experiences of both Union and Confederate sold...

**PULITZER PRIZE WINNER • NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The “remarkable” (Ken Burns), “utterly absorbing” (Forbes) Civil War classic that inspired the film Gettysburg, with more than three million copies in print—now in a 50th anniversary edition featuring a new introduction by Jeff Shaara“My favorite historical novel . . . a superb re-creation of the Battle of Gettysburg, but its real importance is its insight into what the war was about, and what it meant...

Fantastic Universe started publishing in 1953 and continued until March 1960. It was one of the better magazines to launch during the boom in science fiction magazines publishing. It published many important stories' by some of the fields best known writers. This is our third Fantastic universe Superpack. Collected in this over sized edition are more than 100,000 words of science fiction and fantasy. Escape back to the golden age of science fiction! 'Gods of the North' by Robert E. Howard ...

Michael Shaara, celebrated for his powerful portrayal of human courage and conflict, brings a gripping and reflective tone in The Sling and the Stone. This work evokes the tension and moral complexity of warfare, focusing not only on battlefield action but also on the human decisions that shape outcomes in moments of crisis. Shaara’s storytelling draws readers into the emotional and strategic layers of conflict, where leadership, sacrifice, and conviction ...