Showing results by author "Poul William Anderson" in All Categories

This ninth volume of Favorite Science Fiction Stories is a little unusual, in that it includes a few stories that are not really that short, bordering on novellas. Titles include: "The Concrete Mixer" by Ray Bradbury, "Farewell to the Master" by Harry Bates, "Bedside Manner" by William Morrison, "The Inferiors" by Mari Wolf, "The Aggravation of Elmer" by Robert Arthur, "Conquest over Time" by Michael Shara, "The Virgin of Valkarion" by Poul Anderson, "No Charge for Alterations" by H. L. Gold.

Embark on a perilous journey aboard a black galleon to the fabled, fear-haunted Citadel of the Xanthi wizards. Corun, the condemned pirate of Conahur, embraces the challenge with a daring laugh. For him, this treacherous quest offers a slim chance to escape the headsmans axe and savor a few more moments of life and love—even if his heart belongs to a witch!

In 100 B.C., the Cimbrian hordes thunder across the dawn of history, clashing violently with the formidable Roman legions. Under the leadership of Chief Boierik and his son Eodan, these desperate pagan tribes battle fiercely for a land to call their own. Despite their relentless spirit, the Cimbri face devastation at the hands of the Romans, culminating in a crushing defeat at Vercellae that leaves only a handful of survivors. Among them is Eodan, a proud young chieftain who finds himself thrust into a life of slavery after losing everything his infant son murdered and his beloved wife, Hwicca...

In the haunting world of Lost Terra, Kery of Broina roams like a restless spirit, driven by a desperate quest to reclaim the powerful resonant pipes of Killorn—an ancient weapon of the gods. As he approaches the citadel of Earths forsaken, he must confront the echoes of madness that threaten to consume him. Experience a gripping tale from the masterful Poul Anderson, as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Dive into a collection of captivating sci-fi tales that explore the boundaries of human ambition and the mysteries of the cosmos. In Industrial Revolution, workers in a remote mining facility scheme for their freedom from Earth, all while facing military scrutiny. Captive of the Centaurianess follows an unlikely trio‚Aîa scientist, a warrior princess, and a Martian‚Aîas they revolutionize space travel in a bar. Discover the secrets of eternal life in What Shall it Profit? when an underground research facility is uncovered, leading to unforeseen consequences. The Virgin of Valkarion takes...

In a distant future, Earth continues its orbit around the Sun, a forgotten speck in the galaxy, irrelevant to its trillions of descendants. Yet, for the few million who remain, life is a tapestry of simplicity and quiet joy. But when interstellar politics demands their departure from Earth, the story unfolds in unexpected ways. Join the legendary Poul Anderson as he delves into the significance of Earth to humanity, focusing on one mans poignant journey. (Summary by Phil Chenevert)

An action-packed and knowledgeable sci-fi tale by multi award-winning and prolific author Poul William Anderson. The story is set in the not too distant future. Earth has been conquered and the rather too humanoid new rulers extract heavy taxes, control the industry and even reproduction... Something has to be done! But there are those who are against this.

In Sensitive Man, Poul Anderson takes us on a thought-provoking journey into the depths of human potential. What if we could harness the power of psychology to gain control over our automatic reactions—those instinctive responses driven by anger, fear, and our very biology? Imagine a world where our emotions, hormones, and even our blood pressure could be influenced by our reason and intellect. In this gripping tale, one extraordinary man stands against a power-hungry cabal bent on world domination, armed with talents that defy the norm. Join us as we explore these profound questions and...

X Minus One premiered in April 1955 on NBC and ran until January 1958. Like its predecessor series, Dimension X, X Minus One featured stories by the greatest names in modern science fiction: Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, Clifford Simak, Robert Bloch, and many more.

"Sentiment, Inc." is a sci-fi short story by Poul William Anderson, published in 1957. The work chillingly explores themes of thought-manipulation in interpersonal relationships. What if you could control and alter associations and viewpoints of the human mind? What about the eventual consequences?

"The Chapter Ends" is a sci-fi story set tens of thousands of years in the future. What is the primary concern here is quite simply the end of human habitation on Earth and some serious decision making on what to do next... The author makes some very interesting and deep observations about human and cultural evolution.

On the planet Scotha, the arrogant, horned aliens have meticulously plotted to conquer the Terran Empire. But Captain Dominic Flandry, Terras master saboteur, unexpectedly finds himself in a prime position to disrupt their plans. How will he do it? Every conqueror has a vulnerability, and in this thrilling tale, the Scothanis Achilles heel may just be their downfall. Experience this captivating story by the legendary Poul Anderson! - Summary by author

Our feelings towards others and even inanimate objects are often shaped by associations that may seem unrelated. A change of heart is frequently just a shift in these complex connections that influence our perspective. Imagine if these associations could be intentionally modified by the individual in charge of the process... (from the Blurb)

Simons groundbreaking new source of power promises to usher in a revolutionary era for humanity. But what happens to the global economy when anyone can create it right in their kitchen oven? Discover one unsettling answer in this thought-provoking exploration.

Simons revolutionary new power source heralds a transformative era for humanity. But what are the implications for the global economy when anyone can create it right in their own kitchen? Discover one intriguing perspective on this groundbreaking shift! Summary by Realisticspeakers

In the gripping tale of Security, a compartmentalized government physicist is coerced by secret police to spearhead experiments for a groundbreaking weapon. Transported to a clandestine space station, he finds himself at the helm of a project shrouded in mystery and betrayal. As spies lurk in every shadow, the line between patriotism and treachery blurs, leaving him to question not only his mission but his very loyalty. This captivating story, crafted by Golden Age Science Fiction and Fantasy author Poul Anderson, first graced the pages of Space Science Fiction in February 1953.

Join the adventure of a lifetime with Star Ship, where the most peculiar space castaways embark on a thrilling journey! The Terrans have left their magnificent interstellar vessel in a precarious orbit around the mysterious planet Khazak, only to descend in a lifeboat to explore its bizarre, Iron Age civilization. But fate has other plans, and their lifeboat meets with disaster! Experience Poul Andersons storytelling at its finest as you traverse the galaxy and uncover the wild escapades that await. - Summary by Paul Harvey

Beneath a pale Venusian mask lies the enigmatic arch-humanist‚Aîan anti-tech killer responsible for the tragic Malone bloodshed that spanned from Saturn to the sun. Now, on the distant Trojan asteroids, a deadly rendezvous awaits. Dive into this gripping tale by Poul Anderson, celebrated as one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time. - Summary by Author

In a not-so-distant future, Earth has fallen under the iron grip of the Valgolians, a humanoid race that extracts heavy taxes, controls industries, and meddles in every facet of life. As rumors of their brutal regime and horrific massacres spread, a flicker of rebellion ignites among the patriots yearning for freedom. Yet, not everyone shares this desire for liberation; the end of nationalistic wars has brought an unexpected peace, and access to healthcare is now widespread. Amidst this complex landscape, a faction of elite intellectuals conspires to overthrow their oppressors, but their ...

In a universe where time stretches over a million years, Daryesh stands as a man without a world. Once the revered Lord of a Thousand Suns, he now roams the cosmos in an alien guise, desperately seeking love, life, and the elusive Vwyrdda. Experience this captivating tale by Poul Anderson that explores longing and the quest for connection across the stars.