RedCircle VERIFY_TOKEN_43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3 -- Rendered At Sun, 26 Apr 2026 10:36:48 +0000 Golden Age Fiction https://redcircle.com/shows/golden-age-fiction8846 en 2024-2026 Stories from the "Golden Age of Pulp Fiction." Paul Lawley-Jones Stories from the "Golden Age of Pulp Fiction." The "Golden Age of Pulp Fiction" is generally considered to be from the last decade of the 1800s to the mid-1900s, when magazines published on cheap pulp paper filled (mostly American) news-stands. Notable examples of these pulp fiction magazines include Argosy, Blue Book Magazine, Adventure, Detective Story Magazine, Weird Tales, and Astounding Stories. If you have a story that you'd like me to perform, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me. Please note that performance of a story is not a condoning, endorsement, or promotion of attitudes, prejudices, biases or opinions therein—particularly of gender and gender roles, ethnicity, disability, and sexuality—that an inhabitant of modern times would find distasteful. 43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3 Stories from the "Golden Age of Pulp Fiction."

The "Golden Age of Pulp Fiction" is generally considered to be from the last decade of the 1800s to the mid-1900s, when magazines published on cheap pulp paper filled (mostly American) news-stands. Notable examples of these pulp fiction magazines include Argosy, Blue Book Magazine, Adventure, Detective Story Magazine, Weird Tales, and Astounding Stories.

Please note that performance of a story is not a condoning, endorsement, or promotion of attitudes, prejudices, biases or opinions therein—particularly of gender and gender roles, ethnicity, disability, and sexuality—that an inhabitant of modern times would find distasteful.

If you have a story that you'd like me to perform, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

]]> episodic yes Paul Lawley-Jones goldenagefiction@proton.me https://feeds.redcircle.com/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3 no full Death Sentence, by Isaac Asimov Death Sentence, by Isaac Asimov Paul Lawley-Jones Our psychologists of today have set up colonies of monkeys and other animals as experiments. On a larger scale, with larger means, a greater experiment could be undertaken — 

Today's story is "Death Sentence" by Isaac Asimov. It appeared in the June 1944 United Kingdom issue of "Astounding Science Fiction" on pages 55 to 63.

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Isaac Asimov (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.

Asimov's most famous work is the "Foundation" series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966. His other major series are the "Galactic Empire" series and the "Robot" series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette "Nightfall", which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Our psychologists of today have set up colonies of monkeys and other animals as experiments. On a larger scale, with larger means, a greater experiment could be undertaken — </em></strong></p><p>Today&#39;s story is &#34;Death Sentence&#34; by Isaac Asimov. It appeared in the June 1944 United Kingdom issue of &#34;Astounding Science Fiction&#34; on pages 55 to 63.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Isaac Asimov</strong> (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the &#34;Big Three&#34; science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.</p><p>Asimov&#39;s most famous work is the &#34;Foundation&#34; series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for &#34;Best All-Time Series&#34; in 1966. His other major series are the &#34;Galactic Empire&#34; series and the &#34;Robot&#34; series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette &#34;Nightfall&#34;, which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 3db476bf-b643-4650-a597-48f4a312b890 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/0f493255-e2c0-48f8-a198-d96ab1d1bc4c Sun, 19 Apr 2026 22:00:45 +0000 2882 no full Memorium, by Basil Wells Memorium, by Basil Wells Paul Lawley-Jones Did you ever wonder what would happen if the thoughts of every man, woman and child on Earth were set down in black and white for future historians to read? Could you endure having all of your thoughts laid bare, from the cradle to the grave?

Today's story is "Memorium," by Basil Wells. It appeared in the March 1956 issue of "Fantastic Universe" on pages 105 to 109.

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Basil Eugene Wells (June 11, 1912, Springboro, Pennsylvania, US – December 23, 2003) was an American writer. His first published story, "Rebirth of Man" appeared in the magazine Super Science Stories in 1940. He wrote science fiction, fantasy western and detective stories for various magazines sometimes under the name Gene Ellerman. Two collections of his stories, Planets of Adventure and Doorways to Space were published by Fantasy Publishing Company, Inc.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Did you ever wonder what would happen if the thoughts of every man, woman and child on Earth were set down in black and white for future historians to read? Could you endure having all of your thoughts laid bare, from the cradle to the grave?</em></strong></p><p>Today&#39;s story is &#34;Memorium,&#34; by Basil Wells. It appeared in the March 1956 issue of &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34; on pages 105 to 109.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Basil Eugene Wells</strong> (June 11, 1912, Springboro, Pennsylvania, US – December 23, 2003) was an American writer. His first published story, &#34;Rebirth of Man&#34; appeared in the magazine Super Science Stories in 1940. He wrote science fiction, fantasy western and detective stories for various magazines sometimes under the name Gene Ellerman. Two collections of his stories, Planets of Adventure and Doorways to Space were published by Fantasy Publishing Company, Inc.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p>Music: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> cda4b688-29e5-4bd3-8aec-f0e37d6ebbde https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/e78f1687-cf59-4c7a-8ae9-19b6d471ddc6 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 10:00:28 +0000 766 no full The Dancers, by Margaret St Clair The Dancers, by Margaret St Clair Paul Lawley-Jones There was time now—plenty of time on this strange, dark planet—for those erudite exiles from frozen Earth to ponder the value of man's accumulated knowledge.

Today's story is "The Dancers," by Margaret St Clair. It appeared in the January 1952 issue of Planet Stories on pages 76 to 80.

It appeared under the pen name of Wilton Hazzard.

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Margaret St. Clair (17 February 1911, Hutchinson, Kansas – 22 November 1995, Santa Rosa, California) was an American fantasy and science fiction writer who also wrote under the pseudonyms Idris Seabright and (on one occasion) Wilton Hazzard.

St. Clair wrote and published, by her own count, some 130 short stories. She first tried her hand at detective and mystery stories, and the so-called 'quality' stories, before finding her niche writing fantasy and science fiction for pulp magazines. She wrote "Unlike most pulp writers, I have no special ambitions to make the pages of the slick magazines. I feel that the pulps at their best touch a genuine folk tradition and have a balladic quality which the slicks lack."

Her early output included the Oona and Jick series of eight stories published from 1947 to 1949, chronicling the comic misadventures of "housewife of the future" Oona and her devoted husband Jick. The stories were ostensibly set in an idealized future but cast a satirical look at post-war domestic life, with its focus on acquiring labor-saving household devices and "keeping up with the Joneses."

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>There was time now—plenty of time on this strange, dark planet—for those erudite exiles from frozen Earth to ponder the value of man&#39;s accumulated knowledge.</em></strong></p><p>Today&#39;s story is &#34;The Dancers,&#34; by Margaret St Clair. It appeared in the January 1952 issue of Planet Stories on pages 76 to 80.</p><p>It appeared under the pen name of Wilton Hazzard.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Margaret St. Clair</strong> (17 February 1911, Hutchinson, Kansas – 22 November 1995, Santa Rosa, California) was an American fantasy and science fiction writer who also wrote under the pseudonyms Idris Seabright and (on one occasion) Wilton Hazzard.</p><p>St. Clair wrote and published, by her own count, some 130 short stories. She first tried her hand at detective and mystery stories, and the so-called &#39;quality&#39; stories, before finding her niche writing fantasy and science fiction for pulp magazines. She wrote &#34;Unlike most pulp writers, I have no special ambitions to make the pages of the slick magazines. I feel that the pulps at their best touch a genuine folk tradition and have a balladic quality which the slicks lack.&#34;</p><p>Her early output included the Oona and Jick series of eight stories published from 1947 to 1949, chronicling the comic misadventures of &#34;housewife of the future&#34; Oona and her devoted husband Jick. The stories were ostensibly set in an idealized future but cast a satirical look at post-war domestic life, with its focus on acquiring labor-saving household devices and &#34;keeping up with the Joneses.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 25c75b12-3b33-4d5c-965e-f8c245884421 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/4807f8d6-1d43-438b-a8e5-76c781988f6f Sun, 12 Apr 2026 22:00:01 +0000 717 no full The Laugh, by Robert Abernathy The Laugh, by Robert Abernathy Paul Lawley-Jones To Dicky, grownups were absurdly like ants. They worked hard for no good purpose. But some day a big, big change would be coming!

The Laugh, by Robert Abernathy appeared in the June 1956 issue of "Fantastic Universe" on pages 73 to 79.

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Robert Abernathy (June 6, 1924 – April 6, 1990) was an American science fiction author during the 1940s and 1950s. He was known primarily for his short stories which were published in many of the pulp magazines that flourished during the Golden Age of Science Fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>To Dicky, grownups were absurdly like ants. They worked hard for no good purpose. But some day a big, big change would be coming!</em></strong></p><p>The Laugh, by Robert Abernathy appeared in the June 1956 issue of &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34; on pages 73 to 79.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert Abernathy</strong> (June 6, 1924 – April 6, 1990) was an American science fiction author during the 1940s and 1950s. He was known primarily for his short stories which were published in many of the pulp magazines that flourished during the Golden Age of Science Fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p>Music: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 7645c710-c332-4348-a131-b8d061106212 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/837fde39-5ca0-4826-8806-6e834e3bfefd Sun, 05 Apr 2026 22:00:04 +0000 1268 no full Strange Playfellow, by Isaac Asimov Strange Playfellow, by Isaac Asimov Paul Lawley-Jones Robbie was only a machine, but he was Gloria’s best friend, and she wanted him back. 

"Strange Playfellow" appeared in the September 1940 issue of "Super Science Stories" on pages 67 to 77.

"Strange Playfellow" was Asimov's first robot story, written on June 10, 1939, and initially titled "Strange Playfellow" by editor Frederik Pohl. The story was later reprinted under Asimov's preferred title, "Robbie", in collections such as "I, Robot" (1950), "The Complete Robot" (1982), and "Robot Visions" (1990). The story also features early elements of Asimov’s later Robot series, including the Three Laws of Robotics.

In 2016, the story, titled as "Robbie", won the retrospective 1941 Hugo Award for Best Short Story, in recognition of its significance in science fiction.

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Isaac Asimov (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.

Asimov's most famous work is the "Foundation" series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966. His other major series are the "Galactic Empire" series and the "Robot" series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette "Nightfall", which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Robbie was only a machine, but he was Gloria’s best friend, and she wanted him back. </em></strong></p><p>&#34;Strange Playfellow&#34; appeared in the September 1940 issue of &#34;Super Science Stories&#34; on pages 67 to 77.</p><p>&#34;Strange Playfellow&#34; was Asimov&#39;s first robot story, written on June 10, 1939, and initially titled &#34;Strange Playfellow&#34; by editor Frederik Pohl. The story was later reprinted under Asimov&#39;s preferred title, &#34;Robbie&#34;, in collections such as &#34;I, Robot&#34; (1950), &#34;The Complete Robot&#34; (1982), and &#34;Robot Visions&#34; (1990). The story also features early elements of Asimov’s later Robot series, including the Three Laws of Robotics.</p><p>In 2016, the story, titled as &#34;Robbie&#34;, won the retrospective 1941 Hugo Award for Best Short Story, in recognition of its significance in science fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Isaac Asimov</strong> (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the &#34;Big Three&#34; science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.</p><p>Asimov&#39;s most famous work is the &#34;Foundation&#34; series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for &#34;Best All-Time Series&#34; in 1966. His other major series are the &#34;Galactic Empire&#34; series and the &#34;Robot&#34; series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette &#34;Nightfall&#34;, which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.</p> b25acdb1-4f37-4adc-9e2a-8ce96f19a10d https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/b4261722-86b6-495e-9a8f-27afa2535732 Sun, 29 Mar 2026 22:00:23 +0000 2599 no full The Million Dollar Bond Robbery, by Agatha Christie The Million Dollar Bond Robbery, by Agatha Christie Paul Lawley-Jones Hercule Poirot's little grey cells penetrate straight to the heart of the solution when a million dollars worth of bonds are at stake.

"The Million Dollar Bond Robbery" appeared in the book "Poirot Investigates," published by "The Bodley Head Limited" in 1921 on pages 80 to 91.

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Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952.

A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction," Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime"—now trademarked by her estate—or the "Queen of Mystery." She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Hercule Poirot&#39;s little grey cells penetrate straight to the heart of the solution when a million dollars worth of bonds are at stake.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Million Dollar Bond Robbery&#34; appeared in the book &#34;Poirot Investigates,&#34; published by &#34;The Bodley Head Limited&#34; in 1921 on pages 80 to 91.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE</strong> (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world&#39;s longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952.</p><p>A writer during the &#34;Golden Age of Detective Fiction,&#34; Christie has been called the &#34;Queen of Crime&#34;—now trademarked by her estate—or the &#34;Queen of Mystery.&#34; She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> d6c9b5bb-ddec-4835-8088-76e6c9bb47a8 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/15ae0583-1db2-42ae-8918-6e6700770d6c Mon, 23 Mar 2026 10:00:28 +0000 1434 no full Homo Sol, by Isaac Asimov Homo Sol, by Isaac Asimov Paul Lawley-Jones The Galaxy had a nice, stable civilization — Till Earth-men, the prize gadget maniacs of space, came along!

Homo Sol appeared in the September 1940 issue of Astounding Science Fiction on pages 117 to 131.

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Isaac Asimov (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.

Asimov's most famous work is the "Foundation" series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966. His other major series are the "Galactic Empire" series and the "Robot" series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette "Nightfall", which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The Galaxy had a nice, stable civilization — Till Earth-men, the prize gadget maniacs of space, came along!</em></strong></p><p>Homo Sol appeared in the September 1940 issue of Astounding Science Fiction on pages 117 to 131.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Isaac Asimov</strong> (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the &#34;Big Three&#34; science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.</p><p>Asimov&#39;s most famous work is the &#34;Foundation&#34; series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for &#34;Best All-Time Series&#34; in 1966. His other major series are the &#34;Galactic Empire&#34; series and the &#34;Robot&#34; series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette &#34;Nightfall&#34;, which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> de62cb53-6741-4931-b898-79cc7d2a7acd https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/ea5e4fed-3432-4615-9536-f424abcc77a4 Sun, 15 Mar 2026 22:00:07 +0000 3361 no full The Forerunners, by Norman Arkawy and Stanley Henig The Forerunners, by Norman Arkawy and Stanley Henig Paul Lawley-Jones The telepaths were a danger and a threat—to a world grown monstrous. But the human mind can unlock a multitude of doors.

"The Forerunners" appeared in the March 1956 issue of "Fantastic Universe" on pages 59 to 69.

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Norman Arkawy

If you have information about this author, I would be grateful if you could let me know ot goldenagefiction@proton.me.

Stanley Henig

If you have information about this author, I would be grateful if you could let me know ot goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The telepaths were a danger and a threat—to a world grown monstrous. But the human mind can unlock a multitude of doors.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Forerunners&#34; appeared in the March 1956 issue of &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34; on pages 59 to 69.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Norman Arkawy</strong></p><p>If you have information about this author, I would be grateful if you could let me know ot <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p><strong>Stanley Henig</strong></p><p>If you have information about this author, I would be grateful if you could let me know ot <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> d4f6f56e-1e15-4960-b8f9-deb5ba2d254a https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/db2ac68a-f08e-4503-84ca-9f2c21a8ceec Sun, 08 Mar 2026 22:00:53 +0000 1881 no full Shambleau, by C L Moore Shambleau, by C L Moore Paul Lawley-Jones Shambleau. A name out of myth and legend. The Greeks on Earth had a name for it, as did the civilizations on countless other planets. Northwest Smith, itinerant adventurer, was about to find out just how mythical the creature was...

"Shambleau" appeared in the November 1933 issue of "Weird Tales" on pages 531 to 550.

"Shambleau" was the first published story of Moore's anti-hero, Northwest Smith.

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Catherine Lucille Moore (January 24, 1911, Indianapolis, Indiana, US – April 4, 1987, Hollywood, California, US) was an American science fiction and fantasy writer. She was among the first women to write in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Moore's work paved the way for many other female speculative fiction writers.

Her early work included two significant series in Weird Tales. One features the rogue and adventurer Northwest Smith wandering through the Solar System; the other features the swordswoman/warrior Jirel of Joiry, one of the first female protagonists in sword-and-sorcery fiction.

Moore married her first husband Henry Kuttner in 1940, and most of her work from 1940 to 1958 (Kuttner's death) was written by the couple collaboratively. They were prolific co-authors under their own names, although more often under any one of several pseudonyms.

As "Catherine Kuttner", she had a brief career as a television scriptwriter from 1958 to 1962. She retired from writing in 1963.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Shambleau. A name out of myth and legend. The Greeks on Earth had a name for it, as did the civilizations on countless other planets. Northwest Smith, itinerant adventurer, was about to find out just how mythical the creature was...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Shambleau&#34; appeared in the November 1933 issue of &#34;Weird Tales&#34; on pages 531 to 550.</p><p>&#34;Shambleau&#34; was the first published story of Moore&#39;s anti-hero, Northwest Smith.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Catherine Lucille Moore</strong> (January 24, 1911, Indianapolis, Indiana, US – April 4, 1987, Hollywood, California, US) was an American science fiction and fantasy writer. She was among the first women to write in the science fiction and fantasy genres. Moore&#39;s work paved the way for many other female speculative fiction writers.</p><p>Her early work included two significant series in Weird Tales. One features the rogue and adventurer Northwest Smith wandering through the Solar System; the other features the swordswoman/warrior Jirel of Joiry, one of the first female protagonists in sword-and-sorcery fiction.</p><p>Moore married her first husband Henry Kuttner in 1940, and most of her work from 1940 to 1958 (Kuttner&#39;s death) was written by the couple collaboratively. They were prolific co-authors under their own names, although more often under any one of several pseudonyms.</p><p>As &#34;Catherine Kuttner&#34;, she had a brief career as a television scriptwriter from 1958 to 1962. She retired from writing in 1963.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p>Music: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 0e618a9a-6887-4a4e-948e-828a419a1277 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/f39daced-6865-42aa-ad7b-866fc6c514dd Mon, 02 Mar 2026 10:00:10 +0000 4854 no full The Artificial Man, by Clare Winger Harris The Artificial Man, by Clare Winger Harris Paul Lawley-Jones How much is the health of the mind tied to the health of the body. George Gregory is about to find out...

"The Artificial Man" appeared in the Fall 1929 issue of "Science Wonder Quarterly" on pages 78 to 83.

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Clare Winger Harris (January 18, 1891, Freeport, Illinois – October 26, 1968, Pasadena, California) was a pioneering science fiction writer whose short stories were published during the 1920s. She is credited as the first woman to publish stories under her own name in science fiction magazines. Her stories often featured strong female characters.

Harris began publishing stories in 1926 and soon became popular with readers, with most of her fiction appearing in the influential magazine Amazing Stories. She published a total of twelve stories, all but one of which were collected in 1947 as “Away From the Here and Now”; a full collection was not published until 2019 when “The Artificial Man and Other Stories” appeared.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>How much is the health of the mind tied to the health of the body. George Gregory is about to find out...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Artificial Man&#34; appeared in the Fall 1929 issue of &#34;Science Wonder Quarterly&#34; on pages 78 to 83.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Clare Winger Harris</strong> (January 18, 1891, Freeport, Illinois – October 26, 1968, Pasadena, California) was a pioneering science fiction writer whose short stories were published during the 1920s. She is credited as the first woman to publish stories under her own name in science fiction magazines. Her stories often featured strong female characters.</p><p>Harris began publishing stories in 1926 and soon became popular with readers, with most of her fiction appearing in the influential magazine Amazing Stories. She published a total of twelve stories, all but one of which were collected in 1947 as “Away From the Here and Now”; a full collection was not published until 2019 when “The Artificial Man and Other Stories” appeared.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> eb465932-ab92-4490-953a-78b5a66fd2a2 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/66cf79cd-7b2f-4be2-a89a-82ab5f0ba096 Thu, 26 Feb 2026 22:00:01 +0000 1938 no full Biddy and the Silver Man, by Harlan Ellison Biddy and the Silver Man, by Harlan Ellison Paul Lawley-Jones A man came out of the sky and they took him and hanged him from the nearest tree thinking that they lynched a devil. But perhaps they crucified a saint instead—there in the beauty of the desert.

"Biddy and the Silver Man" appeared in the February 1957 issue of "Fantastic Science Fiction" on pages 6 to 29 and 110 to 130.

It appeared under the pen name of E K Jarvis, a house pen name of Fantastic, as Harlan Ellison had another story published in that month's issue.

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Harlan Jay Ellison (May 27, 1934 – June 28, 2018) was an American writer, known for his prolific and influential work in New Wave speculative fiction and for his outspoken, combative personality. His published works include more than 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media.

Some of his best-known works include the 1967 Star Trek episode "The City on the Edge of Forever", considered by some to be the single greatest episode of the Star Trek franchise (he subsequently wrote a book about the experience that includes his original teleplay), his "A Boy and His Dog" cycle (which was made into a film), and his short stories "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" and "'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman". He was also editor and anthologist for Dangerous Visions (1967) and Again, Dangerous Visions (1972). Ellison won numerous awards, including multiple Hugos, Nebulas, and Edgars.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>A man came out of the sky and they took him and hanged him from the nearest tree thinking that they lynched a devil. But perhaps they crucified a saint instead—there in the beauty of the desert.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Biddy and the Silver Man&#34; appeared in the February 1957 issue of &#34;Fantastic Science Fiction&#34; on pages 6 to 29 and 110 to 130.</p><p>It appeared under the pen name of E K Jarvis, a house pen name of Fantastic, as Harlan Ellison had another story published in that month&#39;s issue.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Harlan Jay Ellison</strong> (May 27, 1934 – June 28, 2018) was an American writer, known for his prolific and influential work in New Wave speculative fiction and for his outspoken, combative personality. His published works include more than 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media.</p><p>Some of his best-known works include the 1967 Star Trek episode &#34;The City on the Edge of Forever&#34;, considered by some to be the single greatest episode of the Star Trek franchise (he subsequently wrote a book about the experience that includes his original teleplay), his &#34;A Boy and His Dog&#34; cycle (which was made into a film), and his short stories &#34;I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream&#34; and &#34;&#39;Repent, Harlequin!&#39; Said the Ticktockman&#34;. He was also editor and anthologist for Dangerous Visions (1967) and Again, Dangerous Visions (1972). Ellison won numerous awards, including multiple Hugos, Nebulas, and Edgars.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 203875bf-20e3-468d-a864-c44e00e1db1d https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/faa612dd-a026-4a4c-803e-fb94231c6a24 Sun, 22 Feb 2026 22:00:52 +0000 6520 no full The Man from the Atom, by G Peyton Wertenbaker The Man from the Atom, by G Peyton Wertenbaker Paul Lawley-Jones Kirby was always up for adventure, for trying out one of Professor Martyn's new inventions. His latest invention, however, which could grow or shrink a man indefinitely, promised to revolutionize science. But at what cost...?

"The Man from the Atom" appeared in "Amazing Stories," April 1926, pages 62 to 66 and May 1926, pages 140 to 147.

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G Peyton Wertenbaker (1907-1968) was a US author and editor, one of the pioneers of Hugo Gernsback's development of "Scientifiction" (science fiction.) His first story, written when he was fifteen, "The Man from the Atom" (August 1923 Science and Invention) appeared in the special "scientifiction" issue of Gernsback's premier science magazine and concerns an invention that allows a man to grow so vast and so quickly that he moves beyond into the macrocosm and is unable to return to Earth. His further adventures are told in "The Man from the Atom (Sequel)" (May 1926 Amazing), the first new story published in Amazing Stories.

Wertenbaker wrote only five science fiction stories before turning to novel writing and editing. He served on the editorial board of Fortune magazine from 1933 to 1938, and became a contributing editor to Time Magazine in 1939. In 1950 he became involved with the fledgling Aerospace industry, returning to some degree to his first love. In 1958 he joined NASA as a speechwriter, eventually becoming chief historian of the Aerospace Medical Division.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Kirby was always up for adventure, for trying out one of Professor Martyn&#39;s new inventions. His latest invention, however, which could grow or shrink a man indefinitely, promised to revolutionize science. But at what cost...?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Man from the Atom&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; April 1926, pages 62 to 66 and May 1926, pages 140 to 147.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>G Peyton Wertenbaker</strong> (1907-1968) was a US author and editor, one of the pioneers of Hugo Gernsback&#39;s development of &#34;Scientifiction&#34; (science fiction.) His first story, written when he was fifteen, &#34;The Man from the Atom&#34; (August 1923 Science and Invention) appeared in the special &#34;scientifiction&#34; issue of Gernsback&#39;s premier science magazine and concerns an invention that allows a man to grow so vast and so quickly that he moves beyond into the macrocosm and is unable to return to Earth. His further adventures are told in &#34;The Man from the Atom (Sequel)&#34; (May 1926 Amazing), the first new story published in Amazing Stories.</p><p>Wertenbaker wrote only five science fiction stories before turning to novel writing and editing. He served on the editorial board of Fortune magazine from 1933 to 1938, and became a contributing editor to Time Magazine in 1939. In 1950 he became involved with the fledgling Aerospace industry, returning to some degree to his first love. In 1958 he joined NASA as a speechwriter, eventually becoming chief historian of the Aerospace Medical Division.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 0f008c4e-fdd9-4c8b-bc6e-b7a710bb9878 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/067fb3e6-e583-4aad-8e8a-12fcb5f6b55a Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:00:01 +0000 5420 no full Keepers of the House, by Lester del Rey Keepers of the House, by Lester del Rey Paul Lawley-Jones King could remember how golden and glorious the house had seemed to men-and what the science he hated had done to his friends.

"Keepers of the House" appeared in the January 1956 issue of "Fantastic Universe" on pages 82 to 93.

"Keepers of the House" is also included in "The Best of Lester del Rey," published in 1978, a collection of several of his most acclaimed short stories from the 1930s to the 1950s.

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Lester del Rey (real name Leonard Knapp) (June 2, 1915, Saratoga Township, Minnesota, – May 10, 1993, New York City, New York), was an American science fiction author and editor. He was the author of many books in the juvenile Winston Science Fiction series, and the fantasy editor at Del Rey Books, the fantasy and science fiction imprint of Ballantine Books (subsequently Random House.)

Del Rey first started publishing stories in pulp magazines in the late 1930s, at the dawn of the so-called Golden Age of Science Fiction.

He was a member of a literary banqueting club, the Trap Door Spiders, which served as the basis of Isaac Asimov's fictional group of mystery solvers, the Black Widowers. Del Rey was the model for "Emmanuel Rubin."

His 1938 story "Helen O'Loy" was selected for the prestigious anthology The Science Fiction Hall of Fame. He was awarded the 1972 E. E. Smith Memorial Award for Imaginative Fiction (the "Skylark") by the New England Science Fiction Association. He won a special 1985 Balrog Award for his contributions to fantasy, voted for by fans and organized by Locus magazine. The Science Fiction Writers of America named him its 11th SFWA Grand Master in 1990, presented 1991.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>King could remember how golden and glorious the house had seemed to men-and what the science he hated had done to his friends.</strong></p><p>&#34;Keepers of the House&#34; appeared in the January 1956 issue of &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34; on pages 82 to 93.</p><p>&#34;Keepers of the House&#34; is also included in &#34;The Best of Lester del Rey,&#34; published in 1978, a collection of several of his most acclaimed short stories from the 1930s to the 1950s.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Lester del Rey</strong> (real name Leonard Knapp) (June 2, 1915, Saratoga Township, Minnesota, – May 10, 1993, New York City, New York), was an American science fiction author and editor. He was the author of many books in the juvenile Winston Science Fiction series, and the fantasy editor at Del Rey Books, the fantasy and science fiction imprint of Ballantine Books (subsequently Random House.)</p><p>Del Rey first started publishing stories in pulp magazines in the late 1930s, at the dawn of the so-called Golden Age of Science Fiction.</p><p>He was a member of a literary banqueting club, the Trap Door Spiders, which served as the basis of Isaac Asimov&#39;s fictional group of mystery solvers, the Black Widowers. Del Rey was the model for &#34;Emmanuel Rubin.&#34;</p><p>His 1938 story &#34;Helen O&#39;Loy&#34; was selected for the prestigious anthology The Science Fiction Hall of Fame. He was awarded the 1972 E. E. Smith Memorial Award for Imaginative Fiction (the &#34;Skylark&#34;) by the New England Science Fiction Association. He won a special 1985 Balrog Award for his contributions to fantasy, voted for by fans and organized by Locus magazine. The Science Fiction Writers of America named him its 11th SFWA Grand Master in 1990, presented 1991.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> a06e069f-6caf-48d8-aa06-7c0088a492a1 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/61623e81-1204-4f2b-a1e3-e56460e287c5 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:00:20 +0000 2085 no full Einstein's Planetoid, by C M Kornbluth, Robert A W Lowndes, and Frederick Pohl Einstein's Planetoid, by C M Kornbluth, Robert A W Lowndes, and Frederick Pohl Paul Lawley-Jones They were the heirs of space-flight: They planned to be the first humans to land on Alpha Centauri, but the original Hartnett expedition had been lost and they had to find it first. They followed the signals and found that they led to what looked like a one-way excursion to the screwiest planetoid in the galaxy!

"Einstein's Planetoid" appeared in "Science Fiction Quarterly," Spring 1942, pages 99 to 117.

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Cyril M Kornbluth

Cyril M Kornbluth (July 2, 1923 – March 21, 1958) was an American science fiction author and a member of the Futurians. He used a variety of pen-names, including Cecil Corwin, S D Gottesman, Edward J Bellin, Kenneth Falconer, Walter C Davies, Simon Eisner, Jordan Park, Arthur Cooke, Paul Dennis Lavond, and Scott Mariner.

As a teenager, he became a member of the Futurians, an influential group of science fiction fans and writers. While a member of the Futurians, he met and became friends with Frederik Pohl, Donald A Wollheim, Robert A W Lowndes, and his future wife Mary Byers. He also participated in the Fantasy Amateur Press Association.

Robert A W Lowndes

Robert Augustine Ward "Doc" Lowndes (September 4, 1916 – July 14, 1998) was an American science fiction author, editor and fan. He was known best as the editor of Future Science Fiction, Science Fiction, and Science Fiction Quarterly, among many other crime-fiction, western, sports-fiction, and other pulp and digest sized magazines for Columbia Publications. Among the most famous writers he was first to publish at Columbia was mystery writer Edward D Hoch, who in turn would contribute to Lowndes's fiction magazines as long as he was editing them. Lowndes was a principal member of the Futurians. His first story, "The Outpost at Altark" for Super Science in 1940, was written in collaboration with fellow Futurian Donald A Wollheim, uncredited.

Frederick Pohl

Frederick George Pohl Jr. (November 26, 1919 – September 2, 2013) was an American science-fiction writer, editor, and fan, with a career spanning nearly 75 years.

From about 1959 until 1969, Pohl edited Galaxy and its sister magazine If; the latter winning three successive annual Hugo Awards. His 1977 novel Gateway won four "year's best novel" awards: the Hugo, the Locus, the Nebula, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. He won the Campbell Memorial Award again for the 1984 collection of novellas The Years of the City. For his 1979 novel Jem, Pohl won a U.S. National Book Award, and it was a finalist for three other year's best novel awards. He won four Hugo and three Nebula Awards, including receiving both for the 1977 novel Gateway.

In 1993, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named Pohl its 12th recipient of the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award, and he was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 1998.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>They were the heirs of space-flight: They planned to be the first humans to land on Alpha Centauri, but the original Hartnett expedition had been lost and they had to find it first. They followed the signals and found that they led to what looked like a one-way excursion to the screwiest planetoid in the galaxy!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Einstein&#39;s Planetoid&#34; appeared in &#34;Science Fiction Quarterly,&#34; Spring 1942, pages 99 to 117.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Cyril M Kornbluth</strong></p><p>Cyril M Kornbluth (July 2, 1923 – March 21, 1958) was an American science fiction author and a member of the Futurians. He used a variety of pen-names, including Cecil Corwin, S D Gottesman, Edward J Bellin, Kenneth Falconer, Walter C Davies, Simon Eisner, Jordan Park, Arthur Cooke, Paul Dennis Lavond, and Scott Mariner.</p><p>As a teenager, he became a member of the Futurians, an influential group of science fiction fans and writers. While a member of the Futurians, he met and became friends with Frederik Pohl, Donald A Wollheim, Robert A W Lowndes, and his future wife Mary Byers. He also participated in the Fantasy Amateur Press Association.</p><p><strong>Robert A W Lowndes</strong></p><p>Robert Augustine Ward &#34;Doc&#34; Lowndes (September 4, 1916 – July 14, 1998) was an American science fiction author, editor and fan. He was known best as the editor of Future Science Fiction, Science Fiction, and Science Fiction Quarterly, among many other crime-fiction, western, sports-fiction, and other pulp and digest sized magazines for Columbia Publications. Among the most famous writers he was first to publish at Columbia was mystery writer Edward D Hoch, who in turn would contribute to Lowndes&#39;s fiction magazines as long as he was editing them. Lowndes was a principal member of the Futurians. His first story, &#34;The Outpost at Altark&#34; for Super Science in 1940, was written in collaboration with fellow Futurian Donald A Wollheim, uncredited.</p><p><strong>Frederick Pohl</strong></p><p>Frederick George Pohl Jr. (November 26, 1919 – September 2, 2013) was an American science-fiction writer, editor, and fan, with a career spanning nearly 75 years.</p><p>From about 1959 until 1969, Pohl edited Galaxy and its sister magazine If; the latter winning three successive annual Hugo Awards. His 1977 novel Gateway won four &#34;year&#39;s best novel&#34; awards: the Hugo, the Locus, the Nebula, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. He won the Campbell Memorial Award again for the 1984 collection of novellas The Years of the City. For his 1979 novel Jem, Pohl won a U.S. National Book Award, and it was a finalist for three other year&#39;s best novel awards. He won four Hugo and three Nebula Awards, including receiving both for the 1977 novel Gateway.</p><p>In 1993, the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America named Pohl its 12th recipient of the Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master Award, and he was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 1998.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 1ca22bac-acc1-4681-b801-bdd00d1b1126 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/ce772d38-4b3f-40a8-8a77-da3d2236ed40 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:00:51 +0000 3984 no full The Velvet Glove, by Harry Harrison The Velvet Glove, by Harry Harrison Paul Lawley-Jones True, the Robot Equality Act had been passed—but so what?_ New York was a bad town for robots this year. In fact, all over the country it was bad for robots....

"The Velvet Glove" appeared in the November 1956 issue of "Fantastic Universe" on pages 59 to 75.

"The Velvet Glove" also appeared in "War with the Robots," a collection of short stories by Harry Harrison published in 1962. The collection's central theme is robots being able to do things better than humans.

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Harry Max Harrison (March 12, 1925 – August 15, 2012) was an American science fiction author, known mostly for his character The Stainless Steel Rat and for his novel Make Room! Make Room! (1966). The latter was the rough basis for the motion picture Soylent Green (1973). Long resident in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, Harrison was involved in the foundation of the Irish Science Fiction Association, and was, with Brian Aldiss, co-president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>True, the Robot Equality Act had been passed—but so what?_ New York was a bad town for robots this year. In fact, all over the country it was bad for robots....</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Velvet Glove&#34; appeared in the November 1956 issue of &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34; on pages 59 to 75.</p><p>&#34;The Velvet Glove&#34; also appeared in &#34;War with the Robots,&#34; a collection of short stories by Harry Harrison published in 1962. The collection&#39;s central theme is robots being able to do things better than humans.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Harry Max Harrison</strong> (March 12, 1925 – August 15, 2012) was an American science fiction author, known mostly for his character The Stainless Steel Rat and for his novel Make Room! Make Room! (1966). The latter was the rough basis for the motion picture Soylent Green (1973). Long resident in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, Harrison was involved in the foundation of the Irish Science Fiction Association, and was, with Brian Aldiss, co-president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 49b78455-ba9e-453a-9dd7-b267fdbc381d https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/2fe71be4-58ad-49b7-b8aa-e9c81339a75f Sun, 08 Feb 2026 22:00:19 +0000 3022 no full Lobo's Return, by Forrestine C Hooker Lobo's Return, by Forrestine C Hooker Paul Lawley-Jones Lobo was thirsty, so thirsty that he must venture close to where he knew his old enemy—man—was, but where he knew he would find water...

"Lobo's Return" appeared in "Blue Book Magazine," January 1925, pages 64 - 65.

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Forrestine Cooper Hooker (March 1867 - March 1932) was an American author of primarily children's books set in the wild west of 19th Century America.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Lobo was thirsty, so thirsty that he must venture close to where he knew his old enemy—man—was, but where he knew he would find water...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Lobo&#39;s Return&#34; appeared in &#34;Blue Book Magazine,&#34; January 1925, pages 64 - 65.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Forrestine Cooper Hooker</strong> (March 1867 - March 1932) was an American author of primarily children&#39;s books set in the wild west of 19th Century America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 9ae90dcd-ad88-4efe-bc15-e5e55071639e https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/37f49ed0-9a15-4af2-bd30-ce2d66d246f5 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 22:00:53 +0000 698 no full Duar the Accursed, by Clifford Ball Duar the Accursed, by Clifford Ball Paul Lawley-Jones A surprizing tale about the Black Tower and the intrusion therein of a barbarian adventurer—a strange weird tale of the love of a queen for her enemy.

"Duar the Accursed" appeared in the May 1937 issue of "Weird Tales" on pages 541 to 553.

Ball was especially enamored of Robert E Howard's Conan stories. The setting for Duar the Accursed is similar to Howard’s Hyborian Age.

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Clifford Nankivell Ball (January 24, 1908, New York, New York – January 1947, Baltimore, Maryland) was an American fantasy writer whose primary distinction was having been one of the earliest post-Howard writers in the sword and sorcery subgenre of fantasy. He wrote as Clifford Ball.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>A surprizing tale about the Black Tower and the intrusion therein of a barbarian adventurer—a strange weird tale of the love of a queen for her enemy.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Duar the Accursed&#34; appeared in the May 1937 issue of &#34;Weird Tales&#34; on pages 541 to 553.</p><p>Ball was especially enamored of Robert E Howard&#39;s Conan stories. The setting for Duar the Accursed is similar to Howard’s Hyborian Age.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Clifford Nankivell Ball</strong> (January 24, 1908, New York, New York – January 1947, Baltimore, Maryland) was an American fantasy writer whose primary distinction was having been one of the earliest post-Howard writers in the sword and sorcery subgenre of fantasy. He wrote as Clifford Ball.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> e2da92cc-3b8f-4b62-a521-50a0027c3959 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/0ce7d283-9c3c-4af7-9390-e17907bcfaf3 Sun, 01 Feb 2026 22:00:50 +0000 3306 no full Native Son, The Last Supper, & Floor of Heaven, by T D Hamm Native Son, The Last Supper, & Floor of Heaven, by T D Hamm Paul Lawley-Jones Tommy hated Earth, knowing his mother might go home to Mars without him. Worse, would his dad buy an android to secretly take her place?

"Native Son" appeared in "Imagination, Stories of Science and Fantasy," July 1953, pages 108 - 114.

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Guldran was going to save the day and return to the ship at the eleventh hour with his prize, a defenseless mother burdened with her child.

"The Last Supper" appeared in "Worlds of If Science Fiction," September 1952, pages 105 - 106.

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For Williams, to be among the stars was everything, even if he had only made it to Mars. But when an earthquake forced him to lift off and leave his fellow astronauts behind, he was not used to the isolation and the silence...

"Floor of Heaven" appeared in "Amazing Stories," January 1961.

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T D Hamm (real name Thelma Hamm Evans, 1905 – 1995) was a science fiction writer with stories published in If, Tomorrow's Universe, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, and several others.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Tommy hated Earth, knowing his mother might go home to Mars without him. Worse, would his dad buy an android to secretly take her place?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Native Son&#34; appeared in &#34;Imagination, Stories of Science and Fantasy,&#34; July 1953, pages 108 - 114.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong><em>Guldran was going to save the day and return to the ship at the eleventh hour with his prize, a defenseless mother burdened with her child.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Last Supper&#34; appeared in &#34;Worlds of If Science Fiction,&#34; September 1952, pages 105 - 106.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong><em>For Williams, to be among the stars was everything, even if he had only made it to Mars. But when an earthquake forced him to lift off and leave his fellow astronauts behind, he was not used to the isolation and the silence...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Floor of Heaven&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; January 1961.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>T D Hamm</strong> (real name Thelma Hamm Evans, 1905 – 1995) was a science fiction writer with stories published in If, Tomorrow&#39;s Universe, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, and several others.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> ee8319b0-0a44-4d3e-81ad-01edacfe0348 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/4831b93c-5f03-482f-9b3a-4b20ede31d7a Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:00:14 +0000 1804 no full The Genius of Lancelot Biggs The Genius of Lancelot Biggs Paul Lawley-Jones Lancelot Biggs was an unpredictable quantity, but nobody aboard the Saturn thought he'd ever turn traitor!

"The Genius of Lancelot Biggs" appeared in the June 1940 issue of "Fantastic Adventures," on pages 92 to 103 and 132.

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Nelson Slade Bond (November 23, 1908 – November 4, 2006) was an American writer. His works included books, magazine articles, and scripts used in radio, for television and on the stage.

The 1998 recipient of the Nebula Author Emeritus award for lifetime achievement, Bond was a pioneer in early science fiction and fantasy. His published fiction is mainly short stories, most of which appeared in pulp magazines in the 1930s and 1940s. Many were published in Blue Book magazine. He is noted for his "Lancelot Biggs" series of stories and for his "Meg the Priestess" tales, which introduced one of the first powerful female characters in science fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Lancelot Biggs was an unpredictable quantity, but nobody aboard the Saturn thought he&#39;d ever turn traitor!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Genius of Lancelot Biggs&#34; appeared in the June 1940 issue of &#34;Fantastic Adventures,&#34; on pages 92 to 103 and 132.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Nelson Slade Bond</strong> (November 23, 1908 – November 4, 2006) was an American writer. His works included books, magazine articles, and scripts used in radio, for television and on the stage.</p><p>The 1998 recipient of the Nebula Author Emeritus award for lifetime achievement, Bond was a pioneer in early science fiction and fantasy. His published fiction is mainly short stories, most of which appeared in pulp magazines in the 1930s and 1940s. Many were published in Blue Book magazine. He is noted for his &#34;Lancelot Biggs&#34; series of stories and for his &#34;Meg the Priestess&#34; tales, which introduced one of the first powerful female characters in science fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> fa5ade33-bc8f-4437-8e0c-024a14290fab https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/a9fb4427-6b16-4ee2-b935-567827fc4824 Sun, 25 Jan 2026 22:00:03 +0000 2684 no full The Vertigo Hook, by Richard Ashby The Vertigo Hook, by Richard Ashby Paul Lawley-Jones The Irritant was hungry, but with no intellects nearby, it had to bait a hook and wait. Something would come along. That something was John Singleton Mosby, a Civil War General with a novel idea for a new weapon...

"The Vertigo Hook" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," October-November 1953, pages 93 - 98.

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Richard Ashby is an American author of science and general fiction, who first published "A Joke for Harry" for Amazing in September 1949. His science fiction novel, Act of God (December 1951-January 1952 Other Worlds; exp 1971), concerns a conspiracy in 2002 to deprive the one man who has gained Immortality of his powerful gift.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The Irritant was hungry, but with no intellects nearby, it had to bait a hook and wait. Something would come along. That something was John Singleton Mosby, a Civil War General with a novel idea for a new weapon...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Vertigo Hook&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; October-November 1953, pages 93 - 98.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Richard Ashby</strong> is an American author of science and general fiction, who first published &#34;A Joke for Harry&#34; for Amazing in September 1949. His science fiction novel, Act of God (December 1951-January 1952 Other Worlds; exp 1971), concerns a conspiracy in 2002 to deprive the one man who has gained Immortality of his powerful gift.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 31b5be7b-1882-4f63-99a3-3ca68af9a5fd https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/68bfdaa1-3a08-4976-8380-23cc237929ff Thu, 22 Jan 2026 22:00:18 +0000 1159 no full Microcosmic God, by Theodore Sturgeon Microcosmic God, by Theodore Sturgeon Paul Lawley-Jones Kidder had a system for inventing things in a hurry—and he thought he had a system for handling the results. His method was inhuman—but his agent was human—and dangerous! 

"Microcosmic God" It appeared in the April 1941 issue of "Astounding Science Fiction" on pages 46 to 68.

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"Microcosmic God" was recognized as one of the best science fiction short stories published before the Nebula Awards by the Science Fiction Writers of America in 1970, and was named as one of the best science fiction stories in polls by "Analog Science Fiction and Fact" in 1971, and "Locus" in 1999. In 1976, it was also published as a comic book version in issue 3 of "Starstream: Adventures in Science Fiction," by Gold Key Comics.

Sturgeon wrote the 1967 "Star Trek: The Original Series" episode "Amok Time," which featured the first appearance of 'pon farr,' the Vulcan mating ritual, the Vulcan hand gesture, and the phrase "Live Long and Prosper."

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Theodore Sturgeon (born Edward Hamilton Waldo, February 26, 1918, New York City – May 8, 1985, Eugene, Oregon) was an American author of primarily fantasy, science fiction, and horror. He wrote more than 120 short stories, 11 novels.

Sturgeon also wrote the screenplays for the Star Trek: The Original Series episodes "Shore Leave" (1966) and "Amok Time" (1967.) Sturgeon also wrote several more Star Trek scripts that were never produced, one of which first introduced the Prime Directive.

Sturgeon's science fiction novel More Than Human (1953) won the 1954 International Fantasy Award (for SF and fantasy) as the year's best novel, and the Science Fiction Writers of America ranked "Baby Is Three" number five among the "Greatest Science Fiction Novellas of All Time" to 1964. Ranked by votes for all of their pre-1965 novellas, Sturgeon was second among authors, behind Robert Heinlein.

The Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame inducted Sturgeon in 2000, its fifth class of two dead and two living writers.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Kidder had a system for inventing things in a hurry—and he thought he had a system for handling the results. His method was inhuman—but his agent was human—and dangerous! </em></strong></p><p>&#34;Microcosmic God&#34; It appeared in the April 1941 issue of &#34;Astounding Science Fiction&#34; on pages 46 to 68.</p><p>-----</p><p>&#34;Microcosmic God&#34; was recognized as one of the best science fiction short stories published before the Nebula Awards by the Science Fiction Writers of America in 1970, and was named as one of the best science fiction stories in polls by &#34;Analog Science Fiction and Fact&#34; in 1971, and &#34;Locus&#34; in 1999. In 1976, it was also published as a comic book version in issue 3 of &#34;Starstream: Adventures in Science Fiction,&#34; by Gold Key Comics.</p><p>Sturgeon wrote the 1967 &#34;Star Trek: The Original Series&#34; episode &#34;Amok Time,&#34; which featured the first appearance of &#39;pon farr,&#39; the Vulcan mating ritual, the Vulcan hand gesture, and the phrase &#34;Live Long and Prosper.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Theodore Sturgeon</strong> (born Edward Hamilton Waldo, February 26, 1918, New York City – May 8, 1985, Eugene, Oregon) was an American author of primarily fantasy, science fiction, and horror. He wrote more than 120 short stories, 11 novels.</p><p>Sturgeon also wrote the screenplays for the Star Trek: The Original Series episodes &#34;Shore Leave&#34; (1966) and &#34;Amok Time&#34; (1967.) Sturgeon also wrote several more Star Trek scripts that were never produced, one of which first introduced the Prime Directive.</p><p>Sturgeon&#39;s science fiction novel More Than Human (1953) won the 1954 International Fantasy Award (for SF and fantasy) as the year&#39;s best novel, and the Science Fiction Writers of America ranked &#34;Baby Is Three&#34; number five among the &#34;Greatest Science Fiction Novellas of All Time&#34; to 1964. Ranked by votes for all of their pre-1965 novellas, Sturgeon was second among authors, behind Robert Heinlein.</p><p>The Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame inducted Sturgeon in 2000, its fifth class of two dead and two living writers.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 19e96c61-648b-4000-bcd7-6f7082a5ae46 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/2c344f7c-4401-4509-891f-4fd5805983bc Sun, 18 Jan 2026 22:00:12 +0000 4897 no full My Past is Mine, by Gerda Rhoads My Past is Mine, by Gerda Rhoads Paul Lawley-Jones Take one tiny memory out of a man's life—and the entire universe may turn topsy turvy.

"My Past is Mine" appeared in "Fantastic Universe", October 1954, pages 82 - 88.

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Gerda Rhoads was born in Vienna and came to the United States with her parents by way of London and Rio. She was educated at Hunter College, became a ballet dancer, took up painting and has done some very charming canvases. Then she married a painter and they went to Paris and she turned to writing.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Take one tiny memory out of a man&#39;s life—and the entire universe may turn topsy turvy.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;My Past is Mine&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34;, October 1954, pages 82 - 88.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Gerda Rhoads</strong> was born in Vienna and came to the United States with her parents by way of London and Rio. She was educated at Hunter College, became a ballet dancer, took up painting and has done some very charming canvases. Then she married a painter and they went to Paris and she turned to writing.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 3aaa3edc-e8c3-42cf-90a2-60b89b0675f0 https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/47251e81-0516-485f-8950-f36d7e804d0c Thu, 15 Jan 2026 22:00:39 +0000 1258 no full The Lady on the Stairs, by Agatha Christie The Lady on the Stairs, by Agatha Christie Paul Lawley-Jones Hercule Poirot, the famous detective, pits his 'little gray cells' against a powerful crime syndicate.

Today's story is "The Lady on the Stairs," by Agatha Christie. It appeared in the May 1927 issue of "The Blue Book Magazine" on pages 35 to 41.

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Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952.

A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction," Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime"—now trademarked by her estate—or the "Queen of Mystery." She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Hercule Poirot, the famous detective, pits his &#39;little gray cells&#39; against a powerful crime syndicate.</em></strong></p><p>Today&#39;s story is &#34;The Lady on the Stairs,&#34; by Agatha Christie. It appeared in the May 1927 issue of &#34;The Blue Book Magazine&#34; on pages 35 to 41.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE</strong> (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world&#39;s longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952.</p><p>A writer during the &#34;Golden Age of Detective Fiction,&#34; Christie has been called the &#34;Queen of Crime&#34;—now trademarked by her estate—or the &#34;Queen of Mystery.&#34; She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 802b8b35-0ab9-4780-95cb-1f8c1d841c0a https://redcircle.com/shows/43f90e90-8c8e-40b4-9c4c-7d3d9ce904e3/episodes/eff7cda0-7f3c-4363-aefb-404d85665834 Sat, 10 Jan 2026 00:15:55 +0000 1863 no full Rhythm Rides the Rocket, by Bob Olsen Rhythm Rides the Rocket, by Bob Olsen Paul Lawley-Jones LeDoux, the Interplanetary Company pilot, had flown too close to Callisto in an attempt to get a gravity assist from Jupiter to make up for lost time. But the Callistonians were known to waylay travellers in order to sate their 'curiosity' about humans. That meant that Verger, Anderson, LeDoux, and their 'cargo' of music-playing wives for the exiled miners on Ganymede, were in grave danger. But, the Callistonians didn't know anything about music. Maybe Verger could use that to their advantage...

"Rhythm Rides the Rocket" appeared in "Science Fiction Classics," published in October 1940 on pages 28 - 41.

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Alfred Johannes Olsen (April 12, 1884 – May 20, 1956), better known under his pen name Bob Olsen, was an American science fiction writer. He moved to California and started the Olsen Advertising Agency, while writing stories for magazines like "Amazing Stories." Olsen often wrote humorous science fiction in "Amazing Stories," from 1927 to 1936. He was one of the first writers to use the phrase "space marine." Ray Bradbury, just a teenager at the time, visited Bob Olsen often for mentorship, friendship, as well as for the sharing of ideas.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>LeDoux, the Interplanetary Company pilot, had flown too close to Callisto in an attempt to get a gravity assist from Jupiter to make up for lost time. But the Callistonians were known to waylay travellers in order to sate their &#39;curiosity&#39; about humans. That meant that Verger, Anderson, LeDoux, and their &#39;cargo&#39; of music-playing wives for the exiled miners on Ganymede, were in grave danger. But, the Callistonians didn&#39;t know anything about music. Maybe Verger could use that to their advantage...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Rhythm Rides the Rocket&#34; appeared in &#34;Science Fiction Classics,&#34; published in October 1940 on pages 28 - 41.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Alfred Johannes Olsen</strong> (April 12, 1884 – May 20, 1956), better known under his pen name Bob Olsen, was an American science fiction writer. He moved to California and started the Olsen Advertising Agency, while writing stories for magazines like &#34;Amazing Stories.&#34; Olsen often wrote humorous science fiction in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; from 1927 to 1936. He was one of the first writers to use the phrase &#34;space marine.&#34; Ray Bradbury, just a teenager at the time, visited Bob Olsen often for mentorship, friendship, as well as for the sharing of ideas.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 8ac56eff-936e-4ca8-b6b6-8edb6d0b7fb4 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/rhythm-rides-the-rocket-by-bob-olsen Thu, 08 Jan 2026 22:00:00 +0000 3265 no full The Man who Saved New York, by Ray Cummings The Man who Saved New York, by Ray Cummings Paul Lawley-Jones Porky's ego wouldn't stay in his own body, and that, believe it or not, was what saved the city!

"The Man who Saved New York" appeared in the July 1943 issue of "Science Fiction Stories" on pages 69 to 78.

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Ray Cummings (born Raymond King Cummings) (August 30, 1887, New York, New York – January 23, 1957, Mount Vernon, New York) was an American author of science fiction literature and comic books.

From 1914 to 1919, he worked with Thomas Edison as a personal assistant, where he arranged phonograph record albums and wrote labels for Edison Records.

Cummings is identified as one of the "founding fathers" of the science fiction genre. His most highly regarded fictional work was the novel "The Girl in the Golden Atom" published in 1922, which was a consolidation of a short story of the same name (in which he combined idea of Fitz James O'Brien's The Diamond Lens with H. G. Wells's The Time Machine,) and a sequel, "The People of the Golden Atom."

He recycled the plot of "The Girl in the Golden Atom" for a two-part Captain America tale, "Princess of the Atom" (Captain America Comics #25 & #26.)

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Porky&#39;s ego wouldn&#39;t stay in his own body, and that, believe it or not, was what saved the city!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Man who Saved New York&#34; appeared in the July 1943 issue of &#34;Science Fiction Stories&#34; on pages 69 to 78.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Ray Cummings</strong> (born Raymond King Cummings) (August 30, 1887, New York, New York – January 23, 1957, Mount Vernon, New York) was an American author of science fiction literature and comic books.</p><p>From 1914 to 1919, he worked with Thomas Edison as a personal assistant, where he arranged phonograph record albums and wrote labels for Edison Records.</p><p>Cummings is identified as one of the &#34;founding fathers&#34; of the science fiction genre. His most highly regarded fictional work was the novel &#34;The Girl in the Golden Atom&#34; published in 1922, which was a consolidation of a short story of the same name (in which he combined idea of Fitz James O&#39;Brien&#39;s The Diamond Lens with H. G. Wells&#39;s The Time Machine,) and a sequel, &#34;The People of the Golden Atom.&#34;</p><p>He recycled the plot of &#34;The Girl in the Golden Atom&#34; for a two-part Captain America tale, &#34;Princess of the Atom&#34; (Captain America Comics #25 &amp; #26.)</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> e18e0577-b92b-4eaa-85ec-885d81167ea3 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-man-who-saved-new-york-by-ray-cummings Sun, 04 Jan 2026 22:00:00 +0000 2445 no full The Vanguard of Venus, by Landell Bartlett The Vanguard of Venus, by Landell Bartlett Paul Lawley-Jones The Venusians had kidnapped Stanley Murdock, shown him around their underground base in the desert of New Mexico and told him of their plans to conquer Earth and make slaves of its populace. And then, having no use for him, released him. 

It was the best joke ever according to the Venusian sense of humor, for who would believe him?

"The Vanguard of Venus" was available to readers through an advertisement in the September 1928 issue of "Amazing Stories" on page 557.

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Landell Bartlett (1897-1972) was a Colorado-born accountant, editor, columnist, local historian, and poet. He published three science fiction stories and was said to have been a friend of Robert A. Heinlein. He was a member of the Colorado science fiction fan community up to at least the 1950s.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The Venusians had kidnapped Stanley Murdock, shown him around their underground base in the desert of New Mexico and told him of their plans to conquer Earth and make slaves of its populace. And then, having no use for him, released him. </em></strong></p><p><strong><em>It was the best joke ever according to the Venusian sense of humor, for who would believe him?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Vanguard of Venus&#34; was available to readers through an advertisement in the September 1928 issue of &#34;Amazing Stories&#34; on page 557.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Landell Bartlett</strong> (1897-1972) was a Colorado-born accountant, editor, columnist, local historian, and poet. He published three science fiction stories and was said to have been a friend of Robert A. Heinlein. He was a member of the Colorado science fiction fan community up to at least the 1950s.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> bee3c88b-41b2-4e94-b482-6e6b20112fdb https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-vanguard-of-venus-by-landell-bartlett Thu, 01 Jan 2026 22:00:00 +0000 5584 no full Office Call, by Charles E Fritch Office Call, by Charles E Fritch Paul Lawley-Jones All Dr. Rawlings could think about was having a chicken farm. And Miss Austin. But he had these pesky patients to deal with. Patients who thought they were from Mars, or who could walk through doorways to Mars. Freud had nothing to say about that!

"Office Call" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," October 1954, pages 74 - 81.

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Charles E Fritch (January 20, 1927 – October 11, 2012) was an American author and editor of fantasy, science fiction, horror and mystery fiction. He was the editor of Mike Shayne Mystery Magazine from 1979 until 1985. His short story, "Misfortune Cookie", was adapted for an episode of the television series The Twilight Zone.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>All Dr. Rawlings could think about was having a chicken farm. And Miss Austin. But he had these pesky patients to deal with. Patients who thought they were from Mars, or who could walk through doorways to Mars. Freud had nothing to say about that!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Office Call&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; October 1954, pages 74 - 81.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Charles E Fritch</strong> (January 20, 1927 – October 11, 2012) was an American author and editor of fantasy, science fiction, horror and mystery fiction. He was the editor of Mike Shayne Mystery Magazine from 1979 until 1985. His short story, &#34;Misfortune Cookie&#34;, was adapted for an episode of the television series The Twilight Zone.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 506a27e3-0443-4b3c-9976-8ff71ab733cc https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/office-call-by-charles-e-fritch Tue, 30 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1433 no full Redemption, by Robert F Young Redemption, by Robert F Young Paul Lawley-Jones To love a saint is hard. To be one, that is harder.

"Redemption" appeared in the July 1963 issue of "Amazing Stories" on pages 6 to 45 and 51.

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Robert Franklin Young (June 8, 1915 – June 22, 1986) was an American science fiction writer.

He remained little-known by the public, in the United States as well as abroad. His career spanned more than thirty years, and he wrote fiction until he died.

His production started in 1953 in Startling Stories, then Playboy, The Saturday Evening Post and Collier's. It mainly consisted of a long list of short stories with a poetic and romantic style which led to his work being compared to Ray Bradbury and Theodore Sturgeon.

His most famous short stories are perhaps "The Dandelion Girl" which influenced the director of the anime series RahXephon, and "Little Dog Gone" which was nominated in 1965 for the Hugo Award for Best Short Story.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>To love a saint is hard. To be one, that is harder.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Redemption&#34; appeared in the July 1963 issue of &#34;Amazing Stories&#34; on pages 6 to 45 and 51.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert Franklin Young</strong> (June 8, 1915 – June 22, 1986) was an American science fiction writer.</p><p>He remained little-known by the public, in the United States as well as abroad. His career spanned more than thirty years, and he wrote fiction until he died.</p><p>His production started in 1953 in Startling Stories, then Playboy, The Saturday Evening Post and Collier&#39;s. It mainly consisted of a long list of short stories with a poetic and romantic style which led to his work being compared to Ray Bradbury and Theodore Sturgeon.</p><p>His most famous short stories are perhaps &#34;The Dandelion Girl&#34; which influenced the director of the anime series RahXephon, and &#34;Little Dog Gone&#34; which was nominated in 1965 for the Hugo Award for Best Short Story.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 43ea4f3b-665f-4e06-9ec6-a36f1169811b https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/redemption-by-robert-f-young Sun, 28 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000 6951 no full Strangers to Straba, by Carl Jacobi Strangers to Straba, by Carl Jacobi Paul Lawley-Jones All Cap Barlow cared about was his golf course on the lonely planet of Straba. But when Clarence Raine landed to conduct a survey, and the ship of legend crash landed, strange events began to unfold.

"Strangers to Straba" appeared in "Fantastic Universe", October 1954, pages 90 - 98.

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Carl Richard Jacobi (July 10, 1908 – August 25, 1997) was an American journalist and writer. He wrote short stories in the crime, horror and fantasy genres for the pulp magazine market, appearing in Ghost Stories, Startling Stories, Thrilling Wonder Stories, Strange Stories, Thrilling Adventures, Complete Stories, Top-Notch, Short Stories, The Skipper, Doc Savage and Dime Adventures Magazine. Jacobi also produced some science fiction, mainly space opera, published in such magazines as Planet Stories. He was one of the last surviving pulp-fictioneers to have contributed to the legendary American horror magazine Weird Tales during its "glory days" (the 1920s and 1930s).

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>All Cap Barlow cared about was his golf course on the lonely planet of Straba. But when Clarence Raine landed to conduct a survey, and the ship of legend crash landed, strange events began to unfold.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Strangers to Straba&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34;, October 1954, pages 90 - 98.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Carl Richard Jacobi</strong> (July 10, 1908 – August 25, 1997) was an American journalist and writer. He wrote short stories in the crime, horror and fantasy genres for the pulp magazine market, appearing in Ghost Stories, Startling Stories, Thrilling Wonder Stories, Strange Stories, Thrilling Adventures, Complete Stories, Top-Notch, Short Stories, The Skipper, Doc Savage and Dime Adventures Magazine. Jacobi also produced some science fiction, mainly space opera, published in such magazines as Planet Stories. He was one of the last surviving pulp-fictioneers to have contributed to the legendary American horror magazine Weird Tales during its &#34;glory days&#34; (the 1920s and 1930s).</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> c0f254b9-4493-49ff-83d5-e5038e9c41f6 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/strangers-to-straba-by-carl-jacobi Wed, 24 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1828 no full Descending, by Thomas M Disch Descending, by Thomas M Disch Paul Lawley-Jones Next time you're on an escalator someplace, keep your wits about you. 

"Descending" appeared in the July 1964 issue of "Fantstic Stories of Imangination" on pages 70 to 82.

Today's story is dedicated to listener Ed Pearson. Thank you for the great recommendation.

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Thomas Michael Disch (February 2, 1940 – July 4, 2008) was an American science fiction writer and poet. He won the Hugo Award for Best Related Book – previously called "Best Non-Fiction Book" – in 1999, and he had two other Hugo nominations and nine Nebula Award nominations to his credit, plus one win of the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, a Rhysling Award, and two Seiun Awards, among others.

In the 1960s, his work began appearing in science-fiction magazines. His critically acclaimed science fiction novels, "The Genocides," "Camp Concentration," and "334" are major contributions to the New Wave science fiction movement.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Next time you&#39;re on an escalator someplace, keep your wits about you. </em></strong></p><p>&#34;Descending&#34; appeared in the July 1964 issue of &#34;Fantstic Stories of Imangination&#34; on pages 70 to 82.</p><p>Today&#39;s story is dedicated to listener Ed Pearson. Thank you for the great recommendation.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Thomas Michael Disch</strong> (February 2, 1940 – July 4, 2008) was an American science fiction writer and poet. He won the Hugo Award for Best Related Book – previously called &#34;Best Non-Fiction Book&#34; – in 1999, and he had two other Hugo nominations and nine Nebula Award nominations to his credit, plus one win of the John W. Campbell Memorial Award, a Rhysling Award, and two Seiun Awards, among others.</p><p>In the 1960s, his work began appearing in science-fiction magazines. His critically acclaimed science fiction novels, &#34;The Genocides,&#34; &#34;Camp Concentration,&#34; and &#34;334&#34; are major contributions to the New Wave science fiction movement.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> c9d1481e-5376-45d5-b542-acddd5283885 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/descending-by-thomas-m-disch Sun, 21 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1962 no full The Great Illusion, by Manly Bannister The Great Illusion, by Manly Bannister Paul Lawley-Jones There was something not quite right about the planet Hume, something counterfeit about the natives' culture. The higher-ups were satisfied with the current analysis and planetary designation, but Rowley couldn't let it go.

"The Great Illusion" appeared in "Super-Science Fiction," February 1957, pages 22 - 39.

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Manly Miles Banister (9 March 1914 - 8 June 1986) was an American novelist, short-story writer, and amateur publisher. He wrote in the genres of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. His stories often explored themes of humanity's struggle against the unknown, featuring elements of time travel, supernatural forces, and alien occupations.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>There was something not quite right about the planet Hume, something counterfeit about the natives&#39; culture. The higher-ups were satisfied with the current analysis and planetary designation, but Rowley couldn&#39;t let it go.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Great Illusion&#34; appeared in &#34;Super-Science Fiction,&#34; February 1957, pages 22 - 39.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Manly Miles Banister</strong> (9 March 1914 - 8 June 1986) was an American novelist, short-story writer, and amateur publisher. He wrote in the genres of horror, fantasy, and science fiction. His stories often explored themes of humanity&#39;s struggle against the unknown, featuring elements of time travel, supernatural forces, and alien occupations.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 33e21ef1-ff67-43af-9776-7d9d7799fe9e https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-great-illusion-by-manly-bannister Thu, 18 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2618 no full "Sexton, Sexton, in the Wall," by August Derleth "Sexton, Sexton, in the Wall," by August Derleth Paul Lawley-Jones Cornillo Martens wanted a quiet life, to enjoy his garden. But old man Garner, with his experiments, and Garner's grandchildren, with their unpleasant songs, profoundly disturbed his peace.

"Sexton, Sexton, in the Wall" appeared in the January 1953 issue of Weird Tales on pages 68 to 74.

This story is dedicated to the YouTube Channel 'Infinite Text.'

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August William Derleth (February 24, 1909 – July 4, 1971) was an American writer and anthologist. He was the first book publisher of the writings of H. P. Lovecraft. He made contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos and the cosmic horror genre and helped found the publisher Arkham House (which did much to bring supernatural fiction into print in hardcover in the US that had only been readily available in the UK). Derleth was also a leading American regional writer of his day, as well as prolific in several other genres, including historical fiction, poetry, detective fiction, science fiction, and biography.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Cornillo Martens wanted a quiet life, to enjoy his garden. But old man Garner, with his experiments, and Garner&#39;s grandchildren, with their unpleasant songs, profoundly disturbed his peace.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Sexton, Sexton, in the Wall&#34; appeared in the January 1953 issue of Weird Tales on pages 68 to 74.</p><p>This story is dedicated to the YouTube Channel &#39;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrRKHixMHuf9pcon27j3wlQ" rel="nofollow">Infinite Text</a>.&#39;</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>August William Derleth</strong> (February 24, 1909 – July 4, 1971) was an American writer and anthologist. He was the first book publisher of the writings of H. P. Lovecraft. He made contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos and the cosmic horror genre and helped found the publisher Arkham House (which did much to bring supernatural fiction into print in hardcover in the US that had only been readily available in the UK). Derleth was also a leading American regional writer of his day, as well as prolific in several other genres, including historical fiction, poetry, detective fiction, science fiction, and biography.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 5893bfe8-5adc-4cc3-a272-cc2f3ab8b319 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/sexton-sexton-in-the-wall-by-august-derleth Sun, 14 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1771 no full Once a First Wife, by Norman Arkawy Once a First Wife, by Norman Arkawy Paul Lawley-Jones She writhed under the judges' merciless scrutiny. The charge against her was surely a most grievous one—marital fidelity—and sexual incompetence!

"Once a First Wife" appeared in "Fantastic Universe", October 1954, pages 33 to 40.

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Norman Arkawy: If you have information about this author, I would be grateful if you could let me know via the email address provided.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>She writhed under the judges&#39; merciless scrutiny. The charge against her was surely a most grievous one—marital fidelity—and sexual incompetence!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Once a First Wife&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34;, October 1954, pages 33 to 40.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Norman Arkawy</strong>: If you have information about this author, I would be grateful if you could let me know via the email address provided.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> ac641f25-bc46-4d2d-a996-6ec6071a7cfe https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/once-a-first-wife-by-norman-arkawy Fri, 12 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1621 no full Asleep in Armageddon, by Ray Bradbury Asleep in Armageddon, by Ray Bradbury Paul Lawley-Jones Avoid Planetoid 787. Lush and sunny, with fine air and no dangerous beasts, it'll tempt you to land and stay the night for some welcome fresh air and a good night's sleep on solid ground. Whatever you do, DON'T!

"Asleep in Armegeddon" was published in "Planet Stories," Winter, 1948, pages 58 - 65.

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Ray Douglas Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.

Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.

The New York Times called Bradbury "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream".

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Avoid Planetoid 787. Lush and sunny, with fine air and no dangerous beasts, it&#39;ll tempt you to land and stay the night for some welcome fresh air and a good night&#39;s sleep on solid ground. Whatever you do, DON&#39;T!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Asleep in Armegeddon&#34; was published in &#34;Planet Stories,&#34; Winter, 1948, pages 58 - 65.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Ray Douglas Bradbury</strong> (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.</p><p>Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.</p><p>The New York Times called Bradbury &#34;the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream&#34;.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> f14e2cad-e157-4ef0-af51-fab5b9889b5f https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/asleep-in-armageddon-by-ray-bradbury Tue, 09 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2549 no full Equals Four, by Piers Anthony Equals Four, by Piers Anthony Paul Lawley-Jones Dillingham's assistant had to be land-going, esthetic, competent, free and female—more than less!

"Equals Four" appeared in the July-August 1970 issue of Worlds of If Science Fiction on pages 51 to 63 and 155 to 157.

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Piers Anthony Dillingham Jacob (born 6 August 1934) is an American author in the science fiction and fantasy genres, publishing under the name Piers Anthony. He is best known for his long-running novel series set in the fictional realm of Xanth.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Dillingham&#39;s assistant had to be land-going, esthetic, competent, free and female—more than less!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Equals Four&#34; appeared in the July-August 1970 issue of Worlds of If Science Fiction on pages 51 to 63 and 155 to 157.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Piers Anthony Dillingham Jacob</strong> (born 6 August 1934) is an American author in the science fiction and fantasy genres, publishing under the name Piers Anthony. He is best known for his long-running novel series set in the fictional realm of Xanth.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> f4f8d677-7f15-4169-8b40-461436cc8725 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/equals-four-by-piers-anthony Sun, 07 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2744 no full The Happiness Rock, by Albert Teichner The Happiness Rock, by Albert Teichner Paul Lawley-Jones They had found the perfect narcotic quite by accident on an asteroid. A silicon-based germ that induced euphoria and a sense of well-being with no side effects. It may even be good for humanity. But, there had to be a cost, right? You don't get something for nothing, right?

"The Happiness Rock" appeared in "Amazing Stories," January 1964, pages 97 - 122.

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Albert Teichner was an American science fiction writer.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>They had found the perfect narcotic quite by accident on an asteroid. A silicon-based germ that induced euphoria and a sense of well-being with no side effects. It may even be good for humanity. But, there had to be a cost, right? You don&#39;t get something for nothing, right?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Happiness Rock&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; January 1964, pages 97 - 122.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Albert Teichner</strong> was an American science fiction writer.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> d3de97b6-1c78-48de-a5c4-ea80e12fea43 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-happiness-rock-by-albert-teichner Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3692 no full Half-Breed, by Isaac Asimov Half-Breed, by Isaac Asimov Paul Lawley-Jones Half of Earth, Half of Mars—the half-breed, the Tweenie—is reviled on Earth. But, as scientist and inventor Jefferson Scanlon discovers, there is more to them than people realize.

"Half-Breed" appeared in the February 1940 issue of Astonishing Stories on pages 38 to 53.

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Isaac Asimov (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.

Asimov's most famous work is the "Foundation" series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966. His other major series are the "Galactic Empire" series and the "Robot" series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette "Nightfall", which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Half of Earth, Half of Mars—the half-breed, the Tweenie—is reviled on Earth. But, as scientist and inventor Jefferson Scanlon discovers, there is more to them than people realize.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Half-Breed&#34; appeared in the February 1940 issue of Astonishing Stories on pages 38 to 53.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Isaac Asimov</strong> (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the &#34;Big Three&#34; science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.</p><p>Asimov&#39;s most famous work is the &#34;Foundation&#34; series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for &#34;Best All-Time Series&#34; in 1966. His other major series are the &#34;Galactic Empire&#34; series and the &#34;Robot&#34; series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette &#34;Nightfall&#34;, which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 9d17e854-7a6a-4704-a958-1626bd53ede8 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/half-breed-by-isaac-asimov Sun, 30 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3668 no full Too Close to the Forest, by Bryce Walton & Al Reynolds Too Close to the Forest, by Bryce Walton & Al Reynolds Paul Lawley-Jones Dr. Marsten thought he'd failed completely to prove mental telepathy, but he'd forgotten one peculiar, but very important, facet of those extraordinarily gifted with 'pshychic ability.' 

"Too Close to the Forest" was published in "Fantastic Universe," July, 1954, pages 63 - 73.

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Bryce Walton

Bryce Walton (May 31, 1918 – February 5, 1988) was an American pulp fiction writer, beginning his freelance writing career in 1945. He was credited as a writer for the TV serial Captain Video and His Video Rangers. He wrote three episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and two of his stories were adopted for the series, including "The Greatest Monster of Them All".

Al Reynolds

I could find no information about the science fiction author, Al Reynolds. If you have any information on them, please let me know.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Dr. Marsten thought he&#39;d failed completely to prove mental telepathy, but he&#39;d forgotten one peculiar, but very important, facet of those extraordinarily gifted with &#39;pshychic ability.&#39; </em></strong></p><p>&#34;Too Close to the Forest&#34; was published in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; July, 1954, pages 63 - 73.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Bryce Walton</strong></p><p>Bryce Walton (May 31, 1918 – February 5, 1988) was an American pulp fiction writer, beginning his freelance writing career in 1945. He was credited as a writer for the TV serial Captain Video and His Video Rangers. He wrote three episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and two of his stories were adopted for the series, including &#34;The Greatest Monster of Them All&#34;.</p><p><strong>Al Reynolds</strong></p><p>I could find no information about the science fiction author, Al Reynolds. If you have any information on them, please let me know.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 55579f81-af2c-41af-94f8-830d80da4cf9 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/too-close-to-the-forest-by-bryce-walton-al-reynolds Wed, 26 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2136 no full The Stellar Legion, by Leigh Brackett The Stellar Legion, by Leigh Brackett Paul Lawley-Jones No one had ever escaped from Venus' dread Stellar Legion. And, as Thekla the low-Martian learned, no one had ever betrayed it and—lived.

"The Stellar Legion" appeared in the Winter 1940 issue of Planet Stories on pages 95 to 103.

The "Stellar Legion" was awarded the Retro Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 2016.

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Leigh Douglass Brackett (December 7, 1915, Los Angeles, California – March 24, 1978, Lancaster, California) was an American author and screenwriter. Nicknamed "the Queen of Space Opera", she was one of the most prominent female writers during the Golden Age of Science Fiction. She worked on an early draft of "The Empire Strikes Back" (1980), elements of which remained in the film; she died before it went into production.

In 1956, her book "The Long Tomorrow" made her the first woman ever shortlisted for the Hugo Award for Best Novel, and one of the first two women ever nominated for a Hugo Award. In 2020, she posthumously won a Retro Hugo for her novel "The Nemesis From Terra," originally published as "Shadow Over Mars" (Startling Stories, Fall 1944).

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>No one had ever escaped from Venus&#39; dread Stellar Legion. And, as Thekla the low-Martian learned, no one had ever betrayed it and—lived.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Stellar Legion&#34; appeared in the Winter 1940 issue of Planet Stories on pages 95 to 103.</p><p>The &#34;Stellar Legion&#34; was awarded the Retro Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 2016.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Leigh Douglass Brackett</strong> (December 7, 1915, Los Angeles, California – March 24, 1978, Lancaster, California) was an American author and screenwriter. Nicknamed &#34;the Queen of Space Opera&#34;, she was one of the most prominent female writers during the Golden Age of Science Fiction. She worked on an early draft of &#34;The Empire Strikes Back&#34; (1980), elements of which remained in the film; she died before it went into production.</p><p>In 1956, her book &#34;The Long Tomorrow&#34; made her the first woman ever shortlisted for the Hugo Award for Best Novel, and one of the first two women ever nominated for a Hugo Award. In 2020, she posthumously won a Retro Hugo for her novel &#34;The Nemesis From Terra,&#34; originally published as &#34;Shadow Over Mars&#34; (Startling Stories, Fall 1944).</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 431c5652-2467-4239-b698-2cb0b3b6870c https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-stellar-legion-by-leigh-brackett Sun, 23 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2811 no full When the Sun went out, by Leslie F Stone When the Sun went out, by Leslie F Stone Paul Lawley-Jones The Sun was finally dying, the astronomers having predicted its demise within a few days. Unable to leave Earth, humanity had excavated accommodation deep underground for what was left of the population. But even though they would never see the Sun, the sky, or the stars again, life for the young astronomers Ramo and Kuila Rei now had its own light.

"When the Sun Went Out" appeared in "Science Fiction Series" No. 4, 1929.

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Leslie Frances Silberberg (June 8, 1905 – March 21, 1991), known by the pen name Leslie F Stone, was an American writer and one of the first women science fiction pulp writers, contributing over 20 stories to science fiction magazines between 1929 and 1940.

By the time she was in high school in Norfolk, Virginia, Stone was publishing fantasy stories in the local newspaper. She went on to be one of the first women to publish in the science fiction pulp magazines of the era. She often worked with Hugo Gernsback in Amazing Stories and Wonder Stories. Stone wrote space operas and thought experiments as well as stories featuring both women protagonists as well as black protagonists. After writing more than 20 short fiction pieces, Stone stopped writing fiction which she suggested was a combination of seeing the horrors of war making it hard to write about the future and increasing conflicts with male editors who refused to publish her work because she was a woman.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The Sun was finally dying, the astronomers having predicted its demise within a few days. Unable to leave Earth, humanity had excavated accommodation deep underground for what was left of the population. But even though they would never see the Sun, the sky, or the stars again, life for the young astronomers Ramo and Kuila Rei now had its own light.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;When the Sun Went Out&#34; appeared in &#34;Science Fiction Series&#34; No. 4, 1929.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Leslie Frances Silberberg</strong> (June 8, 1905 – March 21, 1991), known by the pen name Leslie F Stone, was an American writer and one of the first women science fiction pulp writers, contributing over 20 stories to science fiction magazines between 1929 and 1940.</p><p>By the time she was in high school in Norfolk, Virginia, Stone was publishing fantasy stories in the local newspaper. She went on to be one of the first women to publish in the science fiction pulp magazines of the era. She often worked with Hugo Gernsback in Amazing Stories and Wonder Stories. Stone wrote space operas and thought experiments as well as stories featuring both women protagonists as well as black protagonists. After writing more than 20 short fiction pieces, Stone stopped writing fiction which she suggested was a combination of seeing the horrors of war making it hard to write about the future and increasing conflicts with male editors who refused to publish her work because she was a woman.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 669e568e-fe23-4e2e-af49-8083ba5d6b8d https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/when-the-sun-went-out-by-leslie-f-stone Thu, 20 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2876 no full The Face of Helen, by Agatha Christie The Face of Helen, by Agatha Christie Paul Lawley-Jones Mr. Satterthwaite witnesses a brutal fight outside an opera house. What could have caused such behaviour?

"The Face of Helen" appeared in the July 1951 issue of Black Mask Detective Magazine on pages 37 to 48.

The Face of Helen was first published in "The Story-Teller," a monthly British pulp fiction magazine which ran from 1907 to 1937, in April 1927.

With thanks to the Agatha Chrsitie Wiki at agathchristie.fandom.com.

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Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952.

A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction," Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime"—now trademarked by her estate—or the "Queen of Mystery." She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Mr. Satterthwaite witnesses a brutal fight outside an opera house. What could have caused such behaviour?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Face of Helen&#34; appeared in the July 1951 issue of Black Mask Detective Magazine on pages 37 to 48.</p><p>The Face of Helen was first published in &#34;The Story-Teller,&#34; a monthly British pulp fiction magazine which ran from 1907 to 1937, in April 1927.</p><p>With thanks to the <strong>Agatha Chrsitie Wiki</strong> at <a href="https://agathachristie.fandom.com/wiki/The_Face_of_Helen" rel="nofollow">agathchristie.fandom.com</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie</strong>, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world&#39;s longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952.</p><p>A writer during the &#34;Golden Age of Detective Fiction,&#34; Christie has been called the &#34;Queen of Crime&#34;—now trademarked by her estate—or the &#34;Queen of Mystery.&#34; She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> db616b06-1937-442b-b11c-ab6b90d39741 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-face-of-helen-by-agatha-christie Sun, 16 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2557 no full The Gifts of Asti, by Andre Norton The Gifts of Asti, by Andre Norton Paul Lawley-Jones She was the last priestess of Asti, and the barbarians were approching. She had no choice but to escape to the surface world, taking with her the gifts of Asti. She wasn't to know, however, that one more ancient gift awaited her on the surface...

"The Gifts of Asti" appeared in "Fantasy Book" vol. 1, no. 3 in 1948, pages 8 - 17.

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Andre Alice Norton (born Alice Mary Norton, February 17, 1912 – March 17, 2005) was an American writer of science fiction and fantasy, who also wrote works of historical and contemporary fiction. She wrote primarily under the pen name Andre Norton, but also under Andrew North and Allen Weston. She was the first woman to be Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy, to be SFWA Grand Master, and to be inducted by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>She was the last priestess of Asti, and the barbarians were approching. She had no choice but to escape to the surface world, taking with her the gifts of Asti. She wasn&#39;t to know, however, that one more ancient gift awaited her on the surface...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Gifts of Asti&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantasy Book&#34; vol. 1, no. 3 in 1948, pages 8 - 17.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Andre Alice Norton</strong> (born Alice Mary Norton, February 17, 1912 – March 17, 2005) was an American writer of science fiction and fantasy, who also wrote works of historical and contemporary fiction. She wrote primarily under the pen name Andre Norton, but also under Andrew North and Allen Weston. She was the first woman to be Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy, to be SFWA Grand Master, and to be inducted by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> ccf18983-d3f5-445e-94eb-79fe1a996eb1 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-gifts-of-asti-by-andre-norton Fri, 14 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2382 no full The Shrine, by Walt Sheldon The Shrine, by Walt Sheldon Paul Lawley-Jones All Ed Blair wanted was a fluff piece, a brightener for page two of the Tokyo Tribune, for which he was a reporter. His Editor, Murdock, had heard stories of the 'magic tricks' that the monks of the Hataka Shrine could do.

"The Shrine" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," December 1956, pages 77 - 86.

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Walter James Sheldon (9 January 1917 - 9 June 1996) was an American author of science fiction. He is best known for his novel "Jimsy and the Monsters."

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>All Ed Blair wanted was a fluff piece, a brightener for page two of the Tokyo Tribune, for which he was a reporter. His Editor, Murdock, had heard stories of the &#39;magic tricks&#39; that the monks of the Hataka Shrine could do.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Shrine&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; December 1956, pages 77 - 86.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Walter James Sheldon</strong> (9 January 1917 - 9 June 1996) was an American author of science fiction. He is best known for his novel &#34;Jimsy and the Monsters.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> f30a950f-678f-441f-9ac5-6f04288f41be https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-shrine-by-walt-sheldon Tue, 11 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1749 no full The Autumn After Next, by Margaret St Clair The Autumn After Next, by Margaret St Clair Paul Lawley-Jones Being a wizard missionary to the Free'l needed more than magic—it called for a miracle!

"The Autumn After Next" appeared in the January 1960 issue of Worlds of If Science Fiction on pages 101 to 107.

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Margaret St Clair (17 February 1911, Hutchinson, Kansas – 22 November 1995, Santa Rosa, California) was an American fantasy and science fiction writer who also wrote under the pseudonyms Idris Seabright and (on one occasion) Wilton Hazzard.

St. Clair wrote and published, by her own count, some 130 short stories. She first tried her hand at detective and mystery stories, and the so-called 'quality' stories, before finding her niche writing fantasy and science fiction for pulp magazines. She wrote "Unlike most pulp writers, I have no special ambitions to make the pages of the slick magazines. I feel that the pulps at their best touch a genuine folk tradition and have a balladic quality which the slicks lack."

Her early output included the Oona and Jick series of eight stories published from 1947 to 1949, chronicling the comic misadventures of "housewife of the future" Oona and her devoted husband Jick. The stories were ostensibly set in an idealized future but cast a satirical look at post-war domestic life, with its focus on acquiring labor-saving household devices and "keeping up with the Joneses."

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Being a wizard missionary to the Free&#39;l needed more than magic—it called for a miracle!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Autumn After Next&#34; appeared in the January 1960 issue of Worlds of If Science Fiction on pages 101 to 107.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Margaret St Clair</strong> (17 February 1911, Hutchinson, Kansas – 22 November 1995, Santa Rosa, California) was an American fantasy and science fiction writer who also wrote under the pseudonyms Idris Seabright and (on one occasion) Wilton Hazzard.</p><p>St. Clair wrote and published, by her own count, some 130 short stories. She first tried her hand at detective and mystery stories, and the so-called &#39;quality&#39; stories, before finding her niche writing fantasy and science fiction for pulp magazines. She wrote &#34;Unlike most pulp writers, I have no special ambitions to make the pages of the slick magazines. I feel that the pulps at their best touch a genuine folk tradition and have a balladic quality which the slicks lack.&#34;</p><p>Her early output included the Oona and Jick series of eight stories published from 1947 to 1949, chronicling the comic misadventures of &#34;housewife of the future&#34; Oona and her devoted husband Jick. The stories were ostensibly set in an idealized future but cast a satirical look at post-war domestic life, with its focus on acquiring labor-saving household devices and &#34;keeping up with the Joneses.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> de7c201f-157f-4e17-9763-bfcd80beb73a https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-autumn-after-next-by-margaret-st-clair Sun, 09 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1238 no full The Maugham Obsession, By August Derleth The Maugham Obsession, By August Derleth Paul Lawley-Jones All inventors seek success. Some few achieve it. And now and then a Quintus Maugham is a bit too successful for his own health.

"The Maugham Obsession" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," June-July 1953, pages 107 to 115.

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August William Derleth (February 24, 1909 – July 4, 1971) was an American writer and anthologist. He was the first book publisher of the writings of H. P. Lovecraft. He made contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos and the cosmic horror genre and helped found the publisher Arkham House (which did much to bring supernatural fiction into print in hardcover in the US that had only been readily available in the UK). Derleth was also a leading American regional writer of his day, as well as prolific in several other genres, including historical fiction, poetry, detective fiction, science fiction, and biography.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>All inventors seek success. Some few achieve it. And now and then a Quintus Maugham is a bit too successful for his own health.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Maugham Obsession&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; June-July 1953, pages 107 to 115.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>August William Derleth</strong> (February 24, 1909 – July 4, 1971) was an American writer and anthologist. He was the first book publisher of the writings of H. P. Lovecraft. He made contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos and the cosmic horror genre and helped found the publisher Arkham House (which did much to bring supernatural fiction into print in hardcover in the US that had only been readily available in the UK). Derleth was also a leading American regional writer of his day, as well as prolific in several other genres, including historical fiction, poetry, detective fiction, science fiction, and biography.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 5a102217-76c7-4623-9783-cddf7da91b66 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-maugham-obsession-by-august-derleth Wed, 05 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1556 no full First Contact, by Murray Leinster First Contact, by Murray Leinster Paul Lawley-Jones An expedition from Earth had gone to investigate the Crab Nebula. And—an expedition from Somewhere was already there! Now what is a spaceship skipper to do under such circumstances? Lead the possibly-deadly aliens home? Try to detsroy them? What can he do?

"First Contact" appeared in the May 1945 issue of "Astounding Science Fiction" on pages 7 to 33.

In the original printing, there was no section two.

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Murray Leinster (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>An expedition from Earth had gone to investigate the Crab Nebula. And—an expedition from Somewhere was already there! Now what is a spaceship skipper to do under such circumstances? Lead the possibly-deadly aliens home? Try to detsroy them? What can he do?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;First Contact&#34; appeared in the May 1945 issue of &#34;Astounding Science Fiction&#34; on pages 7 to 33.</p><p>In the original printing, there was no section two.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Murray Leinster</strong> (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 8955e7bd-87f9-4f3c-8a88-266bb4b592b1 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/first-contact-by-murray-leinster Sun, 02 Nov 2025 22:00:00 +0000 5477 no full If The Sun Died, by R F Starzl If The Sun Died, by R F Starzl Paul Lawley-Jones The human race has deteriorated, and will die when the machines that have kept them alive in Subterannea for tens of millennia after the supposed death of the Sun eventually stop working. But there are those who believe that the Sun did not die, and the survival of humanity depends on it once again venturing Outside.

"If the Sun Died" appeared in "Astounding Stories," August 1931, pages 198 - 213.

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Roman Frederick Starzl (1899–1976) was an American writer. He, and earlier, his father (John V. Starzl), owned the Le Mars Globe-Post newspaper of Le Mars, Iowa. His writing is largely forgotten now, but he was called a "master" by the pioneer of space opera E. E. "Doc" Smith. Starzl's Interplanetary Flying Patrol, in "The Hornets of Space," may have influenced Smith's Galactic Patrol.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The human race has deteriorated, and will die when the machines that have kept them alive in Subterannea for tens of millennia after the supposed death of the Sun eventually stop working. But there are those who believe that the Sun did not die, and the survival of humanity depends on it once again venturing Outside.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;If the Sun Died&#34; appeared in &#34;Astounding Stories,&#34; August 1931, pages 198 - 213.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Roman Frederick Starzl</strong> (1899–1976) was an American writer. He, and earlier, his father (John V. Starzl), owned the Le Mars Globe-Post newspaper of Le Mars, Iowa. His writing is largely forgotten now, but he was called a &#34;master&#34; by the pioneer of space opera E. E. &#34;Doc&#34; Smith. Starzl&#39;s Interplanetary Flying Patrol, in &#34;The Hornets of Space,&#34; may have influenced Smith&#39;s Galactic Patrol.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 7bd4ef06-6a9c-4aba-b941-408ddf4aa6aa https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/if-the-sun-died-by-r-f-starzl Fri, 31 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 4090 no full Deadly Decoy, by Robert Silverberg and Randall Garrett Deadly Decoy, by Robert Silverberg and Randall Garrett Paul Lawley-Jones Agent Cameron had the unenviable task of protecting the Galactic Capitol building from the Damakoi, fanatical beings 70 percent of whom hated the Galactic Federation and all it stood for. And now he had one of the Damakoi in front of him, warning him of a plot by another Damakoi to deploy a Theta Bomb inside the Capitol building. But, knowing the Damakoi well, he wasn't taking any chances.

"Deadly Decoy" appeared in "Amazing Stories," February 1957, pages 48 - 65.

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Robert Silverberg (born January 15, 1935) is an American author and editor, best known for writing science fiction. He is a multiple winner of both Hugo and Nebula Awards, a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, and a Grand Master of SF. He has attended every Hugo Award ceremony since the inaugural event in 1953.

Gordon Randall Phillip David Garrett (December 16, 1927 – December 31, 1987) was an American science fiction and fantasy author. He was a contributor to Astounding and other science fiction magazines of the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for the Lord Darcy books set in an alternate world where a joint Anglo-French empire still led by a Plantagenet dynasty has survived into the twentieth century and where magic works and has been scientifically codified. Lord Darcy is modeled on Sherlock Holmes. The short novel Brain Twister, written by Garrett with author Laurence Janifer (using the joint pseudonym Mark Phillips), was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1960.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Agent Cameron had the unenviable task of protecting the Galactic Capitol building from the Damakoi, fanatical beings 70 percent of whom hated the Galactic Federation and all it stood for. And now he had one of the Damakoi in front of him, warning him of a plot by another Damakoi to deploy a Theta Bomb inside the Capitol building. But, knowing the Damakoi well, he wasn&#39;t taking any chances.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Deadly Decoy&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; February 1957, pages 48 - 65.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert Silverberg</strong> (born January 15, 1935) is an American author and editor, best known for writing science fiction. He is a multiple winner of both Hugo and Nebula Awards, a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, and a Grand Master of SF. He has attended every Hugo Award ceremony since the inaugural event in 1953.</p><p><strong>Gordon Randall Phillip David Garrett</strong> (December 16, 1927 – December 31, 1987) was an American science fiction and fantasy author. He was a contributor to Astounding and other science fiction magazines of the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for the Lord Darcy books set in an alternate world where a joint Anglo-French empire still led by a Plantagenet dynasty has survived into the twentieth century and where magic works and has been scientifically codified. Lord Darcy is modeled on Sherlock Holmes. The short novel Brain Twister, written by Garrett with author Laurence Janifer (using the joint pseudonym Mark Phillips), was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1960.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> b3ad9f17-0620-40f4-ac60-a653810b8e37 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/deadly-decoy-by-robert-silverberg-and-randall-garrett Tue, 28 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2319 no full An Eye for the Ladies, by Stephen Marlowe An Eye for the Ladies, by Stephen Marlowe Paul Lawley-Jones You're a detective and you have an assignment to find a client's wife. This good-time gal has found herself a nicer body and is masquerading as some other fellow's wife. So how can you find her? Simple. You get into one male body after another and become a different girl's husband each night. And you're determined to find her even if you have to be every woman's husband to do it!

"An Eye for the Ladies" appeared in the October 1956 issue of Fantastic magazine on pages 60 to 73. It appeared under the pen name of Darius John Granger.

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Stephen Marlowe (born Milton Lesser, August 7, 1928, Brooklyn, New York - February 22, 2008 (aged 79), Williamsburg, Virginia) was an American author of science fiction, mystery novels, and fictional autobiographies of Goya, Christopher Columbus, Miguel de Cervantes, and Edgar Allan Poe.

He is best known for his detective character Chester Drum, whom he created for the 1955 novel The Second Longest Night. Lesser wrote under various pseudonyms, including Adam Chase, Andrew Frazer, C H Thames, Jason Ridgway, Stephen Wilder, and Ellery Queen.

He was awarded the French Prix Gutenberg du Livre in 1988 for The Memoirs of Christopher Columbus, and in 1997 he was awarded the Life Achievement Award by the Private Eye Writers of America. He also served on the board of directors of the Mystery Writers of America.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>You&#39;re a detective and you have an assignment to find a client&#39;s wife. This good-time gal has found herself a nicer body and is masquerading as some other fellow&#39;s wife. So how can you find her? Simple. You get into one male body after another and become a different girl&#39;s husband each night. And you&#39;re determined to find her even if you have to be every woman&#39;s husband to do it!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;An Eye for the Ladies&#34; appeared in the October 1956 issue of Fantastic magazine on pages 60 to 73. It appeared under the pen name of Darius John Granger.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Stephen Marlowe</strong> (born Milton Lesser, August 7, 1928, Brooklyn, New York - February 22, 2008 (aged 79), Williamsburg, Virginia) was an American author of science fiction, mystery novels, and fictional autobiographies of Goya, Christopher Columbus, Miguel de Cervantes, and Edgar Allan Poe.</p><p>He is best known for his detective character Chester Drum, whom he created for the 1955 novel The Second Longest Night. Lesser wrote under various pseudonyms, including Adam Chase, Andrew Frazer, C H Thames, Jason Ridgway, Stephen Wilder, and Ellery Queen.</p><p>He was awarded the French Prix Gutenberg du Livre in 1988 for The Memoirs of Christopher Columbus, and in 1997 he was awarded the Life Achievement Award by the Private Eye Writers of America. He also served on the board of directors of the Mystery Writers of America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> b8651a77-443e-4baa-ba48-2ca1ba8a361c https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/an-eye-for-the-ladies-by-stephen-marlowe Sun, 26 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2064 no full Rocket Summer, by Ray Bradbury Rocket Summer, by Ray Bradbury Paul Lawley-Jones The Rocket was ready to take the first intrepid pioneers to the Moon. But the world's excitement turned to hate when William Stanley, president of the company that had built the Rocket, canceled the flight. The time wasn't right, he said. But the public wanted their Rocket to fly, and they were prepared to kill to make it happen.

"Rocket Summer" appeared in "Planet Stories," Spring 1947, pages 44 - 51.

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Ray Douglas Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.

Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.

The New York Times called Bradbury "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream."

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The Rocket was ready to take the first intrepid pioneers to the Moon. But the world&#39;s excitement turned to hate when William Stanley, president of the company that had built the Rocket, canceled the flight. The time wasn&#39;t right, he said. But the public wanted their Rocket to fly, and they were prepared to kill to make it happen.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Rocket Summer&#34; appeared in &#34;Planet Stories,&#34; Spring 1947, pages 44 - 51.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Ray Douglas Bradbury</strong> (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.</p><p>Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.</p><p>The New York Times called Bradbury &#34;the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 710f7498-e644-42c3-9603-fc9c1ff93366 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/rocket-summer-by-ray-bradbury Wed, 22 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2133 no full The Man who Knew Everything, by Randall Garrett The Man who Knew Everything, by Randall Garrett Paul Lawley-Jones Pst! This is top secret. Don't let it get around, but we've got the Russians right where we want them. They haven't got a secret left to their name. We know every detail. You see, the Russians were pretty sure their inner circle was leakproof, that no one could penetrate their vaults. But they reckoned without--

"The Man who Knew Everything" appeared in the October 1956 issue of "Fantastic" on pages 46 to 59.

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Gordon Randall Phillip David Garrett (December 16, 1927 – December 31, 1987) was an American science fiction and fantasy author. He was a contributor to Astounding and other science fiction magazines of the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for the Lord Darcy books set in an alternate world where a joint Anglo-French empire still led by a Plantagenet dynasty has survived into the twentieth century and where magic works and has been scientifically codified. The Darcy books are rich in jokes, puns, and references, particularly of detective and spy fiction; Lord Darcy is modeled on Sherlock Holmes.

Garrett wrote under a variety of pseudonyms including: David Gordon, John Gordon, Darrel T. Langart (an anagram of his name), Alexander Blade, Richard Greer, Ivar Jorgensen, Clyde Mitchell, Leonard G. Spencer, S. M. Tenneshaw, Gerald Vance. He was also a founding member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, as "Randall of Hightower" (a pun on "garret.") The short novel Brain Twister, written by Garrett with author Laurence Janifer (using the joint pseudonym Mark Phillips), was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1960.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Pst! This is top secret. Don&#39;t let it get around, but we&#39;ve got the Russians right where we want them. They haven&#39;t got a secret left to their name. We know every detail. You see, the Russians were pretty sure their inner circle was leakproof, that no one could penetrate their vaults. But they reckoned without--</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Man who Knew Everything&#34; appeared in the October 1956 issue of &#34;Fantastic&#34; on pages 46 to 59.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Gordon Randall Phillip David Garrett</strong> (December 16, 1927 – December 31, 1987) was an American science fiction and fantasy author. He was a contributor to Astounding and other science fiction magazines of the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for the Lord Darcy books set in an alternate world where a joint Anglo-French empire still led by a Plantagenet dynasty has survived into the twentieth century and where magic works and has been scientifically codified. The Darcy books are rich in jokes, puns, and references, particularly of detective and spy fiction; Lord Darcy is modeled on Sherlock Holmes.</p><p>Garrett wrote under a variety of pseudonyms including: David Gordon, John Gordon, Darrel T. Langart (an anagram of his name), Alexander Blade, Richard Greer, Ivar Jorgensen, Clyde Mitchell, Leonard G. Spencer, S. M. Tenneshaw, Gerald Vance. He was also a founding member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, as &#34;Randall of Hightower&#34; (a pun on &#34;garret.&#34;) The short novel Brain Twister, written by Garrett with author Laurence Janifer (using the joint pseudonym Mark Phillips), was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1960.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> a2577477-f733-4152-9e86-d5bcaacd6b5e https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-man-who-knew-everything-by-randall-garrett Sun, 19 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2162 no full Blow the Man Down, by Charles L Fontenay Blow the Man Down, by Charles L Fontenay Paul Lawley-Jones Albrekt Verbrug was confident in his ability to hijack the Mars-Titan freighter 'By Jove,' and deliver its cargo of lithium and other materials to his comrades in the Flanjo military. But the crew of the 'By Jove' were experienced spacemen and Albrekt was not.

"Blow the Man Down" appeared in "Worlds of If Science Fiction," March 1955, pages 92 to 107.

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Charles Louis Fontenay (March 17, 1917 – January 27, 2007) was an American journalist and science fiction writer. He wrote science fiction novels and short stories.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Albrekt Verbrug was confident in his ability to hijack the Mars-Titan freighter &#39;By Jove,&#39; and deliver its cargo of lithium and other materials to his comrades in the Flanjo military. But the crew of the &#39;By Jove&#39; were experienced spacemen and Albrekt was not.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Blow the Man Down&#34; appeared in &#34;Worlds of If Science Fiction,&#34; March 1955, pages 92 to 107.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Charles Louis Fontenay</strong> (March 17, 1917 – January 27, 2007) was an American journalist and science fiction writer. He wrote science fiction novels and short stories.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 0dc60c0b-276f-44ce-b7a7-188f893d2cd5 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/blow-the-man-down-by-charles-l-fontenay Thu, 16 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2896 no full Clicking Red Heels, by Paul Ernst Clicking Red Heels, by Paul Ernst Paul Lawley-Jones Nobody knew that Gruin had killed his sweetheart, but her little red heels tapped a march of death wherever he went, driving him to a desperate resolve.

"Clicking Red Heels" appeared in the June 1937 issue of Weird Tales on pages 668 to 677.

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Paul Frederick Ernst (November 7, 1899, Akron, Ohio – September 21, 1985, Pinellas County, Florida) was an American pulp fiction writer. He is best known as the writer of the original 24 "Avenger" novels, published by Street & Smith under the house name Kenneth Robeson.

His stories appeared in a number of early science fiction and fantasy magazines, including Astounding Stories, Strange Tales and Amazing, and he was the author of the Doctor Satan series (8 stories in all) which ran in Weird Tales from 1935 to 1936. His most famous work was the original 24 "The Avenger" stories in the eponymous pulp magazine between 1939 and 1942.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Nobody knew that Gruin had killed his sweetheart, but her little red heels tapped a march of death wherever he went, driving him to a desperate resolve.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Clicking Red Heels&#34; appeared in the June 1937 issue of Weird Tales on pages 668 to 677.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Paul Frederick Ernst</strong> (November 7, 1899, Akron, Ohio – September 21, 1985, Pinellas County, Florida) was an American pulp fiction writer. He is best known as the writer of the original 24 &#34;Avenger&#34; novels, published by Street &amp; Smith under the house name Kenneth Robeson.</p><p>His stories appeared in a number of early science fiction and fantasy magazines, including Astounding Stories, Strange Tales and Amazing, and he was the author of the Doctor Satan series (8 stories in all) which ran in Weird Tales from 1935 to 1936. His most famous work was the original 24 &#34;The Avenger&#34; stories in the eponymous pulp magazine between 1939 and 1942.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 8b8f98a6-9668-428a-9795-b61f47d287f6 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/clicking-red-heels-by-paul-ernst Sun, 12 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2390 no full Go to Sleep, My Darling, by Winston K Marks Go to Sleep, My Darling, by Winston K Marks Paul Lawley-Jones Bertrand Baxter was a man's man living in a household of women, most of whom baffled him. But, when he discovered a unique connection to his youngest daughter, who was still a baby, he devised a plan to understand women better.

"Go To Sleep, My Darling" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction," November 1958, page 99 - 109.

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Winston Kinney Marks (1915-1979) was an American author of Science Fiction short stories who also wrote as Win Marks and used the pseudonyms Win Kinney and Ken Winney, each for just one story. He began publishing with "Mad Hatter" for Unknown in May 1940, but then, after "Manic Perverse" (October 1941 Astounding), was not heard of again until 1953 when he published The Water Eater (June 1953 Galaxy). He published nearly 60 further stories to 1959, with two final SF Magazine appearances in the late 1960s. His style was mildly hard-bitten and amusing. A posthumous collection is The Test Colony and Other Stories (2012).

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Bertrand Baxter was a man&#39;s man living in a household of women, most of whom baffled him. But, when he discovered a unique connection to his youngest daughter, who was still a baby, he devised a plan to understand women better.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Go To Sleep, My Darling&#34; appeared in &#34;Infinity Science Fiction,&#34; November 1958, page 99 - 109.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Winston Kinney Marks</strong> (1915-1979) was an American author of Science Fiction short stories who also wrote as Win Marks and used the pseudonyms Win Kinney and Ken Winney, each for just one story. He began publishing with &#34;Mad Hatter&#34; for Unknown in May 1940, but then, after &#34;Manic Perverse&#34; (October 1941 Astounding), was not heard of again until 1953 when he published The Water Eater (June 1953 Galaxy). He published nearly 60 further stories to 1959, with two final SF Magazine appearances in the late 1960s. His style was mildly hard-bitten and amusing. A posthumous collection is The Test Colony and Other Stories (2012).</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> b9ccf46d-cb09-4234-8d0f-ce9aac82e8d5 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/go-to-sleep-my-darling-by-winston-k-marks Fri, 10 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1732 no full The Survivors, by T D Hamm The Survivors, by T D Hamm Paul Lawley-Jones Step by grueling step the four of them slogged their way toward a tenuous safety. It was a magnificent display of their will for survival. The only question was, whose survival?

"The Survivors" appeared in "Amazing Stories," August 1961.

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T. D. Hamm (real name Thelma Hamm Evans, 1905 – 1995) was a science fiction writer with stories published in If, Tomorrow's Universe, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, and several others.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Step by grueling step the four of them slogged their way toward a tenuous safety. It was a magnificent display of their will for survival. The only question was, whose survival?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Survivors&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; August 1961.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>T. D. Hamm</strong> (real name Thelma Hamm Evans, 1905 – 1995) was a science fiction writer with stories published in If, Tomorrow&#39;s Universe, The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, and several others.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 2be089a8-2bab-4092-b8ae-4d246c934f49 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-survivors-by-t-d-hamm Tue, 07 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2170 no full Vallisneria Madness, by Ralph Milne Farley Vallisneria Madness, by Ralph Milne Farley Paul Lawley-Jones A strange and curious little story, about the moonlight mating of flowers.

"Vallisneria Madness" appeared in the May 1937 issue of Weird Tales on pages 612 to 616.

Ralph Milne Farley was the pen name of the science fiction writing collaboration between Roger Sherman Hoar, state senator and assistant Attorney General for Massachusetts, and his daughter Caroline Prescott Hoar.

Vallisneria is a genus of submerged freshwater aquatic plant, commonly called eelgrass, tape grass or vallis, that spreads by runners and sometimes forms tall underwater meadows. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Single female flowers grow to the water surface on very long stalks. Male flowers grow on short stalks, become detached, and float to the surface.

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Roger Sherman Hoar (April 8, 1887, Waltham, Massachusetts – October 10, 1963) was an American state senator and assistant Attorney General for the state of Massachusetts. He wrote and published science fiction under his own name, and from 1932 in collaboration with his daughter, Caroline Prescott Hoar, under the pseudonym of Ralph Milne Farley.

He was a great-great-grandson of Founding Father Roger Sherman.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>A strange and curious little story, about the moonlight mating of flowers.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Vallisneria Madness&#34; appeared in the May 1937 issue of Weird Tales on pages 612 to 616.</p><p>Ralph Milne Farley was the pen name of the science fiction writing collaboration between Roger Sherman Hoar, state senator and assistant Attorney General for Massachusetts, and his daughter Caroline Prescott Hoar.</p><p>Vallisneria is a genus of submerged freshwater aquatic plant, commonly called eelgrass, tape grass or vallis, that spreads by runners and sometimes forms tall underwater meadows. It is dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants. Single female flowers grow to the water surface on very long stalks. Male flowers grow on short stalks, become detached, and float to the surface.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Roger Sherman Hoar</strong> (April 8, 1887, Waltham, Massachusetts – October 10, 1963) was an American state senator and assistant Attorney General for the state of Massachusetts. He wrote and published science fiction under his own name, and from 1932 in collaboration with his daughter, Caroline Prescott Hoar, under the pseudonym of Ralph Milne Farley.</p><p>He was a great-great-grandson of Founding Father Roger Sherman.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> ca0e1d04-7186-4d43-89a3-633ea6f1e089 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/vallisneria-madness-by-ralph-milne-farley Sun, 05 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1424 no full Out of the Sub-Universe, By R F Starzl Out of the Sub-Universe, By R F Starzl Paul Lawley-Jones Professor Halley had perfected his machine for shrinking objects to sub-atomic size, and his trusty assistant, Hale McLaren was ready to make the journey into the sub-atomic universe. His daughter, Shirley, who loved Hale, was also determined to go, and Halley reluctantly agreed. 

The plan was to bring them back in half an hour, but Halley had made one vital miscalculation...

"Out of the Sub-universe" appeared in "Amazing Stories Quarterly," Summer 1928, pages 378 - 381.

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Roman Frederick Starzl (1899–1976) was an American writer. He, and earlier, his father (John V. Starzl), owned the Le Mars Globe-Post newspaper of Le Mars, Iowa. His writing is largely forgotten now, but he was called a "master" by the pioneer of space opera E. E. "Doc" Smith. Starzl's Interplanetary Flying Patrol, in "The Hornets of Space," may have influenced Smith's Galactic Patrol.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Professor Halley had perfected his machine for shrinking objects to sub-atomic size, and his trusty assistant, Hale McLaren was ready to make the journey into the sub-atomic universe. His daughter, Shirley, who loved Hale, was also determined to go, and Halley reluctantly agreed. </em></strong></p><p><strong><em>The plan was to bring them back in half an hour, but Halley had made one vital miscalculation...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Out of the Sub-universe&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories Quarterly,&#34; Summer 1928, pages 378 - 381.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Roman Frederick Starzl</strong> (1899–1976) was an American writer. He, and earlier, his father (John V. Starzl), owned the Le Mars Globe-Post newspaper of Le Mars, Iowa. His writing is largely forgotten now, but he was called a &#34;master&#34; by the pioneer of space opera E. E. &#34;Doc&#34; Smith. Starzl&#39;s Interplanetary Flying Patrol, in &#34;The Hornets of Space,&#34; may have influenced Smith&#39;s Galactic Patrol.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 9a60e311-99d6-4c05-849c-1d20b9cf95ff https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/out-of-the-sub-universe-by-r-f-starzl Wed, 01 Oct 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1306 no full Down to Earth, by Harry Harrison Down to Earth, by Harry Harrison Paul Lawley-Jones Whatever goes up must come down. Including moon rockets. But there's no law saying what they must come down to.

"Down to Earth" appeared in the November 1963 issue of Amazing Stories on pages 53 to 71.

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Harry Max Harrison (March 12, 1925 – August 15, 2012) was an American science fiction author, known mostly for his character The Stainless Steel Rat and for his novel Make Room! Make Room! (1966). The latter was the rough basis for the motion picture Soylent Green (1973). Long resident in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, Harrison was involved in the foundation of the Irish Science Fiction Association, and was, with Brian Aldiss, co-president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Whatever goes up must come down. Including moon rockets. But there&#39;s no law saying what they must come down to.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Down to Earth&#34; appeared in the November 1963 issue of Amazing Stories on pages 53 to 71.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Harry Max Harrison</strong> (March 12, 1925 – August 15, 2012) was an American science fiction author, known mostly for his character The Stainless Steel Rat and for his novel Make Room! Make Room! (1966). The latter was the rough basis for the motion picture Soylent Green (1973). Long resident in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, Harrison was involved in the foundation of the Irish Science Fiction Association, and was, with Brian Aldiss, co-president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 6d61fb77-09bf-42a5-86dd-6e5a1b160291 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/down-to-earth-by-harry-harrison Sun, 28 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3059 no full The Planet of Dread, by R F Starzl The Planet of Dread, by R F Starzl Paul Lawley-Jones A blunder by a stock clerk meant that Mark Forepaugh and his servant, Gunga, were stranded on Inra without power until the relief ship arrived. But they couldn't stay in an unpowered trading station; they had to venture out and get to the Mountains of Perdition where they had a better chance of being rescued. That trip, however, necessitated a trip through the hostile jungle of Inra...

"The Planet of Dread" appeared in "Astounding Stories of Super-Science," August 1930, pages 147 - 157.

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Roman Frederick Starzl (1899–1976) was an American writer. He, and earlier, his father (John V Starzl), owned the Le Mars Globe-Post newspaper of Le Mars, Iowa.

His writing is largely forgotten now, but he was called a "master" by the pioneer of space opera E E "Doc" Smith. Starzl's Interplanetary Flying Patrol, in "The Hornets of Space," may have influenced Smith's Galactic Patrol.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>A blunder by a stock clerk meant that Mark Forepaugh and his servant, Gunga, were stranded on Inra without power until the relief ship arrived. But they couldn&#39;t stay in an unpowered trading station; they had to venture out and get to the Mountains of Perdition where they had a better chance of being rescued. That trip, however, necessitated a trip through the hostile jungle of Inra...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Planet of Dread&#34; appeared in &#34;Astounding Stories of Super-Science,&#34; August 1930, pages 147 - 157.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Roman Frederick Starzl</strong> (1899–1976) was an American writer. He, and earlier, his father (John V Starzl), owned the Le Mars Globe-Post newspaper of Le Mars, Iowa.</p><p>His writing is largely forgotten now, but he was called a &#34;master&#34; by the pioneer of space opera E E &#34;Doc&#34; Smith. Starzl&#39;s Interplanetary Flying Patrol, in &#34;The Hornets of Space,&#34; may have influenced Smith&#39;s Galactic Patrol.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 6d23d6e6-5b1a-421f-a305-6b4af1b586f5 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-planet-of-dread-by-r-f-starzl Thu, 25 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2951 no full The Marsdon Manor Tragedy, by Agatha Christie The Marsdon Manor Tragedy, by Agatha Christie Paul Lawley-Jones When is a suicide not a suicide? When there is an aging husband concerned about his health, a beautiful young wife, and a large life insurance policy. Hercule Poirot is called in by the insurance company to investigate.

"The Marsdon Manor Tragedy" appeared in the March 1924 issue of "The Blue Book Magazine" on pages 121 to 126.

"The Marsdon Manor Tragedy" first appeared in "The Sketch" in 1923 in the UK. In 1924 it appeared in the short story collection "Poirot Investigates." In 1991 it was broadcast in episode 6 of season 3 of the BBC's "Poirot" series, titled "The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor."

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Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952.

A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction," Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime"—now trademarked by her estate—or the "Queen of Mystery." She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>When is a suicide not a suicide? When there is an aging husband concerned about his health, a beautiful young wife, and a large life insurance policy. Hercule Poirot is called in by the insurance company to investigate.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Marsdon Manor Tragedy&#34; appeared in the March 1924 issue of &#34;The Blue Book Magazine&#34; on pages 121 to 126.</p><p>&#34;The Marsdon Manor Tragedy&#34; first appeared in &#34;The Sketch&#34; in 1923 in the UK. In 1924 it appeared in the short story collection &#34;Poirot Investigates.&#34; In 1991 it was broadcast in episode 6 of season 3 of the BBC&#39;s &#34;Poirot&#34; series, titled &#34;The Tragedy at Marsdon Manor.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie</strong>, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world&#39;s longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952.</p><p>A writer during the &#34;Golden Age of Detective Fiction,&#34; Christie has been called the &#34;Queen of Crime&#34;—now trademarked by her estate—or the &#34;Queen of Mystery.&#34; She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> ee629645-153c-4f02-bdd5-848a3eeba1ba https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-marsdon-manor-tragedy-by-agatha-christie Sun, 21 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1777 no full Outside Saturn, By Robert E Gilbert Outside Saturn, By Robert E Gilbert Paul Lawley-Jones Vincenzo and Aziz had a plan to steal one of the ice-sweepers orbiting Saturn and use it as their pirate base. Henry, for whom this was his first job, was 'volunteered' to be stranded in space in the path of the ice-sweeper and be 'rescued' and gain access to the ship. But when Ranjit saved Henry's life, he started having second thoughts. And then, Joachim and the beautiful Morna came aboard.

"Outside Saturn" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction," January 1958, pages 104 - 123.

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Robert E Gilbert (May 6, 1924 – April 4, 1993) was an American science fiction writer.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Vincenzo and Aziz had a plan to steal one of the ice-sweepers orbiting Saturn and use it as their pirate base. Henry, for whom this was his first job, was &#39;volunteered&#39; to be stranded in space in the path of the ice-sweeper and be &#39;rescued&#39; and gain access to the ship. But when Ranjit saved Henry&#39;s life, he started having second thoughts. And then, Joachim and the beautiful Morna came aboard.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Outside Saturn&#34; appeared in &#34;Infinity Science Fiction,&#34; January 1958, pages 104 - 123.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert E Gilbert</strong> (May 6, 1924 – April 4, 1993) was an American science fiction writer.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 840afc0b-a3a8-4b2a-9d70-8f26db555977 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/outside-saturn-by-robert-e-gilbert Fri, 19 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2869 no full Fire of Retribution, by Laurence Donovan Fire of Retribution, by Laurence Donovan Paul Lawley-Jones For a man who never flew before to step from an airplane into space thousands of feet above the earth--that takes nerve! Yet old Beth knew that was the only slim chance for his fire-trapped logging crew.

"Fire of Retribution" appeared in "Argosy All-Story Weekly," October 20, 1928, pages 712 - 717.

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Lawrence Louis Donovan (July 1885 – March 11, 1948) was an American pulp fiction writer who wrote nine 'Doc Savage' novels under the pseudonym "Kenneth Robeson",' a pen name that was used by other writers of the same publishing house. However, there are nine 'Doc Savage' novels duly credited to Donovan, published between November 1935 and July 1937. Three of his Doc Savage novels were "adapted" as early Superman comic book stories.

He employed various pen names; "Austin Gridley", "Patrick Everett", "Patrick Lawrence", "Wallace Brooker" and "Clifford Goodrich". Other pen names included "Don Lewis", "Don Lawrence" and "Larry Dunn", by which Donovan concealed his identity in the lurid Spicy Stories magazines. 

After a falling out with his editor in 1938, Donovan moved over to the rival Thrilling Publications, where he wrote under the house name of "Robert Wallace".

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>For a man who never flew before to step from an airplane into space thousands of feet above the earth--that takes nerve! Yet old Beth knew that was the only slim chance for his fire-trapped logging crew.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Fire of Retribution&#34; appeared in &#34;Argosy All-Story Weekly,&#34; October 20, 1928, pages 712 - 717.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Lawrence Louis Donovan</strong> (July 1885 – March 11, 1948) was an American pulp fiction writer who wrote nine &#39;Doc Savage&#39; novels under the pseudonym &#34;Kenneth Robeson&#34;,&#39; a pen name that was used by other writers of the same publishing house. However, there are nine &#39;Doc Savage&#39; novels duly credited to Donovan, published between November 1935 and July 1937. Three of his Doc Savage novels were &#34;adapted&#34; as early Superman comic book stories.</p><p>He employed various pen names; &#34;Austin Gridley&#34;, &#34;Patrick Everett&#34;, &#34;Patrick Lawrence&#34;, &#34;Wallace Brooker&#34; and &#34;Clifford Goodrich&#34;. Other pen names included &#34;Don Lewis&#34;, &#34;Don Lawrence&#34; and &#34;Larry Dunn&#34;, by which Donovan concealed his identity in the lurid Spicy Stories magazines. </p><p>After a falling out with his editor in 1938, Donovan moved over to the rival Thrilling Publications, where he wrote under the house name of &#34;Robert Wallace&#34;.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> d633ad83-6973-4ab6-a6ce-d9258b94e22d https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/fire-of-retribution-by-laurence-donovan Tue, 16 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1458 no full The Machine Stops, by E M Forster The Machine Stops, by E M Forster Paul Lawley-Jones "The Machine," they exclaimed, "feeds us and clothes us and houses us; through it we speak to one another, through it we see one another, in it we have our being. The Machine is the friend of ideas and the enemy of superstition: the Machine is omnipotent, eternal; blessed is the Machine."

"The Machine Stops" appeared in the November 1909 issue of "The Oxford and Cambridge Review."

After initial publication in The Oxford and Cambridge Review (November 1909), the story was republished in Forster's "The Eternal Moment and Other Stories" in 1928.

After being voted one of the best novellas up to 1965, it was included that same year in the popular anthology "Modern Short Stories." In 1973 it was also included in The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume Two.

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Edward Morgan Forster OM CH (1 January 1879 – 7 June 1970) was an English author. He is best known for his novels, particularly "A Room with a View" (1908), "Howards End" (1910) and "A Passage to India" (1924). He also wrote numerous short stories, essays, speeches and broadcasts, biographies and some plays. Many of his novels examine class differences and hypocrisy.

His short story "The Machine Stops" (1909) is often viewed as the beginning of technological dystopian fiction.

Considered one of the most successful of the Edwardian era English novelists, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 22 separate years. He declined a knighthood in 1949, though he received the Order of Merit upon his 90th birthday. Forster was made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1953, and in 1961 he was one of the first five authors named as a Companion of Literature by the Royal Society of Literature.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>&#34;The Machine,&#34; they exclaimed, &#34;feeds us and clothes us and houses us; through it we speak to one another, through it we see one another, in it we have our being. The Machine is the friend of ideas and the enemy of superstition: the Machine is omnipotent, eternal; blessed is the Machine.&#34;</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Machine Stops&#34; appeared in the November 1909 issue of &#34;The Oxford and Cambridge Review.&#34;</p><p>After initial publication in The Oxford and Cambridge Review (November 1909), the story was republished in Forster&#39;s &#34;The Eternal Moment and Other Stories&#34; in 1928.</p><p>After being voted one of the best novellas up to 1965, it was included that same year in the popular anthology &#34;Modern Short Stories.&#34; In 1973 it was also included in The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume Two.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Edward Morgan Forster</strong> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_Merit" rel="nofollow">OM</a> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Companions_of_Honour" rel="nofollow">CH</a> (1 January 1879 – 7 June 1970) was an English author. He is best known for his novels, particularly &#34;A Room with a View&#34; (1908), &#34;Howards End&#34; (1910) and &#34;A Passage to India&#34; (1924). He also wrote numerous short stories, essays, speeches and broadcasts, biographies and some plays. Many of his novels examine class differences and hypocrisy.</p><p>His short story &#34;The Machine Stops&#34; (1909) is often viewed as the beginning of technological dystopian fiction.</p><p>Considered one of the most successful of the Edwardian era English novelists, he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 22 separate years. He declined a knighthood in 1949, though he received the Order of Merit upon his 90th birthday. Forster was made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour in 1953, and in 1961 he was one of the first five authors named as a Companion of Literature by the Royal Society of Literature.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 89ea5358-8cda-4e0a-ac88-c504d1044787 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-machine-stops-by-e-m-forster Sun, 14 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0000 5580 no full All You Zombies, by Robert A Heinlein All You Zombies, by Robert A Heinlein Paul Lawley-Jones I was there to recruit the Unmarried Mother. But first I had to gain his confidence by allowing him to 'settle' with the one who'd gotten him pregnant when he was a woman, and had ruined his chances of joining the Space Corps. I trusted that he wouldn't kill him. That would be problematic...

"All You Zombies" appeared in "The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction," March 1959, pages 5 - 15.

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Robert Anson Heinlien (July 7, 1907 – May 8, 1988) was an American science fiction author, aeronautical engineer, and naval officer. Sometimes called the "dean of science fiction writers", he was among the first to emphasize scientific accuracy in his fiction, and was thus a pioneer of the subgenre of hard science fiction.

He was considered one of the "Big Three" of English-language science fiction authors, and a best-selling science-fiction novelist for many decades. Notable Heinlein works include "Stranger in a Strange Land," "Starship Troopers" (which helped mold the space marine and mecha archetypes) and "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress." His work sometimes had controversial aspects, such as plural marriage in "The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress," militarism in "Starship Troopers" and technologically competent women characters who were formidable, yet often stereotypically feminine—such as Friday. Heinlein also coined terms that have become part of the English language, including 'grok', 'waldo' and 'speculative fiction'.

Heinlein was named the first Science Fiction Writers Grand Master in 1974. Four of his novels won Hugo Awards, and fifty years after publication, seven of his works were awarded "Retro Hugos"—awards given retrospectively for works that were published before the Hugo Awards came into existence.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>I was there to recruit the Unmarried Mother. But first I had to gain his confidence by allowing him to &#39;settle&#39; with the one who&#39;d gotten him pregnant when he was a woman, and had ruined his chances of joining the Space Corps. I trusted that he wouldn&#39;t kill him. That would be problematic...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;All You Zombies&#34; appeared in &#34;The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction,&#34; March 1959, pages 5 - 15.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert Anson Heinlien</strong> (July 7, 1907 – May 8, 1988) was an American science fiction author, aeronautical engineer, and naval officer. Sometimes called the &#34;dean of science fiction writers&#34;, he was among the first to emphasize scientific accuracy in his fiction, and was thus a pioneer of the subgenre of hard science fiction.</p><p>He was considered one of the &#34;Big Three&#34; of English-language science fiction authors, and a best-selling science-fiction novelist for many decades. Notable Heinlein works include &#34;Stranger in a Strange Land,&#34; &#34;Starship Troopers&#34; (which helped mold the space marine and mecha archetypes) and &#34;The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress.&#34; His work sometimes had controversial aspects, such as plural marriage in &#34;The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress,&#34; militarism in &#34;Starship Troopers&#34; and technologically competent women characters who were formidable, yet often stereotypically feminine—such as Friday. Heinlein also coined terms that have become part of the English language, including &#39;grok&#39;, &#39;waldo&#39; and &#39;speculative fiction&#39;.</p><p>Heinlein was named the first Science Fiction Writers Grand Master in 1974. Four of his novels won Hugo Awards, and fifty years after publication, seven of his works were awarded &#34;Retro Hugos&#34;—awards given retrospectively for works that were published before the Hugo Awards came into existence.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 4387bd1b-ed4d-4a4c-b0b0-a0b49e5bd6d8 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/all-you-zombies-by-robert-a-heinlein Wed, 10 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2102 no full The Black Kiss, by Robert Bloch & Henry Kuttner The Black Kiss, by Robert Bloch & Henry Kuttner Paul Lawley-Jones They rise in green robes roaring from the green hells of the sea, Where fallen skies and evil hues and eyeless creatures be. 

— Chesterton: Lepanto.

"The Black Kiss" appeared in the June 1937 issue of Weird Tales on pages 678 to 690.

Although Robert Bloch is credited, "The Black Kiss" was written entirely by Henry Kuttner.

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Robert Albert Bloch (April 5, 1917, Chicago, Illinois – September 23, 1994, Los Angeles, California) was an American fiction writer, primarily of crime, psychological horror, and a relatively small amount of science fiction. He was a protégé of H. P. Lovecraft, who was the first to seriously encourage his talent. He is best as the writer of Psycho (1959), the basis for the film of the same name by Alfred Hitchcock.

He won the Hugo Award (for his story "That Hell-Bound Train"), the Bram Stoker Award, and the World Fantasy Award. He served a term as president of the Mystery Writers of America (1970) and was a member of that organization and of Science Fiction Writers of America, the Writers Guild of America, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Count Dracula Society. In 2008, The Library of America selected Bloch's essay "The Shambles of Ed Gein" (1962) for inclusion in its two-century retrospective of American true crime.

Bloch was a contributor to pulp magazines such as Weird Tales in his early career, and was also a prolific screenwriter and a major contributor to science fiction fanzines and fandom in general.

Henry Kuttner (April 7, 1915, Los Angeles, California – February 3, 1958, Los Angeles, California) was an American author of science fiction, fantasy and horror. He contributed several stories to Lovecraft's Cthulu Mythos, adding a few lesser-known deities to the Mythos pantheon.

Kuttner wrote under a plethora of pseudonyms which many believe prevented him from garnering the fame that he should have had.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>They rise in green robes roaring from the green hells of the sea, Where fallen skies and evil hues and eyeless creatures be. </em></strong></p><p><strong><em> — Chesterton: Lepanto.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Black Kiss&#34; appeared in the June 1937 issue of Weird Tales on pages 678 to 690.</p><p>Although Robert Bloch is credited, &#34;The Black Kiss&#34; was written entirely by Henry Kuttner.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert Albert Bloch</strong> (April 5, 1917, Chicago, Illinois – September 23, 1994, Los Angeles, California) was an American fiction writer, primarily of crime, psychological horror, and a relatively small amount of science fiction. He was a protégé of H. P. Lovecraft, who was the first to seriously encourage his talent. He is best as the writer of Psycho (1959), the basis for the film of the same name by Alfred Hitchcock.</p><p>He won the Hugo Award (for his story &#34;That Hell-Bound Train&#34;), the Bram Stoker Award, and the World Fantasy Award. He served a term as president of the Mystery Writers of America (1970) and was a member of that organization and of Science Fiction Writers of America, the Writers Guild of America, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Count Dracula Society. In 2008, The Library of America selected Bloch&#39;s essay &#34;The Shambles of Ed Gein&#34; (1962) for inclusion in its two-century retrospective of American true crime.</p><p>Bloch was a contributor to pulp magazines such as Weird Tales in his early career, and was also a prolific screenwriter and a major contributor to science fiction fanzines and fandom in general.</p><p><strong>Henry Kuttner</strong> (April 7, 1915, Los Angeles, California – February 3, 1958, Los Angeles, California) was an American author of science fiction, fantasy and horror. He contributed several stories to Lovecraft&#39;s Cthulu Mythos, adding a few lesser-known deities to the Mythos pantheon.</p><p>Kuttner wrote under a plethora of pseudonyms which many believe prevented him from garnering the fame that he should have had.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 17d2f429-a00e-4749-8ddf-c7c2c5114a52 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-black-kiss-by-robert-bloch-henry-kuttner Sun, 07 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3264 no full The Men Return, by Jack Vance The Men Return, by Jack Vance Paul Lawley-Jones The Relict, Finn, retained a few tattered recollections of Old Earth, ruled by the laws of cause and effect, which enabled the environment to be subject to the dominion of man. The Organisms survived because they were mad, the Relicts because they were the most strongly charged with cause and effect, which was enough to allow control of their metabolisms, but no further...

"The Men Return" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction," July 1957, pages 56 - 65.

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John Holbrook Vance (August 28, 1916 – May 26, 2013) was an American mystery, fantasy, and science fiction writer. Though most of his work was published under the name Jack Vance, he also wrote several mystery novels under pen names, including Ellery Queen.

His first publications were stories in science fiction magazines. As he became well known, he published novellas and novels. A 2009 profile in The New York Times Magazine described Vance as "one of American literature's most distinctive and undervalued voices"

Vance won the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 1984, and he was a Guest of Honor at the 1992 World Science Fiction Convention in Orlando, Florida. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America made him its 15th Grand Master in 1997, and the Science Fiction Hall of Fame inducted him in 2001.

His most notable awards included Hugo Awards in 1963 for The Dragon Masters, in 1967 for The Last Castle, the Nebula Award in 1966, also for The Last Castle; the Jupiter Award in 1975 and the World Fantasy Award in 1990 for Lyonesse: Madouc, and the Edgar Award in 1961 for the best first mystery novel for The Man in the Cage.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The Relict, Finn, retained a few tattered recollections of Old Earth, ruled by the laws of cause and effect, which enabled the environment to be subject to the dominion of man. The Organisms survived because they were mad, the Relicts because they were the most strongly charged with cause and effect, which was enough to allow control of their metabolisms, but no further...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Men Return&#34; appeared in &#34;Infinity Science Fiction,&#34; July 1957, pages 56 - 65.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>John Holbrook Vance</strong> (August 28, 1916 – May 26, 2013) was an American mystery, fantasy, and science fiction writer. Though most of his work was published under the name Jack Vance, he also wrote several mystery novels under pen names, including Ellery Queen.</p><p>His first publications were stories in science fiction magazines. As he became well known, he published novellas and novels. A 2009 profile in The New York Times Magazine described Vance as &#34;one of American literature&#39;s most distinctive and undervalued voices&#34;</p><p>Vance won the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement in 1984, and he was a Guest of Honor at the 1992 World Science Fiction Convention in Orlando, Florida. The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America made him its 15th Grand Master in 1997, and the Science Fiction Hall of Fame inducted him in 2001.</p><p>His most notable awards included Hugo Awards in 1963 for The Dragon Masters, in 1967 for The Last Castle, the Nebula Award in 1966, also for The Last Castle; the Jupiter Award in 1975 and the World Fantasy Award in 1990 for Lyonesse: Madouc, and the Edgar Award in 1961 for the best first mystery novel for The Man in the Cage.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 0ef57fa5-ed7b-4664-ab3d-609dde1acf02 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-men-return-by-jack-vance Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1893 no full The Star-stealers, by Edmond Hamilton The Star-stealers, by Edmond Hamilton Paul Lawley-Jones Ran Rarak, captain of a cruiser belonging to the Federation of Stars, has been called back from duty to confront an extraordinary threat. The Dark Star, which is being tracked by the Bureau of Astronomical Knowledge, has changed course and is now veering dangerously close to the Sun. Ran Rarak must lead a fleet of ships to confront this menace.

"The Star-stealers" appeared in the February 1929 issue of "Weird Tales" on pages 149 to 168 and 279 to 288.

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Edmond Moore Hamilton (October 21, 1904 – February 1, 1977) was an American writer of science fiction during the mid-twentieth century. He is known for writing most of the Captain Future stories.

Hamilton was a central member of the remarkable group of Weird Tales writers assembled by editor Farnsworth Wright, that included H. P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard. Through the late 1920s and early 1930s Hamilton wrote for all of the science fiction pulp magazines then publishing, and contributed horror and thriller stories to various other magazines as well. He was popular as an author of space opera, a subgenre he created along with E. E. Smith. His story "The Island of Unreason" (Wonder Stories, May 1933) won the first Jules Verne Prize as the best science fiction story of the year (this was the first science fiction prize awarded by the votes of fans, a precursor of the later Hugo Awards).

In 1942 Hamilton began writing for DC Comics, specializing in stories for their characters Superman and Batman. He and artist Sheldon Moldoff created Batwoman in Detective Comics #233 (July 1956).

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Ran Rarak, captain of a cruiser belonging to the Federation of Stars, has been called back from duty to confront an extraordinary threat. The Dark Star, which is being tracked by the Bureau of Astronomical Knowledge, has changed course and is now veering dangerously close to the Sun. Ran Rarak must lead a fleet of ships to confront this menace.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Star-stealers&#34; appeared in the February 1929 issue of &#34;Weird Tales&#34; on pages 149 to 168 and 279 to 288.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Edmond Moore Hamilton</strong> (October 21, 1904 – February 1, 1977) was an American writer of science fiction during the mid-twentieth century. He is known for writing most of the Captain Future stories.</p><p>Hamilton was a central member of the remarkable group of Weird Tales writers assembled by editor Farnsworth Wright, that included H. P. Lovecraft and Robert E. Howard. Through the late 1920s and early 1930s Hamilton wrote for all of the science fiction pulp magazines then publishing, and contributed horror and thriller stories to various other magazines as well. He was popular as an author of space opera, a subgenre he created along with E. E. Smith. His story &#34;The Island of Unreason&#34; (Wonder Stories, May 1933) won the first Jules Verne Prize as the best science fiction story of the year (this was the first science fiction prize awarded by the votes of fans, a precursor of the later Hugo Awards).</p><p>In 1942 Hamilton began writing for DC Comics, specializing in stories for their characters Superman and Batman. He and artist Sheldon Moldoff created Batwoman in Detective Comics #233 (July 1956).</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 4c5a5a28-980d-4f67-a940-16dafe0e9999 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-star-stealers-by-edmond-hamilton Sun, 31 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 5990 no full One Touch of Terra, by Hannes Bok One Touch of Terra, by Hannes Bok Paul Lawley-Jones Trixie O'Neill had had enough of the miners in Finchburg not treating her like a lady. So, she was going to go to Saturday Wells with Goreck, the Martian. What was worse was that she was taking her dandelions in their precious Terran soil with her! Well, the miners of Finchburg weren't going to stand for that...

"One Touch Of Terra" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," December 1956, pages 58 - 70.

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Hannes Bok, a pseudonym for Wayne Francis Woodard (July 2, 1914 – April 11, 1964), was an American artist and illustrator, as well as an amateur astrologer and writer of fantasy fiction and poetry. He painted nearly 150 covers for various science fiction, fantasy, and detective fiction magazines, as well as contributing hundreds of black and white interior illustrations. Bok's work graced the pages of calendars and early fanzines, as well as dust jackets from specialty book publishers like Arkham House, Llewellyn, Shasta Publishers, and Fantasy Press. His paintings achieved a luminous quality through the use of an arduous glazing process, which was learned from his mentor, Maxfield Parrish. Bok shared one of the inaugural 1953 Hugo Awards for science fiction achievement (best Cover Artist).

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Trixie O&#39;Neill had had enough of the miners in Finchburg not treating her like a lady. So, she was going to go to Saturday Wells with Goreck, the Martian. What was worse was that she was taking her dandelions in their precious Terran soil with her! Well, the miners of Finchburg weren&#39;t going to stand for that...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;One Touch Of Terra&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; December 1956, pages 58 - 70.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Hannes Bok</strong>, a pseudonym for <strong>Wayne Francis Woodard</strong> (July 2, 1914 – April 11, 1964), was an American artist and illustrator, as well as an amateur astrologer and writer of fantasy fiction and poetry. He painted nearly 150 covers for various science fiction, fantasy, and detective fiction magazines, as well as contributing hundreds of black and white interior illustrations. Bok&#39;s work graced the pages of calendars and early fanzines, as well as dust jackets from specialty book publishers like Arkham House, Llewellyn, Shasta Publishers, and Fantasy Press. His paintings achieved a luminous quality through the use of an arduous glazing process, which was learned from his mentor, Maxfield Parrish. Bok shared one of the inaugural 1953 Hugo Awards for science fiction achievement (best Cover Artist).</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 2b32912c-d4b4-40bd-944c-b478ec190fd5 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/one-touch-of-terra-by-hannes-bok Fri, 29 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2285 no full Answer, Please Answer, by Ben Bova Answer, Please Answer, by Ben Bova Paul Lawley-Jones Looking for signs of intelligent life on other planets by trying to detect radio signals was a waste of time; it would take too much power to broadcast any significant distance. Light, however, was easier to project over the distances required to traverse interstellar space. And perhaps, signals from another intelligence have been detected, mistakenly interpreted as a star pulsating, its brightness changing due to some natural phenomenon. 

Well, it's something to do when you're stuck monitoring the weather at the South Pole...

"Answer, Please Answer" was published in "Amazing Stories," October, 1962.

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Benjamin William Bova (November 8, 1932 – November 29, 2020) was an American writer and editor. During a writing career of 60 years, he was the author of more than 120 works of science fact and fiction, an editor of Analog Science Fiction and Fact, for which he won a Hugo Award six times, and an editorial director of Omni; he was also president of both the National Space Society and the Science Fiction Writers of America.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Looking for signs of intelligent life on other planets by trying to detect radio signals was a waste of time; it would take too much power to broadcast any significant distance. Light, however, was easier to project over the distances required to traverse interstellar space. And perhaps, signals from another intelligence have been detected, mistakenly interpreted as a star pulsating, its brightness changing due to some natural phenomenon. </em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Well, it&#39;s something to do when you&#39;re stuck monitoring the weather at the South Pole...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Answer, Please Answer&#34; was published in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; October, 1962.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Benjamin William Bova</strong> (November 8, 1932 – November 29, 2020) was an American writer and editor. During a writing career of 60 years, he was the author of more than 120 works of science fact and fiction, an editor of Analog Science Fiction and Fact, for which he won a Hugo Award six times, and an editorial director of Omni; he was also president of both the National Space Society and the Science Fiction Writers of America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 728b5c97-4130-481c-9fb2-45fd9615348f https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/answer-please-answer-by-ben-bova Tue, 26 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2673 no full Henry Goes Prehistoric, by W C Tuttle Henry Goes Prehistoric, by W C Tuttle Paul Lawley-Jones The Sheriff of Tonto City could expect anything to come out of the night in Wild Horse Valley—even an idea...

"Henry Goes Prehistoric" appeared in the January 25th, 1948 issue of "Short Stories" magazine on pages 48 to 70.

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W C Tuttle (November 11, 1883, Montana – June 6, 1969, Los Angeles County, California) was an American writer who sold more than 1000 magazine stories and dozens of novels, almost all of which were westerns.

Tuttle wrote mainly for pulp magazines; his main market was Adventure magazine. He also wrote for other publications such as Argosy, Short Stories, Street & Smith's Western Story Magazine, Field & Stream, West, New Western Magazine and Exciting Western.

His best known character was Hashknife Hartley, who along with his friend Sleepy Stevens, served as unofficial detectives solving crimes on the ranches where they worked as cowboys. Other characters Tuttle created included Cultus Collins, Sad Sontag, and Henry Harrison Conroy, a former vaudeville actor turned sheriff.

In 1950-1951, Tuttle was narrator of the old-time radio series Hashknife Hartley, which featured adaptations of his stories.

He was also a screenwriter hailing back to the silent era. He wrote the screenplays for 52 films between 1915 and 1945.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The Sheriff of Tonto City could expect anything to come out of the night in Wild Horse Valley—even an idea...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Henry Goes Prehistoric&#34; appeared in the January 25th, 1948 issue of &#34;Short Stories&#34; magazine on pages 48 to 70.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>W C Tuttle</strong> (November 11, 1883, Montana – June 6, 1969, Los Angeles County, California) was an American writer who sold more than 1000 magazine stories and dozens of novels, almost all of which were westerns.</p><p>Tuttle wrote mainly for pulp magazines; his main market was Adventure magazine. He also wrote for other publications such as Argosy, Short Stories, Street &amp; Smith&#39;s Western Story Magazine, Field &amp; Stream, West, New Western Magazine and Exciting Western.</p><p>His best known character was Hashknife Hartley, who along with his friend Sleepy Stevens, served as unofficial detectives solving crimes on the ranches where they worked as cowboys. Other characters Tuttle created included Cultus Collins, Sad Sontag, and Henry Harrison Conroy, a former vaudeville actor turned sheriff.</p><p>In 1950-1951, Tuttle was narrator of the old-time radio series Hashknife Hartley, which featured adaptations of his stories.</p><p>He was also a screenwriter hailing back to the silent era. He wrote the screenplays for 52 films between 1915 and 1945.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 979d6a5c-bc85-4b15-bd1b-3bfc691882b6 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/henry-goes-prehistoric-by-w-c-tuttle-novelette Sun, 24 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 6647 no full Die, Shadow! by Algis Budrys Die, Shadow! by Algis Budrys Paul Lawley-Jones David Greaves began as a hero with his ship, Defiance, crash landing on Venus, but surviving unconscious in his Crash Capsule by using an experimental gas that might offer a chance to survive. 

Eons later and a universe away, he became instead a god!

"Die, Shadow!" appeared in the May 1963 issue of "Worlds of If Science Fiction" on pages 61 - 76.

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Algirdas Jonas "Algis" Budrys (January 9, 1931 – June 9, 2008) was a Lithuanian-American science fiction author, editor, and critic. He was also known under the pen names Frank Mason, Alger Rome (in collaboration with Jerome Bixby), John A Sentry, William Scarff, and Paul Janvier. He is best known for the influential 1960 novel "Rogue Moon."

Incorporating his family's experience, Budrys's fiction depicts isolated and damaged people and themes of identity, survival, and legacy.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>David Greaves began as a hero with his ship, Defiance, crash landing on Venus, but surviving unconscious in his Crash Capsule by using an experimental gas that might offer a chance to survive. </em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Eons later and a universe away, he became instead a god!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Die, Shadow!&#34; appeared in the May 1963 issue of &#34;Worlds of If Science Fiction&#34; on pages 61 - 76.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Algirdas Jonas &#34;Algis&#34; Budrys</strong> (January 9, 1931 – June 9, 2008) was a Lithuanian-American science fiction author, editor, and critic. He was also known under the pen names Frank Mason, Alger Rome (in collaboration with Jerome Bixby), John A Sentry, William Scarff, and Paul Janvier. He is best known for the influential 1960 novel &#34;Rogue Moon.&#34;</p><p>Incorporating his family&#39;s experience, Budrys&#39;s fiction depicts isolated and damaged people and themes of identity, survival, and legacy.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 190915c5-9469-4956-a12f-27e7b8e42083 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/die-shadow-by-algis-budrys Wed, 20 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2775 no full The Little Black Bag, by C M Kornbluth The Little Black Bag, by C M Kornbluth Paul Lawley-Jones The normal progress of a technology produces simpler and simpler gadgets involving more and more complex fundamental laws. And, of course, requiring less and less of the user . . .

"The Little Black Bag" appeared in the July 1950 issue of "Astounding Science Fiction" on pages 132 to 161.

"The Little Black Bag" is a complementary story to "The Marching Morons," also by C M Kornbluth; the little black bag in question having come from the future envisioned in that story.

"The Little Black Bag" won the 2001 Retroactive Hugo Award for Best Novelette (of 1951) and was also recognized as the joint-13th best all-time short science fiction story in the October and November 1971 Analog Science Fact & Fiction poll. It was among the stories selected in 1970 by the Science Fiction Writers of America as one of the best science fiction short stories published before the creation of the Nebula Awards. As such, it was published in Volume One of The Science Fiction Hall of Fame.

"The Little Black Bag" was the basis of episodes (using the same title) in three television series: Tales of Tomorrow in 1952, Out of the Unknown in 1969, and Night Gallery in 1970.

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Cyril M Kornbluth (July 2, 1923 – March 21, 1958) was an American science fiction author and a member of the Futurians. He used a variety of pen-names, including Cecil Corwin, S D Gottesman, Edward J Bellin, Kenneth Falconer, Walter C Davies, Simon Eisner, Jordan Park, Arthur Cooke, Paul Dennis Lavond, and Scott Mariner.

As a teenager, he became a member of the Futurians, an influential group of science fiction fans and writers. While a member of the Futurians, he met and became friends with Frederik Pohl, Donald A Wollheim, Robert A W Lowndes, and his future wife Mary Byers. He also participated in the Fantasy Amateur Press Association.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The normal progress of a technology produces simpler and simpler gadgets involving more and more complex fundamental laws. And, of course, requiring less and less of the user . . .</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Little Black Bag&#34; appeared in the July 1950 issue of &#34;Astounding Science Fiction&#34; on pages 132 to 161.</p><p>&#34;The Little Black Bag&#34; is a complementary story to &#34;The Marching Morons,&#34; also by C M Kornbluth; the little black bag in question having come from the future envisioned in that story.</p><p>&#34;The Little Black Bag&#34; won the 2001 Retroactive Hugo Award for Best Novelette (of 1951) and was also recognized as the joint-13th best all-time short science fiction story in the October and November 1971 Analog Science Fact &amp; Fiction poll. It was among the stories selected in 1970 by the Science Fiction Writers of America as one of the best science fiction short stories published before the creation of the Nebula Awards. As such, it was published in Volume One of The Science Fiction Hall of Fame.</p><p>&#34;The Little Black Bag&#34; was the basis of episodes (using the same title) in three television series: Tales of Tomorrow in 1952, Out of the Unknown in 1969, and Night Gallery in 1970.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Cyril M Kornbluth</strong> (July 2, 1923 – March 21, 1958) was an American science fiction author and a member of the Futurians. He used a variety of pen-names, including Cecil Corwin, S D Gottesman, Edward J Bellin, Kenneth Falconer, Walter C Davies, Simon Eisner, Jordan Park, Arthur Cooke, Paul Dennis Lavond, and Scott Mariner.</p><p>As a teenager, he became a member of the Futurians, an influential group of science fiction fans and writers. While a member of the Futurians, he met and became friends with Frederik Pohl, Donald A Wollheim, Robert A W Lowndes, and his future wife Mary Byers. He also participated in the Fantasy Amateur Press Association.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 47c9d010-c7cc-4a20-8201-0aa4dcbe0727 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-little-black-bag-by-c-m-kornbluth Sun, 17 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 4961 no full The Mystery of Deneb IV, by Robert Silverberg The Mystery of Deneb IV, by Robert Silverberg Paul Lawley-Jones When is an SOS not an SOS? When it's a trap. Lieutenant Dave Carter is lured to Deneb IV while on his way to recuperate on the vacation planet of Ophiuchus VII after a reactor explosion on his previous ship. Little did he know that, due to the nature of his treatment, he is the only man in the universe equipped to combat what awaits...

"The Mystery of Deneb IV" appeared in "Fantastic Science Fiction," February 1957, page 56 - 67.

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Robert Silverberg (born January 15, 1935) is an American author and editor, best known for writing science fiction. He is a multiple winner of both Hugo and Nebula Awards, a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, and a Grand Master of SF. He has attended every Hugo Award ceremony since the inaugural event in 1953.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>When is an SOS not an SOS? When it&#39;s a trap. Lieutenant Dave Carter is lured to Deneb IV while on his way to recuperate on the vacation planet of Ophiuchus VII after a reactor explosion on his previous ship. Little did he know that, due to the nature of his treatment, he is the only man in the universe equipped to combat what awaits...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Mystery of Deneb IV&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Science Fiction,&#34; February 1957, page 56 - 67.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert Silverberg</strong> (born January 15, 1935) is an American author and editor, best known for writing science fiction. He is a multiple winner of both Hugo and Nebula Awards, a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, and a Grand Master of SF. He has attended every Hugo Award ceremony since the inaugural event in 1953.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> a77e1812-65bf-4072-b4ca-f66cbd83a2b2 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-mystery-of-deneb-iv-by-robert-silverberg Thu, 14 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1959 no full Reason, by Isaac Asimov Reason, by Isaac Asimov Paul Lawley-Jones The robot was strictly logical, reasoning, as only its perfect machine mind could, from observed facts to inevitable—if wacky—conclusion. 

"Reason" appeared in the April 1941 issue of "Astounding Science Fiction" on pages 33 to 45.

"Reason" is part of Asimov's Robot series, and was the second of Asimov's positronic robot stories to see publication.

In 1967, this short story was adapted into an episode of the British television series "Out of the Unknown" entitled "The Prophet".

The story was also broadcast as episode two of a five-part 15 Minute Drama radio adaptation of "I, Robot" on BBC Radio 4 in February 2017.

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Isaac Asimov (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.

Asimov's most famous work is the "Foundation" series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966. His other major series are the "Galactic Empire" series and the "Robot" series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette "Nightfall", which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The robot was strictly logical, reasoning, as only its perfect machine mind could, from observed facts to inevitable—if wacky—conclusion. </em></strong></p><p>&#34;Reason&#34; appeared in the April 1941 issue of &#34;Astounding Science Fiction&#34; on pages 33 to 45.</p><p>&#34;Reason&#34; is part of Asimov&#39;s Robot series, and was the second of Asimov&#39;s positronic robot stories to see publication.</p><p>In 1967, this short story was adapted into an episode of the British television series &#34;Out of the Unknown&#34; entitled &#34;The Prophet&#34;.</p><p>The story was also broadcast as episode two of a five-part 15 Minute Drama radio adaptation of &#34;I, Robot&#34; on BBC Radio 4 in February 2017.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Isaac Asimov</strong> (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the &#34;Big Three&#34; science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.</p><p>Asimov&#39;s most famous work is the &#34;Foundation&#34; series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for &#34;Best All-Time Series&#34; in 1966. His other major series are the &#34;Galactic Empire&#34; series and the &#34;Robot&#34; series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette &#34;Nightfall&#34;, which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> c22f6b8e-bc2b-4116-8826-4c3afc525490 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/reason-by-isaac-asimov Sun, 10 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3102 no full Jonah of the Jove Run, by Ray Bradbury Jonah of the Jove Run, by Ray Bradbury Paul Lawley-Jones The old man could feel orbits, sense trajectories, and calculate faster than the best computators. But he couldn't be trusted when he got a drink inside him. He was, however, Captain Kroll's only hope of getting home to the colony on Jupiter...

"Jonah of the Jove-Run" appeared in "Planet Stories," Spring 1948, pages 50 - 58.

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Ray Douglas Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.

Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951.) Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.

The New York Times called Bradbury "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream."

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The old man could feel orbits, sense trajectories, and calculate faster than the best computators. But he couldn&#39;t be trusted when he got a drink inside him. He was, however, Captain Kroll&#39;s only hope of getting home to the colony on Jupiter...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Jonah of the Jove-Run&#34; appeared in &#34;Planet Stories,&#34; Spring 1948, pages 50 - 58.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Ray Douglas Bradbury</strong> (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.</p><p>Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951.) Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.</p><p>The New York Times called Bradbury &#34;the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 1fe41461-264b-4b84-9ccf-77bf3e3f6a2f https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/jonah-of-the-jove-run-by-ray-bradbury Fri, 08 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2730 no full The Towers of Titan, by Ben Bova The Towers of Titan, by Ben Bova Paul Lawley-Jones Across the frozen cliffs they loomed—the unbelievably ancient towers with the unimaginable engines deep inside them still pouring out their endless power. Dr. Sidney Lee, back from time away due to a breakdown, and believing the towers to represent a threat to humanity, vowed to uncover their secrets... 

"The Towers of Titan" appeared in the January 1962 issue of "Amazing Stories."

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Benjamin William Bova (November 8, 1932 – November 29, 2020) was an American writer and editor. During a writing career of 60 years, he was the author of more than 120 works of science fact and fiction, an editor of Analog Science Fiction and Fact, for which he won a Hugo Award six times, and an editorial director of Omni; he was also president of both the National Space Society and the Science Fiction Writers of America.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Across the frozen cliffs they loomed—the unbelievably ancient towers with the unimaginable engines deep inside them still pouring out their endless power. Dr. Sidney Lee, back from time away due to a breakdown, and believing the towers to represent a threat to humanity, vowed to uncover their secrets... </em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Towers of Titan&#34; appeared in the January 1962 issue of &#34;Amazing Stories.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Benjamin William Bova</strong> (November 8, 1932 – November 29, 2020) was an American writer and editor. During a writing career of 60 years, he was the author of more than 120 works of science fact and fiction, an editor of Analog Science Fiction and Fact, for which he won a Hugo Award six times, and an editorial director of Omni; he was also president of both the National Space Society and the Science Fiction Writers of America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> e26b7829-ab4c-4077-ae34-c573dfa01827 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-towers-of-titan-by-ben-bova Tue, 05 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 4018 no full The Adventure Of the Cheap Flat, by Agatha Christie The Adventure Of the Cheap Flat, by Agatha Christie Paul Lawley-Jones No crime had been committed; no untoward event had occurred. But the astute Poirot saw, in the mere advertisement of a flat at too low a price, the manifestation of a curious plot. 

"The Adventure Of the Cheap Flat" appeared in the May 1924 issue of "Blue Book Magazine" on pages 86 to 92.

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Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction," Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime"—now trademarked by her estate—or the "Queen of Mystery." She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>No crime had been committed; no untoward event had occurred. But the astute Poirot saw, in the mere advertisement of a flat at too low a price, the manifestation of a curious plot. </em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Adventure Of the Cheap Flat&#34; appeared in the May 1924 issue of &#34;Blue Book Magazine&#34; on pages 86 to 92.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE</strong> (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world&#39;s longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the &#34;Golden Age of Detective Fiction,&#34; Christie has been called the &#34;Queen of Crime&#34;—now trademarked by her estate—or the &#34;Queen of Mystery.&#34; She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 113c68f8-9fce-4089-9edb-593789258c7e https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-adventure-of-the-cheap-flat-by-agatha-christie Sun, 03 Aug 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2119 no full No Star's Land, by Joseph Samachson No Star's Land, by Joseph Samachson Paul Lawley-Jones A year in total isolation exploring distant galaxies is too long to spend with just one other person, even for newlyweds on their honeymoon. Wanting to get to Ganymede to start divorce proceedings, Jan and Karin get caught between two warring stars, as inconsequential as a bird roosting in the No Man's Land of the great battlefields of old Earth.

"No Star's Land" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," July 1954, pages 134 - 146.

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Joseph Samachson (October 13, 1906 – June 2, 1980) was an American scientist and writer, primarily of science fiction and comic books. He wrote science fiction (under the pseudonym William Morrison), including two novels published in Startling Stories, and short stories for several magazines. He also penned a couple of Captain Future pulp novels (under the house name "Brett Sterling"), and had work appear in the science fiction magazine Galaxy. Gnome Press published Mel Oliver and Space Rover on Mars in 1954.

He is believed to have begun working for DC Comics in late 1942, working on comics scripts for characters, notably including Batman. He also wrote scripts for comics and characters including Sandman, Green Arrow, Airwave and Robotman.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>A year in total isolation exploring distant galaxies is too long to spend with just one other person, even for newlyweds on their honeymoon. Wanting to get to Ganymede to start divorce proceedings, Jan and Karin get caught between two warring stars, as inconsequential as a bird roosting in the No Man&#39;s Land of the great battlefields of old Earth.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;No Star&#39;s Land&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; July 1954, pages 134 - 146.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Joseph Samachson</strong> (October 13, 1906 – June 2, 1980) was an American scientist and writer, primarily of science fiction and comic books. He wrote science fiction (under the pseudonym William Morrison), including two novels published in Startling Stories, and short stories for several magazines. He also penned a couple of Captain Future pulp novels (under the house name &#34;Brett Sterling&#34;), and had work appear in the science fiction magazine Galaxy. Gnome Press published Mel Oliver and Space Rover on Mars in 1954.</p><p>He is believed to have begun working for DC Comics in late 1942, working on comics scripts for characters, notably including Batman. He also wrote scripts for comics and characters including Sandman, Green Arrow, Airwave and Robotman.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 8e3c0bd7-a5d1-4865-bd3f-70d83cf49abf https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/no-stars-land-by-joseph-samachson Wed, 30 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2417 no full Second-hand Stonehenge, by Ernest Taves Second-hand Stonehenge, by Ernest Taves Paul Lawley-Jones In this century, as before, women and Stonehenge share one trait; they serve both men!

"Second-hand Stonehenge" appeared in the July-August 1970 issue of Worlds of If Science Fiction magazine on pages 4 to 29 and 157 to 158.

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Ernest Henry Taves (February 1, 1916 – August 16, 2003) was an American psychiatrist, author of three non-fiction books, two on Mormonism and one on UFOs, and several science fiction short stories.

He was a scientific skeptic and was a Technical Consultant for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. Taves served in Yokohama, Japan after WWII as a Captain in the US Army Medical Corps, chief of the neuropsychiatric section.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>In this century, as before, women and Stonehenge share one trait; they serve both men!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Second-hand Stonehenge&#34; appeared in the July-August 1970 issue of Worlds of If Science Fiction magazine on pages 4 to 29 and 157 to 158.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Ernest Henry Taves</strong> (February 1, 1916 – August 16, 2003) was an American psychiatrist, author of three non-fiction books, two on Mormonism and one on UFOs, and several science fiction short stories.</p><p>He was a scientific skeptic and was a Technical Consultant for the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. Taves served in Yokohama, Japan after WWII as a Captain in the US Army Medical Corps, chief of the neuropsychiatric section.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> d7b04fde-a555-4969-853a-fbcba049d900 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/second-hand-stonehenge-by-ernest-taves Sun, 27 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000 4783 no full The Deadly Ones, by F L Wallace The Deadly Ones, by F L Wallace Paul Lawley-Jones Life for their kind was becoming more difficult. So, Rathsden conceived a plan to stow away on a flying saucer and travel in secret to another planet. He was confident of surviving and finding another source of food...

"The Deadly Ones" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," July 1954, pages 147 - 156.

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F L Wallace (February 16, 1915 – November 26, 2004), sometimes credited as Floyd Wallace, was a noted science fiction and mystery writer. Wallace spent most of his life in California as a writer and mechanical engineer after attending the University of Iowa. He also attended UCLA.

His first published story, "Hideaway", appeared in the magazine "Astounding." "Galaxy Science Fiction" and other science fiction magazines published his subsequent stories, including "Student Body," "Delay in Transit," "Bolden's Pets," and "Tangle Hold." His novel "Address: Centauri" was published by Gnome Press in 1955. His works have been translated into numerous languages, and his stories are available today around the world in anthologies.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Life for their kind was becoming more difficult. So, Rathsden conceived a plan to stow away on a flying saucer and travel in secret to another planet. He was confident of surviving and finding another source of food...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Deadly Ones&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; July 1954, pages 147 - 156.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>F L Wallace</strong> (February 16, 1915 – November 26, 2004), sometimes credited as Floyd Wallace, was a noted science fiction and mystery writer. Wallace spent most of his life in California as a writer and mechanical engineer after attending the University of Iowa. He also attended UCLA.</p><p>His first published story, &#34;Hideaway&#34;, appeared in the magazine &#34;Astounding.&#34; &#34;Galaxy Science Fiction&#34; and other science fiction magazines published his subsequent stories, including &#34;Student Body,&#34; &#34;Delay in Transit,&#34; &#34;Bolden&#39;s Pets,&#34; and &#34;Tangle Hold.&#34; His novel &#34;Address: Centauri&#34; was published by Gnome Press in 1955. His works have been translated into numerous languages, and his stories are available today around the world in anthologies.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 7da615cb-021b-484e-9baf-f6ff6de86789 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-deadly-ones-by-f-l-wallace Thu, 24 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1946 no full Anton's Last Dream, by Edwin Baird Anton's Last Dream, by Edwin Baird Paul Lawley-Jones A brief tale of the dismal success of a scientist's experiment.

"Anton's Last Dream" appeared in the May 1937 issue of Weird Tales on pages 607 to 611.

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Edwin Baird (June 28, 1886 – September 27, 1954) was the first editor of Weird Tales, the pioneering pulp magazine that specialized in horror fiction.

Baird, hired by Weird Tales publisher J. C. Henneberger, put out the magazine's premiere issue, dated March 1923. Over the course of the next year, Baird published some of the magazine's most famous writers, including H. P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, and Seabury Quinn.

Under Baird's editorship, Weird Tales lost a considerable amount of money—estimated at $51,000 (about $954,000 today). After the April 1924 issue, Henneberger fired him.

Baird remained as editor of another of Henneberger's titles, Detective Tales. Detective Tales was sold off, and Baird remained editor when it retitled as Real Detective Tales.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>A brief tale of the dismal success of a scientist&#39;s experiment.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Anton&#39;s Last Dream&#34; appeared in the May 1937 issue of Weird Tales on pages 607 to 611.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Edwin Baird</strong> (June 28, 1886 – September 27, 1954) was the first editor of Weird Tales, the pioneering pulp magazine that specialized in horror fiction.</p><p>Baird, hired by Weird Tales publisher J. C. Henneberger, put out the magazine&#39;s premiere issue, dated March 1923. Over the course of the next year, Baird published some of the magazine&#39;s most famous writers, including H. P. Lovecraft, Clark Ashton Smith, and Seabury Quinn.</p><p>Under Baird&#39;s editorship, Weird Tales lost a considerable amount of money—estimated at $51,000 (about $954,000 today). After the April 1924 issue, Henneberger fired him.</p><p>Baird remained as editor of another of Henneberger&#39;s titles, Detective Tales. Detective Tales was sold off, and Baird remained editor when it retitled as Real Detective Tales.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> db0fcb4d-2b6d-41ae-a47e-a732db2e0c55 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/antons-last-dream-edwin-baird Sun, 20 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1251 no full Little Men of Space, by Frank Belknap Long Little Men of Space, by Frank Belknap Long Paul Lawley-Jones The children were told not to mess with the rocket while their father slept. And they didn't. They really didn't. It was the little men. The little men from space who wanted to use it to get back home. 

"Little Men of Space" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," June-July 1953, pages 67 to 80.

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Frank Belknap Long Jr. (April 27, 1901 – January 3, 1994) was an American writer of horror fiction, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, gothic romance, comic books, and non-fiction. Though his writing career spanned seven decades, he is best known for his horror and science fiction short stories, including contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos alongside his friend, H. P. Lovecraft. 

During his life, Long received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement (at the 1978 World Fantasy Convention,) the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement (in 1987, from the Horror Writers Association,) and the First Fandom Hall of Fame Award (1977.)

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The children were told not to mess with the rocket while their father slept. And they didn&#39;t. They really didn&#39;t. It was the little men. The little men from space who wanted to use it to get back home. </em></strong></p><p>&#34;Little Men of Space&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; June-July 1953, pages 67 to 80.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Frank Belknap Long Jr.</strong> (April 27, 1901 – January 3, 1994) was an American writer of horror fiction, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, gothic romance, comic books, and non-fiction. Though his writing career spanned seven decades, he is best known for his horror and science fiction short stories, including contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos alongside his friend, H. P. Lovecraft. </p><p>During his life, Long received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement (at the 1978 World Fantasy Convention,) the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement (in 1987, from the Horror Writers Association,) and the First Fandom Hall of Fame Award (1977.)</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 776f9896-cf43-42c4-8f0e-d5456f68c628 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/little-men-of-space-by-frank-belknap-long Fri, 18 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2709 no full The Lost Race, by Robert E Howard The Lost Race, by Robert E Howard Paul Lawley-Jones Returning home to his native land from a secret mission to the tribes of Cornwall, Cororuc is captured by a strange people, a people out of myth and legend, with a chilling message to all Celtic Britons.

"The Lost Race" appeared in "Weird Tales," January 1927, pages 74 - 82.

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Robert Ervin Howard (January 22, 1906 – June 11, 1936) was an American writer who wrote pulp fiction in a diverse range of genres. He created the character Conan the Barbarian and is regarded as the father of the sword and sorcery subgenre.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Returning home to his native land from a secret mission to the tribes of Cornwall, Cororuc is captured by a strange people, a people out of myth and legend, with a chilling message to all Celtic Britons.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Lost Race&#34; appeared in &#34;Weird Tales,&#34; January 1927, pages 74 - 82.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert Ervin Howard</strong> (January 22, 1906 – June 11, 1936) was an American writer who wrote pulp fiction in a diverse range of genres. He created the character Conan the Barbarian and is regarded as the father of the sword and sorcery subgenre.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 0eecafd7-614f-451a-ad7b-d307a4b28f59 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-lost-race-by-robert-e-howard Tue, 15 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2335 no full Boots, by Murray Leinster Boots, by Murray Leinster Paul Lawley-Jones In San Teodoro De Los Angeles, a gentleman was a man who wears shoes. One of the madmen who stumbled into Juan's camp had on a pair of boots...

Today's story is "Boots" by Murray Leinster. It appeared in the August 15, 1929 issue of "Adventure" on pages 124 to 131.

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Murray Leinster (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>In San Teodoro De Los Angeles, a gentleman was a man who wears shoes. One of the madmen who stumbled into Juan&#39;s camp had on a pair of boots...</em></strong></p><p>Today&#39;s story is &#34;Boots&#34; by Murray Leinster. It appeared in the August 15, 1929 issue of &#34;Adventure&#34; on pages 124 to 131.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Murray Leinster</strong> (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 26a8d867-f135-40ae-ba69-2387c47ebab6 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/boots-by-murray-leinster Sun, 13 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2121 no full Battleground, by Lester del Rey Battleground, by Lester del Rey Paul Lawley-Jones The crew of the Clarion had found the remains of civilizations in decreasing states of advancement the farther they got from Earth. Had they all destroyed themselves in a kind of contagious Armageddon, or was there an advanced alien species that was destroying these civilizations as they moved through space?

"Battleground" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," July 1954, on pages 33 to 43.

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Lester del Rey (June 2, 1915 – May 10, 1993) was an American science fiction author and editor. He was the author of many books in the juvenile "Winston Science Fiction" series, and the editor at Del Rey Books, the fantasy and science fiction imprint of Ballantine Books.

Del Rey first started publishing stories in pulp magazines in the late 1930s, at the dawn of the so-called Golden Age of Science Fiction. He was associated with the most prestigious science fiction magazine of the era, "Astounding Science Fiction," from the time its editor John W. Campbell published his first short story in the April 1938 issue: "The Faithful", already under the name Lester del Rey. The December 1938 issue featured his story "Helen O'Loy" which was selected for the prestigious anthology "The Science Fiction Hall of Fame." By the end of 1939 he had also placed stories in "Weird Tales" and "Unknown" (Campbell), which featured more horror and more fantasy respectively.

In 1952, his first three novels were published in the "Winston" juvenile series, one of which ("Rocket Jockey") appearing in an Italian-language edition in the same year. In the 1950s, del Rey was one of the main authors writing science fiction for adolescents, along with Robert A Heinlein and Andre Norton.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The crew of the Clarion had found the remains of civilizations in decreasing states of advancement the farther they got from Earth. Had they all destroyed themselves in a kind of contagious Armageddon, or was there an advanced alien species that was destroying these civilizations as they moved through space?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Battleground&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; July 1954, on pages 33 to 43.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Lester del Rey</strong> (June 2, 1915 – May 10, 1993) was an American science fiction author and editor. He was the author of many books in the juvenile &#34;Winston Science Fiction&#34; series, and the editor at Del Rey Books, the fantasy and science fiction imprint of Ballantine Books.</p><p>Del Rey first started publishing stories in pulp magazines in the late 1930s, at the dawn of the so-called Golden Age of Science Fiction. He was associated with the most prestigious science fiction magazine of the era, &#34;Astounding Science Fiction,&#34; from the time its editor John W. Campbell published his first short story in the April 1938 issue: &#34;The Faithful&#34;, already under the name Lester del Rey. The December 1938 issue featured his story &#34;Helen O&#39;Loy&#34; which was selected for the prestigious anthology &#34;The Science Fiction Hall of Fame.&#34; By the end of 1939 he had also placed stories in &#34;Weird Tales&#34; and &#34;Unknown&#34; (Campbell), which featured more horror and more fantasy respectively.</p><p>In 1952, his first three novels were published in the &#34;Winston&#34; juvenile series, one of which (&#34;Rocket Jockey&#34;) appearing in an Italian-language edition in the same year. In the 1950s, del Rey was one of the main authors writing science fiction for adolescents, along with Robert A Heinlein and Andre Norton.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 8ba3290f-4c0c-4bfe-8419-3ac72feb267e https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/battleground-by-lester-del-rey Wed, 09 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1995 no full An Enemy of Peace, by Robert Silverberg An Enemy of Peace, by Robert Silverberg Paul Lawley-Jones When enemies of peace threaten the System, they must be eliminated. There are many ways to do this. And if all else fails, you can always go to war with them.

"An Enemy of Peace" appeared in the February 1957 issue of "Fantastic Science Fiction" on pages 86 to 98.

It appeared under the pen name of Ralph Burke, as Robert Silverberg had another story published in that month's issue.

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Robert Silverberg (born January 15, 1935) is an American author and editor, best known for writing science fiction. He is a multiple winner of both Hugo and Nebula Awards, a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, and a Grand Master of SF. He has attended every Hugo Award ceremony since the inaugural event in 1953.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>When enemies of peace threaten the System, they must be eliminated. There are many ways to do this. And if all else fails, you can always go to war with them.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;An Enemy of Peace&#34; appeared in the February 1957 issue of &#34;Fantastic Science Fiction&#34; on pages 86 to 98.</p><p>It appeared under the pen name of <strong>Ralph Burke</strong>, as Robert Silverberg had another story published in that month&#39;s issue.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert Silverberg</strong> (born January 15, 1935) is an American author and editor, best known for writing science fiction. He is a multiple winner of both Hugo and Nebula Awards, a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, and a Grand Master of SF. He has attended every Hugo Award ceremony since the inaugural event in 1953.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 10801ee7-d6d7-42c8-8def-a75bdf105288 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/an-enemy-of-peace-by-robert-silverberg Sun, 06 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1823 no full Hystereo, by Maurice Baudin Hystereo, by Maurice Baudin Paul Lawley-Jones A quiet concert in the evening by the lake ... a harmless hi-fi hobbyist ... yet why did Woodard tremble at the sound, sound, sound.

"Hystereo" appeared in "Amazing Stories," November 1961, pages 41 - 53.

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Maurice Baudin was an American writer of science fiction and a TV script writer, most notably writing for "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "General Electric Theater."

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>A quiet concert in the evening by the lake ... a harmless hi-fi hobbyist ... yet why did Woodard tremble at the sound, sound, sound.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Hystereo&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; November 1961, pages 41 - 53.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Maurice Baudin</strong> was an American writer of science fiction and a TV script writer, most notably writing for &#34;Alfred Hitchcock Presents&#34; and &#34;General Electric Theater.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> b6a7fa50-139a-46d0-9771-6b48a7e0882e https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/hystereo-by-maurice-baudin Thu, 03 Jul 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2332 no full Death of a Mutant, by Charles V de Vet Death of a Mutant, by Charles V de Vet Paul Lawley-Jones The boy and his siblings were born with strange powers, but were also criminally insane. They had killed countless people and had been hunted down, one by one. The boy was now the only one left and Sheriff Derwin had him in custody for the killing of three White Bear Lake residents. The Sheriff would question the surviving relatives one last time to make sure he had all the evidence necessary to see the boy hang for his crimes...

"Death of a Mutant" appeared in "Super-Science Fiction," February 1957, pages 112 - 126.

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Charles Vincent de Vet (28 October 1911 - 5 January 1997) was a U.S. science fiction writer, known for his short stories published in science fiction magazines in the 1950s and early 1960s. He wrote more than 50 short stories, with his first story, "The Unexpected Weapon," published in Amazing Stories in September 1950. After a break, he resumed writing in the late 1980s.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The boy and his siblings were born with strange powers, but were also criminally insane. They had killed countless people and had been hunted down, one by one. The boy was now the only one left and Sheriff Derwin had him in custody for the killing of three White Bear Lake residents. The Sheriff would question the surviving relatives one last time to make sure he had all the evidence necessary to see the boy hang for his crimes...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Death of a Mutant&#34; appeared in &#34;Super-Science Fiction,&#34; February 1957, pages 112 - 126.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Charles Vincent de Vet</strong> (28 October 1911 - 5 January 1997) was a U.S. science fiction writer, known for his short stories published in science fiction magazines in the 1950s and early 1960s. He wrote more than 50 short stories, with his first story, &#34;The Unexpected Weapon,&#34; published in Amazing Stories in September 1950. After a break, he resumed writing in the late 1980s.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 248669be-cf77-4ca0-b79e-144a1e80b3a7 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/death-of-a-mutant-by-charles-v-de-vet Mon, 30 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2037 no full Sentinel of Eternity, by Arthur C Clarke Sentinel of Eternity, by Arthur C Clarke Paul Lawley-Jones Before there were men on Earth, that signal-sending pyramid had stood alone on a lifeless moon. What would happen now that its alarm was silenced? 

"Sentinel of Eternity" appeared in the Sring 1951 issue of "10 Story Fantasy" on pages 41 to 47.

This story, originally called "The Sentinel," was written in 1948 for a BBC competition in which it failed to place.

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Sir Arthur Charles Clarke CBE FRAS (16 December 1917 – 19 March 2008) was an English science fiction writer, science writer, futurist, inventor, undersea explorer, and television series host.

He was a science fiction writer, an avid populariser of space travel, and a futurist of distinguished ability. He wrote many books and many essays for popular magazines. Clarke's science and science fiction writings earned him the moniker "Prophet of the Space Age." His science fiction writings in particular earned him a number of Hugo and Nebula awards, which along with a large readership, made him one of the towering figures of the genre. For many years Clarke, Robert Heinlein, and Isaac Asimov were known as the "Big Three" of science fiction.

Clarke co-wrote the screenplay for the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, widely regarded as one of the most influential films of all time. In 1961, he received the Kalinga Prize, a UNESCO award for popularising science.

Clarke augmented his popularity in the 1980s, as the host of television shows such as Arthur C Clarke's Mysterious World.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Before there were men on Earth, that signal-sending pyramid had stood alone on a lifeless moon. What would happen now that its alarm was silenced? </em></strong></p><p>&#34;Sentinel of Eternity&#34; appeared in the Sring 1951 issue of &#34;10 Story Fantasy&#34; on pages 41 to 47.</p><p>This story, originally called &#34;The Sentinel,&#34; was written in 1948 for a BBC competition in which it failed to place.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Sir Arthur Charles Clarke CBE FRAS</strong> (16 December 1917 – 19 March 2008) was an English science fiction writer, science writer, futurist, inventor, undersea explorer, and television series host.</p><p>He was a science fiction writer, an avid populariser of space travel, and a futurist of distinguished ability. He wrote many books and many essays for popular magazines. Clarke&#39;s science and science fiction writings earned him the moniker &#34;Prophet of the Space Age.&#34; His science fiction writings in particular earned him a number of Hugo and Nebula awards, which along with a large readership, made him one of the towering figures of the genre. For many years Clarke, Robert Heinlein, and Isaac Asimov were known as the &#34;Big Three&#34; of science fiction.</p><p>Clarke co-wrote the screenplay for the 1968 film 2001: A Space Odyssey, widely regarded as one of the most influential films of all time. In 1961, he received the Kalinga Prize, a UNESCO award for popularising science.</p><p>Clarke augmented his popularity in the 1980s, as the host of television shows such as Arthur C Clarke&#39;s Mysterious World.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 101dd82c-14e1-4b13-8edf-b6f898a90a80 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/sentinel-of-eternity-by-arthur-c-clarke Sun, 29 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1717 no full From Beyond the Stars, by Murray Leinster From Beyond the Stars, by Murray Leinster Paul Lawley-Jones The Jansky Radiation was emanating from a single source in space, according to Tommy's father, which meant that it was artificial, produced by a civilization beyond the solar system! Tommy's father would take weeks to analyze the signal in order to decipher it—a lifetime for Tommy—so he knew that he, like his comic book heroes, Space Captain McGee and the Star Rover, would have to step up and solve the problem...

"From Beyond the Stars" appeared in "Thrilling Wonder Stories," June 1947, pages 82 - 88.

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Murray Leinster (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The Jansky Radiation was emanating from a single source in space, according to Tommy&#39;s father, which meant that it was artificial, produced by a civilization beyond the solar system! Tommy&#39;s father would take weeks to analyze the signal in order to decipher it—a lifetime for Tommy—so he knew that he, like his comic book heroes, Space Captain McGee and the Star Rover, would have to step up and solve the problem...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;From Beyond the Stars&#34; appeared in &#34;Thrilling Wonder Stories,&#34; June 1947, pages 82 - 88.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Murray Leinster</strong> (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 5c165edd-823f-49a8-8a1c-126290bf6e8d https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/from-beyond-the-stars-by-murray-leinster Fri, 27 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2084 no full The Strike at Too Dry, by Willis Brindley The Strike at Too Dry, by Willis Brindley Paul Lawley-Jones His parents had sent young Percival out to Too Dry, Montana, to live with his Uncle to make a man of him, and for his health. But all Percival wanted was to get back home to New York, and for that he needed just three hundred dollars...

"The Strike at Too Dry" appeared in "Blue Book Magazine," January 1925, pages 78 - 84.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>His parents had sent young Percival out to Too Dry, Montana, to live with his Uncle to make a man of him, and for his health. But all Percival wanted was to get back home to New York, and for that he needed just three hundred dollars...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Strike at Too Dry&#34; appeared in &#34;Blue Book Magazine,&#34; January 1925, pages 78 - 84.</p><p>-----</p><p>If you have information about this author, I would be grateful if you could let me know using the <a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/554987/site/contact" rel="nofollow">Contact Form</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 775775c3-c3ef-4a90-b54c-80f1e41a6e52 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-strike-at-too-dry-by-willis-brindley Tue, 24 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2246 no full The Western Star, by Agatha Christie The Western Star, by Agatha Christie Paul Lawley-Jones Two priceless diamonds, stolen from their original owner, but destined to be returned. Threatening letters from a mysterious Chinaman. A noblewoman's affair with a famous American actor. Hercule Poirot's little grey cells are once again put to the test.

"The Western Star" appeared in the February 1924 issue of The Blue Book Magazine on pages 38 to 47.

Please be aware that this story contains derogatory racial references which are not acceptable nowadays.

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Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction," Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime"—now trademarked by her estate—or the "Queen of Mystery." She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Two priceless diamonds, stolen from their original owner, but destined to be returned. Threatening letters from a mysterious Chinaman. A noblewoman&#39;s affair with a famous American actor. Hercule Poirot&#39;s little grey cells are once again put to the test.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Western Star&#34; appeared in the February 1924 issue of The Blue Book Magazine on pages 38 to 47.</p><p>Please be aware that this story contains derogatory racial references which are not acceptable nowadays.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE</strong> (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world&#39;s longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the &#34;Golden Age of Detective Fiction,&#34; Christie has been called the &#34;Queen of Crime&#34;—now trademarked by her estate—or the &#34;Queen of Mystery.&#34; She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 27e26719-3514-49c7-9df6-51228df2a029 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-western-star-by-agatha-christie Sun, 22 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3195 no full A Thought For Tomorrow, by Robert E Gilbert A Thought For Tomorrow, by Robert E Gilbert Paul Lawley-Jones Orville Potts couldn't escape the asylum to the past, as he didn't have detailed knowledge of it to create an adequate visualization. The future, though, was unwritten; he could visualize it however he wanted...

"A Thought for Tomorrow" appeared in "Galaxy Science Fiction," November 1952, pages 83 - 94.

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Robert E Gilbert (May 6, 1924 – April 4, 1993) was an American science fiction writer.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Orville Potts couldn&#39;t escape the asylum to the past, as he didn&#39;t have detailed knowledge of it to create an adequate visualization. The future, though, was unwritten; he could visualize it however he wanted...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;A Thought for Tomorrow&#34; appeared in &#34;Galaxy Science Fiction,&#34; November 1952, pages 83 - 94.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert E Gilbert</strong> (May 6, 1924 – April 4, 1993) was an American science fiction writer.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> b8fc844f-28e7-4f74-b721-ce9ae55d8193 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/a-thought-for-tomorrow-by-robert-e-gilbert Wed, 18 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2024 no full The Vortex Blaster Makes War, by Edward E 'Doc' Smith The Vortex Blaster Makes War, by Edward E 'Doc' Smith Paul Lawley-Jones From the end of Time it came, a call for help as brave, as ageless as the very galaxies: "Save us or die, Vortex Blaster—but if you die, two worlds shall perish with you!"

"The Vortex Blaster Makes War" appeared in the October 1942 issue of "Astonishing Stories" on pages 39 to 55.

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Edward Elmer Smith (May 2, 1890 – August 31, 1965) was an American food engineer and science-fiction author, best known for the Lensman and Skylark series. He is sometimes called the father of space opera. In 1963, he was presented the inaugural "First Fandom Hall of Fame" award at the 21st World Science Fiction Convention in Washington, D.C.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>From the end of Time it came, a call for help as brave, as ageless as the very galaxies: &#34;Save us or die, Vortex Blaster—but if you die, two worlds shall perish with you!&#34;</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Vortex Blaster Makes War&#34; appeared in the October 1942 issue of &#34;Astonishing Stories&#34; on pages 39 to 55.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Edward Elmer Smith</strong> (May 2, 1890 – August 31, 1965) was an American food engineer and science-fiction author, best known for the Lensman and Skylark series. He is sometimes called the father of space opera. In 1963, he was presented the inaugural &#34;First Fandom Hall of Fame&#34; award at the 21st World Science Fiction Convention in Washington, D.C.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 1feb70d0-8648-4aa6-9524-ec63befd7df2 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-vortex-blaster-makes-war-by-edward-e-doc-smith Sun, 15 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 4179 no full The Closed Door, by John F Wilson & Mary A Miller The Closed Door, by John F Wilson & Mary A Miller Paul Lawley-Jones Everyone thought Harry Owen had gone mad when he wrecked his own ship, the Shearwater, to save the passenger liner, the SS Western Pacific, from running aground in a violent storm. The story that Gorham related, however, explained that, while it was indeed madness that caused him to do it, it was a particular, but very common, kind of madness...

"The Closed Door" appeared in Ainslee's magazine, October 1922, pages 53 - 61.

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John F Wilson

John Fleming Wilson, (February 22, 1877 – March 5, 1922), was an American author, newspaperman, and prolific writer of short stories and adventure novels, best known for his travel books about sea life. Many of his books and short stories were made into films during the 1910s through the 1930s.

Mary A Miller

If you have information about this author, I would be grateful if you could let me know on the email address provided in the 'About' section of this channel.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Everyone thought Harry Owen had gone mad when he wrecked his own ship, the Shearwater, to save the passenger liner, the SS Western Pacific, from running aground in a violent storm. The story that Gorham related, however, explained that, while it was indeed madness that caused him to do it, it was a particular, but very common, kind of madness...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Closed Door&#34; appeared in Ainslee&#39;s magazine, October 1922, pages 53 - 61.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>John F Wilson</strong></p><p>John Fleming Wilson, (February 22, 1877 – March 5, 1922), was an American author, newspaperman, and prolific writer of short stories and adventure novels, best known for his travel books about sea life. Many of his books and short stories were made into films during the 1910s through the 1930s.</p><p><strong>Mary A Miller</strong></p><p>If you have information about this author, I would be grateful if you could let me know on the email address provided in the &#39;About&#39; section of this channel.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 18df1699-a215-46f8-b523-7212510f6481 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-closed-door-by-john-f-wilson-mary-a-miller Thu, 12 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2535 no full The Man Who Found Out, by Roger D Aycock The Man Who Found Out, by Roger D Aycock Paul Lawley-Jones It's one thing to blow a bubble of glib, journalistic lies. Quite another to have that bubble burst in a nightmarish, green beyond.

"The Man Who Found Out" appeared in the September 1954 issue of "Fantastic Universe" on pages 70 to 76.

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Roger D Aycock (6 December 1914 – 5 April 2004) was an American author who wrote under the pseudonym Roger Dee. He primarily wrote science fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>It&#39;s one thing to blow a bubble of glib, journalistic lies. Quite another to have that bubble burst in a nightmarish, green beyond.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Man Who Found Out&#34; appeared in the September 1954 issue of &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34; on pages 70 to 76.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Roger D Aycock</strong> (6 December 1914 – 5 April 2004) was an American author who wrote under the pseudonym Roger Dee. He primarily wrote science fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 1f2f8f3d-5fe3-4a28-89f5-fb7b9081b9fd https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-man-who-found-out-by-roger-d-aycock Sun, 08 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1239 no full A World to Die For, by Sam Carson A World to Die For, by Sam Carson Paul Lawley-Jones The crew of the Markab had been sent by Galactic Service to intercept and stop the alien ship that had attacked ships of the fleet. But Rik Guelf, who was on this mission to search for his father, was hoping to make contact with the crystal woman who apparently commanded the five-mile-long translucent ship...

"A World to Die For" was published in "Fantastic Universe," July, 1954, pages 74 - 82.

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Sam Carson was an American science fiction writer. He was a TV and radio reporter, and newspaperman.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The crew of the Markab had been sent by Galactic Service to intercept and stop the alien ship that had attacked ships of the fleet. But Rik Guelf, who was on this mission to search for his father, was hoping to make contact with the crystal woman who apparently commanded the five-mile-long translucent ship...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;A World to Die For&#34; was published in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; July, 1954, pages 74 - 82.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Sam Carson</strong> was an American science fiction writer. He was a TV and radio reporter, and newspaperman.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 0b8ab163-cf29-406a-b296-baef59616a48 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/a-world-to-die-for-by-sam-carson Fri, 06 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1736 no full The Seven Missionaries, by H C McNeile The Seven Missionaries, by H C McNeile Paul Lawley-Jones One would have thought, with the invention of the wireless radio, that piracy would be a thing of the past. Jim Maitland, and the passengers and crew of the SS Andaman were to discover that modern pirates could use the wireless, too.

"The Seven Missionaries" appeared in "McClure's Magazine," October 1923, pages 35 - 41.

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Herman Cyril McNeile, MC (28 September 1888 – 14 August 1937), publishing under the name H C McNeile or the pseudonym "Sapper," was a British soldier and author. Drawing on his experiences in the trenches during the First World War, he started writing short stories for the Daily Mail. As serving officers in the British Army were not permitted to publish under their own names, he was given the pen name "Sapper" by Lord Northcliffe, then owner of the Daily Mail; the nickname was based on that of his corps, the Royal Engineers. After the war, McNeile left the army and continued writing, although he changed from war stories to thrillers. He was one of the most successful British popular authors of the inter-war period before his death in 1937 from throat cancer, which has been attributed to damage sustained from a gas attack in the war.

In 1920 he published "Bulldog Drummond," whose eponymous hero became his best-known creation. The character was based on McNeile himself, on his friend Gerard Fairlie, and on English gentlemen generally. McNeile wrote ten Bulldog Drummond novels, as well as three plays and a screenplay. McNeile interspersed his "Drummond" works with other novels and story collections that included two characters who appeared as protagonists in their own works; Jim Maitland and Ronald Standish. 

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>One would have thought, with the invention of the wireless radio, that piracy would be a thing of the past. Jim Maitland, and the passengers and crew of the SS Andaman were to discover that modern pirates could use the wireless, too.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Seven Missionaries&#34; appeared in &#34;McClure&#39;s Magazine,&#34; October 1923, pages 35 - 41.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Herman Cyril McNeile</strong>, MC (28 September 1888 – 14 August 1937), publishing under the name H C McNeile or the pseudonym &#34;Sapper,&#34; was a British soldier and author. Drawing on his experiences in the trenches during the First World War, he started writing short stories for the Daily Mail. As serving officers in the British Army were not permitted to publish under their own names, he was given the pen name &#34;Sapper&#34; by Lord Northcliffe, then owner of the Daily Mail; the nickname was based on that of his corps, the Royal Engineers. After the war, McNeile left the army and continued writing, although he changed from war stories to thrillers. He was one of the most successful British popular authors of the inter-war period before his death in 1937 from throat cancer, which has been attributed to damage sustained from a gas attack in the war.</p><p>In 1920 he published &#34;Bulldog Drummond,&#34; whose eponymous hero became his best-known creation. The character was based on McNeile himself, on his friend Gerard Fairlie, and on English gentlemen generally. McNeile wrote ten Bulldog Drummond novels, as well as three plays and a screenplay. McNeile interspersed his &#34;Drummond&#34; works with other novels and story collections that included two characters who appeared as protagonists in their own works; Jim Maitland and Ronald Standish. </p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> b8ea8837-9d36-4aa7-844c-9e9267a125fc https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-seven-missionaries-by-h-c-mcneile Tue, 03 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2580 no full The Last Question, by Isaac Asimov The Last Question, by Isaac Asimov Paul Lawley-Jones Generations of men came and went while the computer pondered the data. 

"The Last Question" appeared in the November 1956 issue of "Science Fiction Quarterly" on pages 6 to 15.

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Isaac Asimov (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the "Big Three" science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.

Asimov's most famous work is the "Foundation" series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966. His other major series are the "Galactic Empire" series and the "Robot" series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette "Nightfall", which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Generations of men came and went while the computer pondered the data. </em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Last Question&#34; appeared in the November 1956 issue of &#34;Science Fiction Quarterly&#34; on pages 6 to 15.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Isaac Asimov</strong> (c. January 2, 1920 – April 6, 1992) was an American writer and professor of biochemistry at Boston University. During his lifetime, Asimov was considered one of the &#34;Big Three&#34; science fiction writers, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke. A prolific writer, he wrote or edited more than 500 books. He also wrote an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards. Best known for his hard science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as popular science and other non-fiction.</p><p>Asimov&#39;s most famous work is the &#34;Foundation&#34; series, the first three books of which won the one-time Hugo Award for &#34;Best All-Time Series&#34; in 1966. His other major series are the &#34;Galactic Empire&#34; series and the &#34;Robot&#34; series. He also wrote more than 380 short stories, including the social science fiction novelette &#34;Nightfall&#34;, which in 1964 was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 3ff7500c-272b-43d0-aa94-676ad226fb51 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-last-question-by-isaac-asimov Sun, 01 Jun 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2244 no full Woman's Touch, by Evelyn E Smith Woman's Touch, by Evelyn E Smith Paul Lawley-Jones Their orders were to leave the natives of the new planet strictly alone. But those surveyors' wives were women, and women don't obey orders—or leave people alone!

"Woman's Touch" appeared in "Super-Science Fiction," February 1957, pages 46 to 66.

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Evelyn E Smith (25 July 1922 – 4 July 2000) was an American writer of science fiction and mysteries, as well as a compiler of crossword puzzles.

During the 1950s, under her own name, Smith regularly published short stories and novelettes in such publications as Galaxy Science Fiction, Fantastic Universe and the The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. Her short fiction ranges from satires set in a post-apocalyptic setting such as "The Last of the Spode" and "The Hardest Bargain," to "BAXBR/DAXBR," where she explores the dangers of Martian crossword puzzles. Her science fiction novels chiefly deal with questions of gender identity and, like all of her work, are characterized by their wit and humor.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Their orders were to leave the natives of the new planet strictly alone. But those surveyors&#39; wives were women, and women don&#39;t obey orders—or leave people alone!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Woman&#39;s Touch&#34; appeared in &#34;Super-Science Fiction,&#34; February 1957, pages 46 to 66.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Evelyn E Smith</strong> (25 July 1922 – 4 July 2000) was an American writer of science fiction and mysteries, as well as a compiler of crossword puzzles.</p><p>During the 1950s, under her own name, Smith regularly published short stories and novelettes in such publications as Galaxy Science Fiction, Fantastic Universe and the The Magazine of Fantasy &amp; Science Fiction. Her short fiction ranges from satires set in a post-apocalyptic setting such as &#34;The Last of the Spode&#34; and &#34;The Hardest Bargain,&#34; to &#34;BAXBR/DAXBR,&#34; where she explores the dangers of Martian crossword puzzles. Her science fiction novels chiefly deal with questions of gender identity and, like all of her work, are characterized by their wit and humor.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 43a643dd-9ecc-436f-801b-a8eeaf0ac531 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/womans-touch-by-evelyn-e-smith Wed, 28 May 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2988 no full Storm Cloud on Deka, by Edward E 'Doc' Smith Storm Cloud on Deka, by Edward E 'Doc' Smith Paul Lawley-Jones Civilization is established. Lensmen safeguard every world. But the threat of the Atomic Vortices still lingers. Neal 'Storm' Cloud, atomic physicist and human computer, is the only being capable of extinguishing these destructive forces. But there are other forces at work in the universe...

"Storm Cloud on Deka" appeared in the June 1942 issue of "Astonishing Stories", on pages 40 to 59.

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Edward Elmer Smith (May 2, 1890 – August 31, 1965) was an American food engineer and science-fiction author, best known for the Lensman and Skylark series. He is sometimes called the father of space opera. In 1963, he was presented the inaugural "First Fandom Hall of Fame" award at the 21st World Science Fiction Convention in Washington, D.C.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Civilization is established. Lensmen safeguard every world. But the threat of the Atomic Vortices still lingers. Neal &#39;Storm&#39; Cloud, atomic physicist and human computer, is the only being capable of extinguishing these destructive forces. But there are other forces at work in the universe...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Storm Cloud on Deka&#34; appeared in the June 1942 issue of &#34;Astonishing Stories&#34;, on pages 40 to 59.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Edward Elmer Smith</strong> (May 2, 1890 – August 31, 1965) was an American food engineer and science-fiction author, best known for the Lensman and Skylark series. He is sometimes called the father of space opera. In 1963, he was presented the inaugural &#34;First Fandom Hall of Fame&#34; award at the 21st World Science Fiction Convention in Washington, D.C.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 3eb990f2-ca17-45c9-888a-1c1ec50db774 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/storm-cloud-on-deka-by-edward-e-doc-smith Sun, 25 May 2025 22:00:00 +0000 4579 no full Box Garden & I, Gardener, by Allen K Lang Box Garden & I, Gardener, by Allen K Lang Paul Lawley-Jones Box Garden

The stranger had big ears, was terribly fearful of, and yet pitied, TV commercials, and kept going on about 'bansai,' with an 's.'

"Box-garden" was published in "Science Fiction Adventures," April, 1958.

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I, Gardener

I was early for my appoinment with the great Dr. Ozoneff, and consequently, had to talk to his gardener for a few minutes before I was allowed into the house. His gardener, it turned out, was quite mad.

"I, Gardener" was published in "Fantastic Science Fiction Stories," December, 1959, pages 89 to 95.

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Allen Kim Lang (b. 31 July 1928) is an American Science Fiction author who began publishing for Planet Stories in November 1950 and published a good number of action stories in the following decade: twenty titles are recorded, including the the comic novella "Cinderella Story" (May, 1961, "If"), and "Blind Man's Lantern" (December, 1962, "Analog").

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>Box Garden</strong></p><p><strong><em>The stranger had big ears, was terribly fearful of, and yet pitied, TV commercials, and kept going on about &#39;bansai,&#39; with an &#39;s.&#39;</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Box-garden&#34; was published in &#34;Science Fiction Adventures,&#34; April, 1958.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>I, Gardener</strong></p><p><strong><em>I was early for my appoinment with the great Dr. Ozoneff, and consequently, had to talk to his gardener for a few minutes before I was allowed into the house. His gardener, it turned out, was quite mad.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;I, Gardener&#34; was published in &#34;Fantastic Science Fiction Stories,&#34; December, 1959, pages 89 to 95.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Allen Kim Lang</strong> (b. 31 July 1928) is an American Science Fiction author who began publishing for Planet Stories in November 1950 and published a good number of action stories in the following decade: twenty titles are recorded, including the the comic novella &#34;Cinderella Story&#34; (May, 1961, &#34;If&#34;), and &#34;Blind Man&#39;s Lantern&#34; (December, 1962, &#34;Analog&#34;).</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> ea56327f-6fdc-4a5d-bf34-298ea4099dfe https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/box-garden-i-gardener-by-allen-k-lang Thu, 22 May 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1988 no full His to Fly, by Richard Howells Watkins His to Fly, by Richard Howells Watkins Paul Lawley-Jones One Parachute and Two Men—and the Ship Couldn't Land. What Happened?

"His to Fly" appeared in "The Popular Magazine", August 7th 1929, pages 106 to 115.

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Richard Howells Watkins (May 26, 1895 - ?) was an author in the adventure/detective genre, a World War I veteran, a lifelong traveler, and an auto racing, aviation, and maritime enthusiast.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>One Parachute and Two Men—and the Ship Couldn&#39;t Land. What Happened?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;His to Fly&#34; appeared in &#34;The Popular Magazine&#34;, August 7th 1929, pages 106 to 115.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Richard Howells Watkins</strong> (May 26, 1895 - ?) was an author in the adventure/detective genre, a World War I veteran, a lifelong traveler, and an auto racing, aviation, and maritime enthusiast.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 8375942b-1933-4fbe-a6a4-b7614514f090 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/his-to-fly-by-richard-howells-watkins Sun, 18 May 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2387 no full A Time to Die, by Harold Calin A Time to Die, by Harold Calin Paul Lawley-Jones Captain Kingsford, the only survivor of the Essex's ill-fated mission to Aldebaran IX, was recruiting another crew to revisit Aldebaran IX, mine the hugely rich ore deposits on that planet, and hunt and kill the monster that had killed his crew. 

Philip "Buck" Rogers was sick of retirement and needed something to do, and Executive Officer on the Algonquin, Kingsford's new ship, seemed just the job to ease back into the space-faring life.

"A Time to Die" appeared in "Amazing Stories," June 1961, pages 47 - 66.

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Harold Calin was an author of science and WWII military fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Captain Kingsford, the only survivor of the Essex&#39;s ill-fated mission to Aldebaran IX, was recruiting another crew to revisit Aldebaran IX, mine the hugely rich ore deposits on that planet, and hunt and kill the monster that had killed his crew. </em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Philip &#34;Buck&#34; Rogers was sick of retirement and needed something to do, and Executive Officer on the Algonquin, Kingsford&#39;s new ship, seemed just the job to ease back into the space-faring life.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;A Time to Die&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; June 1961, pages 47 - 66.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Harold Calin</strong> was an author of science and WWII military fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 0e24dc0e-d4c5-4f31-a1d8-87e02fb9b6c5 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/a-time-to-die-by-harold-calin Sat, 17 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000 3218 no full The Stainless Steel Rat (Short Story,) by Harry Harrison The Stainless Steel Rat (Short Story,) by Harry Harrison Paul Lawley-Jones "We are the rats in the wainscoting of society—we operate outside of their barriers and outside of their rules. Society had more rats when the rules were looser, just as the old wooden buildings had more rats than the concrete buildings that came later. But they still had rats. Now that society is all ferroconcrete and stainless steel there are fewer gaps between the joints, and it takes a smart rat to find them. A stainless steel rat is right at home in this environment."

James Bolivar "Slippery Jim" diGriz was a criminal in a time when crime was almost non-existent. And he was good at it. His latest scheme had been a real money-maker, but now, he had to run and find a new caper on a new planet.

"The Stainless Steel Rat" appeared in "Astounding Science Fiction," August 1957, pages 41 - 59.

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Harry Max Harrison (March 12, 1925 – August 15, 2012) was an American science fiction author, known mostly for his character "The Stainless Steel Rat" and for his novel "Make Room! Make Room!" (1966). The latter was the rough basis for the motion picture Soylent Green (1973).

Long resident in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, Harrison was involved in the foundation of the Irish Science Fiction Association, and was, with Brian Aldiss, co-president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>&#34;We are the rats in the wainscoting of society—we operate outside of their barriers and outside of their rules. Society had more rats when the rules were looser, just as the old wooden buildings had more rats than the concrete buildings that came later. But they still had rats. Now that society is all ferroconcrete and stainless steel there are fewer gaps between the joints, and it takes a smart rat to find them. A stainless steel rat is right at home in this environment.&#34;</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>James Bolivar &#34;Slippery Jim&#34; diGriz was a criminal in a time when crime was almost non-existent. And he was good at it. His latest scheme had been a real money-maker, but now, he had to run and find a new caper on a new planet.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Stainless Steel Rat&#34; appeared in &#34;Astounding Science Fiction,&#34; August 1957, pages 41 - 59.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Harry Max Harrison</strong> (March 12, 1925 – August 15, 2012) was an American science fiction author, known mostly for his character &#34;The Stainless Steel Rat&#34; and for his novel &#34;Make Room! Make Room!&#34; (1966). The latter was the rough basis for the motion picture Soylent Green (1973).</p><p>Long resident in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, Harrison was involved in the foundation of the <a href="https://2025.octocon.com/" rel="nofollow">Irish Science Fiction Association</a>, and was, with Brian Aldiss, co-president of the <a href="https://www.birminghamsfgroup.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">Birmingham Science Fiction Group</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 668fa1e8-3308-4611-9dc4-9330b8c7cd71 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-stainless-steel-rat-by-harry-harrison Tue, 13 May 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3052 no full The Cottage, by Frank Belknap Long The Cottage, by Frank Belknap Long Paul Lawley-Jones There was a savage cruelty in Durkin's hatred of his children. Little did he know that on other worlds—cruelty boomeranged.

"The Cottage" appeared in the September 1954 issue of "Fantastic Universe" on pages 58 to 69.

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Frank Belknap Long Jr. (April 27, 1901 – January 3, 1994) was an American writer of horror fiction, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, gothic romance, comic books, and non-fiction. Though his writing career spanned seven decades, he is best known for his horror and science fiction short stories, including contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos alongside his friend, H. P. Lovecraft. During his life, Long received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement (at the 1978 World Fantasy Convention), the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement (in 1987, from the Horror Writers Association), and the First Fandom Hall of Fame Award (1977).

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>There was a savage cruelty in Durkin&#39;s hatred of his children. Little did he know that on other worlds—cruelty boomeranged.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Cottage&#34; appeared in the September 1954 issue of &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34; on pages 58 to 69.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Frank Belknap Long Jr.</strong> (April 27, 1901 – January 3, 1994) was an American writer of horror fiction, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, gothic romance, comic books, and non-fiction. Though his writing career spanned seven decades, he is best known for his horror and science fiction short stories, including contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos alongside his friend, H. P. Lovecraft. During his life, Long received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement (at the 1978 World Fantasy Convention), the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement (in 1987, from the Horror Writers Association), and the First Fandom Hall of Fame Award (1977).</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 2ddd0c65-d127-4370-8828-7ca41ee87ead https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-cottage-by-frank-belknap-long Sun, 11 May 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2211 no full Prize of the Air, by Ben Conlon Prize of the Air, by Ben Conlon Paul Lawley-Jones Bill Barlow, a former war ace, now took passengers for rides in his plane. One loop-the-loop too many however, and the airfield superintendant was forced to revoke his passenger license—friend or no friend. Luckily, his latest passenger, a Frank C Saxton, had a solution to this predicament that would take Bill on his most exciting adventure yet...

"Prize of the Air" appeared in "Argosy All-Story Weekly," March 27, 1928, pages 601 - 611.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Bill Barlow, a former war ace, now took passengers for rides in his plane. One loop-the-loop too many however, and the airfield superintendant was forced to revoke his passenger license—friend or no friend. Luckily, his latest passenger, a Frank C Saxton, had a solution to this predicament that would take Bill on his most exciting adventure yet...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Prize of the Air&#34; appeared in &#34;Argosy All-Story Weekly,&#34; March 27, 1928, pages 601 - 611.</p><p>-----</p><p>If you have information about this author, I would be grateful if you could let me know using the <a href="https://sites.libsyn.com/554987/site/contact" rel="nofollow">Contact Form</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 4b60cdae-06c1-49cf-866b-b7daef819bc4 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/prize-of-the-air-by-ben-conlon Wed, 07 May 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2930 no full Thy Rocks and Rills, by Robert E Gilbert Thy Rocks and Rills, by Robert E Gilbert Paul Lawley-Jones They were out of place in the Manly Age--Stonecypher, a man who loved animals; Moe, a bull who hated men. Together, they marched to inevitably similar destinies...

"Thy Rocks and Rills" appeared in "If, Worlds of Science Fiction", September, 1953, pages 76 to 98.

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Robert E Gilbert (May 6, 1924 – April 4, 1993) was an American science fiction writer.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>They were out of place in the Manly Age--Stonecypher, a man who loved animals; Moe, a bull who hated men. Together, they marched to inevitably similar destinies...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Thy Rocks and Rills&#34; appeared in &#34;If, Worlds of Science Fiction&#34;, September, 1953, pages 76 to 98.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert E Gilbert</strong> (May 6, 1924 – April 4, 1993) was an American science fiction writer.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> b4b66831-4808-4c34-9fa8-bed31b669932 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/thy-rocks-and-rills-by-robert-e-gilbert Sun, 04 May 2025 22:00:00 +0000 4502 no full The Missionary, by Jesse F Bone The Missionary, by Jesse F Bone Paul Lawley-Jones He had been sent to kill the Father of Evil, to purge his corruption from this world. But Wolverton had shot him down, captured him, and now, injured, he had to endure conversation with this loathed man. 

"The Missionary" appeared in "Amazing Stories," October 1960.

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Jesse Franklin Bone (1916-2006) was an American author and veterinarian whose writing gained prominence during the 'Golden Age of Science-Fiction' in the 1950's. His first story, "Survival Type" was published in "Galaxy," March 1957. His short-story Triggerman was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1959.

In addition to his science fiction books and short stories, he also authored the textbook "Animal Anatomy and Physiology," which was used widely in universities throughout the United States and internationally.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>He had been sent to kill the Father of Evil, to purge his corruption from this world. But Wolverton had shot him down, captured him, and now, injured, he had to endure conversation with this loathed man. </em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Missionary&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; October 1960.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Jesse Franklin Bone</strong> (1916-2006) was an American author and veterinarian whose writing gained prominence during the &#39;Golden Age of Science-Fiction&#39; in the 1950&#39;s. His first story, &#34;Survival Type&#34; was published in &#34;Galaxy,&#34; March 1957. His short-story Triggerman was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1959.</p><p>In addition to his science fiction books and short stories, he also authored the textbook &#34;Animal Anatomy and Physiology,&#34; which was used widely in universities throughout the United States and internationally.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 8e0fd7da-6446-4bed-b797-8bd3b228f056 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-missionary-by-jesse-f-bone Thu, 01 May 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3919 no full The Vortex Blaster, by E E Smith, PhD The Vortex Blaster, by E E Smith, PhD Paul Lawley-Jones Neal "Storm" Cloud, atomic physicist, through personal tragedy, is destined to become the most noted figure in the galaxy.

"The Vortex Blaster" appeared in "Comet", July 1941, pages 2 to 17.

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Edward Elmer Smith (May 2, 1890 – August 31, 1965) was an American food engineer and science-fiction author, best known for the Lensman and Skylark series. He is sometimes called the father of space opera. In 1963, he was presented the inaugural "First Fandom Hall of Fame" award at the 21st World Science Fiction Convention in Washington, D.C.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Neal &#34;Storm&#34; Cloud, atomic physicist, through personal tragedy, is destined to become the most noted figure in the galaxy.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Vortex Blaster&#34; appeared in &#34;Comet&#34;, July 1941, pages 2 to 17.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Edward Elmer Smith</strong> (May 2, 1890 – August 31, 1965) was an American food engineer and science-fiction author, best known for the Lensman and Skylark series. He is sometimes called the father of space opera. In 1963, he was presented the inaugural &#34;First Fandom Hall of Fame&#34; award at the 21st World Science Fiction Convention in Washington, D.C.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> c22982fd-ee42-43dc-85b5-e75752544957 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-vortex-blaster-by-e-e-smith-phd Sun, 27 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3595 no full The Monster Maker, by Ray Bradbury The Monster Maker, by Ray Bradbury Paul Lawley-Jones "Get the pirate Gunther," were their orders. But Click and Irish were marooned on the pirate's asteroid—their only weapons a single gun and a news-reel camera.

"The Monster Maker" appeared in "Planet Stories," Spring 1944, pages 39 - 47.

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Ray Douglas Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.

Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including "Moby Dick" and "It Came from Outer Space." Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.

The New York Times called Bradbury "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream."

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>&#34;Get the pirate Gunther,&#34; were their orders. But Click and Irish were marooned on the pirate&#39;s asteroid—their only weapons a single gun and a news-reel camera.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Monster Maker&#34; appeared in &#34;Planet Stories,&#34; Spring 1944, pages 39 - 47.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Ray Douglas Bradbury</strong> (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.</p><p>Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including &#34;Moby Dick&#34; and &#34;It Came from Outer Space.&#34; Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.</p><p>The New York Times called Bradbury &#34;the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 84ec6b4c-48bf-4765-9c44-c55ba0e0966c https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-monster-maker-by-ray-bradbury Fri, 25 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2563 no full Trajectory to Taurus, by Les Cole Trajectory to Taurus, by Les Cole Paul Lawley-Jones Why were Fred Kirr's shipmates calling the planet Gamma Tauri II, which they were surveying for evidence of intelligent life, a paradise, when it was in reality a desolate hell? Why was he the only one who could see the truth? Or was he the one going mad?

"Trajectory to Taurus" appeared in "Amazing Stories," September 1960, pages 39 to 56.

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Lester Hines Cole (14 July 1926 - September 2019) was an American writer of science and historical fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Why were Fred Kirr&#39;s shipmates calling the planet Gamma Tauri II, which they were surveying for evidence of intelligent life, a paradise, when it was in reality a desolate hell? Why was he the only one who could see the truth? Or was he the one going mad?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Trajectory to Taurus&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; September 1960, pages 39 to 56.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Lester Hines Cole</strong> (14 July 1926 - September 2019) was an American writer of science and historical fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 2467da98-18e6-4178-bccd-7b70b1db031c https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/trajectory-to-taurus-by-les-cole Tue, 22 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2882 no full The Terrors of the Upper Air, by Frank Orndorff The Terrors of the Upper Air, by Frank Orndorff Paul Lawley-Jones Kidwell and Dexter, the daredevil aviators, were attempting to break the world altitude record at the State Fair. But, they were also muderers and thieves, and Pemberton, the renowned detective, had to wait until they returned from their adventures in the upper air before he could bring them to justice...

"The Terrors of the Upper Air" appeared in "Amazing Stories Quarterly", Winter 1928, pages 138 to 143.

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Frank Milliken Orndorff (22 October 1885 - 10 April 1971) was an American writer of adventure fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Kidwell and Dexter, the daredevil aviators, were attempting to break the world altitude record at the State Fair. But, they were also muderers and thieves, and Pemberton, the renowned detective, had to wait until they returned from their adventures in the upper air before he could bring them to justice...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Terrors of the Upper Air&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories Quarterly&#34;, Winter 1928, pages 138 to 143.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Frank Milliken Orndorff</strong> (22 October 1885 - 10 April 1971) was an American writer of adventure fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 914381ac-6fce-420f-8f00-fdba5fdf5ce0 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-terrors-of-the-upper-air-by-frank-orndorff Sun, 20 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2407 no full Quinquepedalian, by Piers Anthony Quinquepedalian, by Piers Anthony Paul Lawley-Jones What kind of creature could make a nine-foot diameter, two-inch deep footprint in the soil of a forest? Charles Tinnerman and his companions were about to find out...

"Quinquepedalian" appeared in "Amazing Stories," November 1963, pages 106 - 121 and 130.

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Piers Anthony Dillingham Jacob (born 6 August 1934) is an American author in the science fiction and fantasy genres, publishing under the name Piers Anthony. He is best known for his long-running novel series set in the fictional realm of Xanth.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>What kind of creature could make a nine-foot diameter, two-inch deep footprint in the soil of a forest? Charles Tinnerman and his companions were about to find out...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Quinquepedalian&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; November 1963, pages 106 - 121 and 130.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Piers Anthony Dillingham Jacob</strong> (born 6 August 1934) is an American author in the science fiction and fantasy genres, publishing under the name Piers Anthony. He is best known for his long-running novel series set in the fictional realm of Xanth.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> d3261c03-305f-4950-aede-0e924f579881 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/quinquepedalian-by-piers-anthony Wed, 16 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2724 no full The Trap, by Murray Leinster The Trap, by Murray Leinster Paul Lawley-Jones Colby's murder plan was perfect—except at one point...

"The Trap" appeared in "Munsey's Magazine", August 1929, pages 467 to 477.

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Murray Leinster (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Colby&#39;s murder plan was perfect—except at one point...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Trap&#34; appeared in &#34;Munsey&#39;s Magazine&#34;, August 1929, pages 467 to 477.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Murray Leinster</strong> (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> a9e25762-787f-46a6-8eb8-4e0d4890b3a6 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-trap-by-murray-leinster Sun, 13 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2570 no full Manners and Customs of the Thrid, by Murray Leinster Manners and Customs of the Thrid, by Murray Leinster Paul Lawley-Jones The Thrid were the most intelligent creatures in the universe—they said so themselves. So intelligent that they had the perfect government that could never be wrong! The Grand Panjandrum—the leader of the government—could never be mistaken! Provincial Governors' words were truth—none could be contradicted. If you did, you were a criminal, or insane...

"Manners and Customs of the Thrid" appeared in "Worlds of If Science Fiction," September 1963, pages 40 to 55.

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Murray Leinster (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The Thrid were the most intelligent creatures in the universe—they said so themselves. So intelligent that they had the perfect government that could never be wrong! The Grand Panjandrum—the leader of the government—could never be mistaken! Provincial Governors&#39; words were truth—none could be contradicted. If you did, you were a criminal, or insane...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Manners and Customs of the Thrid&#34; appeared in &#34;Worlds of If Science Fiction,&#34; September 1963, pages 40 to 55.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Murray Leinster</strong> (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 0ac6e383-54eb-4bf9-ad8c-c55c77888da9 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/manners-and-customs-of-the-thrid-by-murray-leinster Thu, 10 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3007 no full The Marching Morons, by C M Kornbluth The Marching Morons, by C M Kornbluth Paul Lawley-Jones In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man, of course, is king. But how about a live wire, a smart businessman, in a civilization of 100% pure chumps?

"The Marching Morons" appeared in "Galaxy Science Fiction", April 1951, on pages 128 to 158.

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Cyril M Kornbluth (July 2, 1923 – March 21, 1958) was an American science fiction author and a member of the Futurians. He used a variety of pen-names, including Cecil Corwin, S D Gottesman, Edward J Bellin, Kenneth Falconer, Walter C Davies, Simon Eisner, Jordan Park, Arthur Cooke, Paul Dennis Lavond, and Scott Mariner.

As a teenager, he became a member of the Futurians, an influential group of science fiction fans and writers. While a member of the Futurians, he met and became friends with Frederik Pohl, Donald A Wollheim, Robert A W Lowndes, and his future wife Mary Byers. He also participated in the Fantasy Amateur Press Association.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>In the country of the blind, the one-eyed man, of course, is king. But how about a live wire, a smart businessman, in a civilization of 100% pure chumps?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Marching Morons&#34; appeared in &#34;Galaxy Science Fiction&#34;, April 1951, on pages 128 to 158.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Cyril M Kornbluth</strong> (July 2, 1923 – March 21, 1958) was an American science fiction author and a member of the Futurians. He used a variety of pen-names, including Cecil Corwin, S D Gottesman, Edward J Bellin, Kenneth Falconer, Walter C Davies, Simon Eisner, Jordan Park, Arthur Cooke, Paul Dennis Lavond, and Scott Mariner.</p><p>As a teenager, he became a member of the Futurians, an influential group of science fiction fans and writers. While a member of the Futurians, he met and became friends with Frederik Pohl, Donald A Wollheim, Robert A W Lowndes, and his future wife Mary Byers. He also participated in the Fantasy Amateur Press Association.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 482e4250-120b-444f-8cde-4ffc9d12de9d https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-marching-morons-by-c-m-kornbluth Sun, 06 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0000 5040 no full For Service Rendered, by J F Bone For Service Rendered, by J F Bone Paul Lawley-Jones Enid Twilley's life was lived vicariously through shows on the TV. So, when a malfunction caused her television to stop working, she thought her life had come to an end. However, the unique nature of the malfunction provided an opportunity for her life to take a completely new turn...

"For Service Rendered" appeared in "Amazing Stories," April 1963, pages 99 to 113.

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Jesse Franklin Bone (1916-2006) was an American author and veterinarian whose writing gained prominence during the 'Golden Age of Science-Fiction' in the 1950's. His first story, "Survival Type" was published in "Galaxy," March 1957. His short-story "Triggerman" was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1959.

In addition to his science fiction books and short stories, he also authored the textbook "Animal Anatomy and Physiology," which was used widely in universities throughout the United States and internationally.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Enid Twilley&#39;s life was lived vicariously through shows on the TV. So, when a malfunction caused her television to stop working, she thought her life had come to an end. However, the unique nature of the malfunction provided an opportunity for her life to take a completely new turn...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;For Service Rendered&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; April 1963, pages 99 to 113.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Jesse Franklin Bone</strong> (1916-2006) was an American author and veterinarian whose writing gained prominence during the &#39;Golden Age of Science-Fiction&#39; in the 1950&#39;s. His first story, &#34;Survival Type&#34; was published in &#34;Galaxy,&#34; March 1957. His short-story &#34;Triggerman&#34; was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Short Story in 1959.</p><p>In addition to his science fiction books and short stories, he also authored the textbook &#34;Animal Anatomy and Physiology,&#34; which was used widely in universities throughout the United States and internationally.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 5e6770a0-b9fc-4ec0-83fe-9aca76f278f2 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/for-service-rendered-by-j-f-bone Fri, 04 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2520 no full Morgue Ship & Lazarus Come Forth, by Ray Bradbury Morgue Ship & Lazarus Come Forth, by Ray Bradbury Paul Lawley-Jones Morgue Ship

This was going to be Sam Burnett's last trip collecting bodies from the debris of space battles in this war. Once all one hundred shelves were filled, they would return to Earth, and he would be back among the living again. The ninety-eighth body, however, was different, unexpected, one of the enemy, important. But more than that, they weren't dead...

"Morgue Ship" appeared in "Planet Stories," Summer 1944, pages 51 to 57.

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Lazarus Come Forth

The crew of the Morgue Ship had found something in space that would end the three hundred year war between Earth and Mars. The only problem was getting it back to Earth.

"Lazarus Come Forth" appeared in "Planet Stories," Winter 1944, pages 107 to 111.

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Ray Douglas Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.

Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.

The New York Times called Bradbury "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream."

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>Morgue Ship</strong></p><p><strong><em>This was going to be Sam Burnett&#39;s last trip collecting bodies from the debris of space battles in this war. Once all one hundred shelves were filled, they would return to Earth, and he would be back among the living again. The ninety-eighth body, however, was different, unexpected, one of the enemy, important. But more than that, they weren&#39;t dead...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Morgue Ship&#34; appeared in &#34;Planet Stories,&#34; Summer 1944, pages 51 to 57.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Lazarus Come Forth</strong></p><p><strong><em>The crew of the Morgue Ship had found something in space that would end the three hundred year war between Earth and Mars. The only problem was getting it back to Earth.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Lazarus Come Forth&#34; appeared in &#34;Planet Stories,&#34; Winter 1944, pages 107 to 111.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Ray Douglas Bradbury</strong> (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.</p><p>Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.</p><p>The New York Times called Bradbury &#34;the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 64821c22-58ba-43df-b224-40a8570fc0e7 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/morgue-ship-lazarus-come-forth-by-ray-bradbury Tue, 01 Apr 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3610 no full The Minstrel's Curse, by Mrs Alex McVeigh Miller The Minstrel's Curse, by Mrs Alex McVeigh Miller Paul Lawley-Jones The Minstrel's Curse had plagued the Chilton women for almost two centuries, and Edith Chilton, namesake of the one who had been the cause of the curse all those years ago, knew that it would not be lifted this time, for she loved the wrong man...

"The Minstrel's Curse" appeared serialized in Norman L Munro's "New York Family Story Paper (volume XIX, numbers 952-955)" from January 2nd to 23rd, 1892.

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Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller (April 30, 1850 – December 26, 1937) was the pen name of Mittie Frances Clarke Point, an American novelist. She wrote 80 dime novels during a 50-year career. Her first novel was Rosamond, but her success began with the 1883 romance, The Bride of the Tomb. She died in 1937. In 1978, her home, "The Cedars", was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The Minstrel&#39;s Curse had plagued the Chilton women for almost two centuries, and Edith Chilton, namesake of the one who had been the cause of the curse all those years ago, knew that it would not be lifted this time, for she loved the wrong man...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Minstrel&#39;s Curse&#34; appeared serialized in Norman L Munro&#39;s &#34;New York Family Story Paper (volume XIX, numbers 952-955)&#34; from January 2nd to 23rd, 1892.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller</strong> (April 30, 1850 – December 26, 1937) was the pen name of Mittie Frances Clarke Point, an American novelist. She wrote 80 dime novels during a 50-year career. Her first novel was Rosamond, but her success began with the 1883 romance, The Bride of the Tomb. She died in 1937. In 1978, her home, &#34;The Cedars&#34;, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 1f5ef7bc-ece2-4ba0-9f56-479c791bfa20 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-minstrels-curse-by-mrs-alex-mcveigh-miller Sun, 30 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2626 no full Rivals of the Clouds, by Raoul Whitfield Rivals of the Clouds, by Raoul Whitfield Paul Lawley-Jones Flying through a clinging, blinding fog, Lieutenant Adams flew straight into a death trap of flashing enemy planes and flaming, stuttering machine guns.

"Rivals of the Clouds" appeared in "Triple-X Magazine," January 1929, pages 53 - 62.

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Raoul Whitfield (November 22, 1896 – January 24, 1945) was an American writer of adventure, aviation, and hardboiled crime fiction. During his writing career, from the mid-1920s to the mid-1930s, Whitfield published over 300 short stories and serials in pulp magazines, as well as nine books, including Green Ice (1930) and Death in a Bowl (1931). For his novels and contributions to the Black Mask, Whitfield is considered one of the original members of the hard-boiled school of American detective fiction and has been referred as "the Black Mask's forgotten man".

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Flying through a clinging, blinding fog, Lieutenant Adams flew straight into a death trap of flashing enemy planes and flaming, stuttering machine guns.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Rivals of the Clouds&#34; appeared in &#34;Triple-X Magazine,&#34; January 1929, pages 53 - 62.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Raoul Whitfield</strong> (November 22, 1896 – January 24, 1945) was an American writer of adventure, aviation, and hardboiled crime fiction. During his writing career, from the mid-1920s to the mid-1930s, Whitfield published over 300 short stories and serials in pulp magazines, as well as nine books, including Green Ice (1930) and Death in a Bowl (1931). For his novels and contributions to the Black Mask, Whitfield is considered one of the original members of the hard-boiled school of American detective fiction and has been referred as &#34;the Black Mask&#39;s forgotten man&#34;.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> b3973a49-4da3-4a12-82e4-fc4e901ad594 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/rivals-of-the-clouds-by-raoul-whitfield Wed, 26 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2556 no full Peter Merton's Private Mint, by Harlan Ellison Peter Merton's Private Mint, by Harlan Ellison Paul Lawley-Jones Your name is Merton and you find that all you have to do is reach into your safe to get money. The more you take, the more you find. And just when Quiggs has cut your future down to nothing. A wonderful discovery! Or is it? Of course it is. You'll be the richest man in the world. But will you?

"Peter Merton's Private Mint" appeared in "Fantastic", October 1956, pages 74 to 87.

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Harlan Jay Ellison (May 27, 1934 – June 28, 2018) was an American writer, known for his prolific and influential work in New Wave speculative fiction and for his outspoken, combative personality. His published works include more than 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media.

Some of his best-known works include the 1967 Star Trek episode "The City on the Edge of Forever", considered by some to be the single greatest episode of the Star Trek franchise (he subsequently wrote a book about the experience that includes his original teleplay), his "A Boy and His Dog" cycle (which was made into a film), and his short stories "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" and "'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman". He was also editor and anthologist for Dangerous Visions (1967) and Again, Dangerous Visions (1972). Ellison won numerous awards, including multiple Hugos, Nebulas, and Edgars.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Your name is Merton and you find that all you have to do is reach into your safe to get money. The more you take, the more you find. And just when Quiggs has cut your future down to nothing. A wonderful discovery! Or is it? Of course it is. You&#39;ll be the richest man in the world. But will you?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Peter Merton&#39;s Private Mint&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic&#34;, October 1956, pages 74 to 87.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Harlan Jay Ellison</strong> (May 27, 1934 – June 28, 2018) was an American writer, known for his prolific and influential work in New Wave speculative fiction and for his outspoken, combative personality. His published works include more than 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media.</p><p>Some of his best-known works include the 1967 Star Trek episode &#34;The City on the Edge of Forever&#34;, considered by some to be the single greatest episode of the Star Trek franchise (he subsequently wrote a book about the experience that includes his original teleplay), his &#34;A Boy and His Dog&#34; cycle (which was made into a film), and his short stories &#34;I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream&#34; and &#34;&#39;Repent, Harlequin!&#39; Said the Ticktockman&#34;. He was also editor and anthologist for Dangerous Visions (1967) and Again, Dangerous Visions (1972). Ellison won numerous awards, including multiple Hugos, Nebulas, and Edgars.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 5fd64342-da61-433d-9423-314c960aa078 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/peter-mertons-private-mint-by-harlan-ellison Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1921 no full The New Accelerator, by H G Wells The New Accelerator, by H G Wells Paul Lawley-Jones Gibberne's nerve stimulant, The New Accelerator, which could speed a man up to two or three times normal, was going to revolutionise human life.

"The New Accelerator" appeared in "Amazing Stories," April 1926, pages 57 to 61 and 96.

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Herbert George Wells (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946) was an English writer. He wrote more than fifty novels and dozens of short stories. His non-fiction output included works of social commentary, politics, history, popular science, satire, biography, and autobiography. Wells' science fiction novels are so well regarded that he has been called the "father of science fiction".

As a futurist, he wrote a number of utopian works and foresaw the advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, nuclear weapons, satellite television and something resembling the World Wide Web. His science fiction imagined time travel, alien invasion, invisibility and biological engineering before these subjects were common in the genre. Brian Aldiss referred to Wells as the "Shakespeare of science fiction."

Wells rendered his works convincing by instilling commonplace detail alongside a single extraordinary assumption per work – dubbed "Wells' Law." His most notable science fiction works include The Time Machine (1895), which was his first novel, The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), The War of the Worlds (1898), the military science fiction The War in the Air (1907), and the dystopian When the Sleeper Wakes (1910).

Wells was a diabetic and co-founded the charity The Diabetic Association (Diabetes UK) in 1934.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Gibberne&#39;s nerve stimulant, The New Accelerator, which could speed a man up to two or three times normal, was going to revolutionise human life.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The New Accelerator&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; April 1926, pages 57 to 61 and 96.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Herbert George Wells</strong> (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946) was an English writer. He wrote more than fifty novels and dozens of short stories. His non-fiction output included works of social commentary, politics, history, popular science, satire, biography, and autobiography. Wells&#39; science fiction novels are so well regarded that he has been called the &#34;father of science fiction&#34;.</p><p>As a futurist, he wrote a number of utopian works and foresaw the advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, nuclear weapons, satellite television and something resembling the World Wide Web. His science fiction imagined time travel, alien invasion, invisibility and biological engineering before these subjects were common in the genre. Brian Aldiss referred to Wells as the &#34;Shakespeare of science fiction.&#34;</p><p>Wells rendered his works convincing by instilling commonplace detail alongside a single extraordinary assumption per work – dubbed &#34;Wells&#39; Law.&#34; His most notable science fiction works include The Time Machine (1895), which was his first novel, The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), The War of the Worlds (1898), the military science fiction The War in the Air (1907), and the dystopian When the Sleeper Wakes (1910).</p><p>Wells was a diabetic and co-founded the charity The Diabetic Association (Diabetes UK) in 1934.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> cd702a82-a5bf-469f-a669-9f4cb4867cb3 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-new-accelerator-by-h-g-wells Thu, 20 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2233 no full Flood Waters, by Leland S Jamieson Flood Waters, by Leland S Jamieson Paul Lawley-Jones A week of rain had undermined the tracks, causing the train to derail. But the nearest place to land was twelve miles away! How was Nick Wentworth, chief pilot of the U. S. Air Patrol, going to land an Army transport hastily converted into an air ambulance in such awful conditions? And how was he going to get to the injured survivors of the train wreck? 

"Flood Waters" appeared in "The Blue Book Magazine", June 1929, pages 39 to 48.

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Leland Jamieson (1904-1941) was a writer of aviation adventure fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>A week of rain had undermined the tracks, causing the train to derail. But the nearest place to land was twelve miles away! How was Nick Wentworth, chief pilot of the U. S. Air Patrol, going to land an Army transport hastily converted into an air ambulance in such awful conditions? And how was he going to get to the injured survivors of the train wreck? </em></strong></p><p>&#34;Flood Waters&#34; appeared in &#34;The Blue Book Magazine&#34;, June 1929, pages 39 to 48.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Leland Jamieson</strong> (1904-1941) was a writer of aviation adventure fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 13fb8272-0681-435f-a4b5-055c9dab985d https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/flood-waters-by-leland-s-jamieson Sun, 16 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2530 no full The Square Pegs & Defense Mech, by Ray Bradbury The Square Pegs & Defense Mech, by Ray Bradbury Paul Lawley-Jones The Square Pegs

Lisabeth was not insane, not according to her, and not according to Asteroid Thirty-Six, where she was being taken by her brother and sisters, where the old Catherine the Great had died, and where they were waiting for the new one to arrive. Her!

"The Square Pegs" appeared in "Thrilling Wonder Stories," October 1948, pages 101 to 108.

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Defense Mech

Halloway stared down at Earth, and his brain tore loose and screamed, Man, man, how'd you get in a mess like this, in a rocket a million miles past the moon, shooting for Mars and danger and terror and maybe death.

"Defense Mech" appeared in "Planet Stories," Spring 1946, pages 42 - 49.

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Ray Douglas Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.

Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.

The New York Times called Bradbury "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream".

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>The Square Pegs</strong></p><p><strong><em>Lisabeth was not insane, not according to her, and not according to Asteroid Thirty-Six, where she was being taken by her brother and sisters, where the old Catherine the Great had died, and where they were waiting for the new one to arrive. Her!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Square Pegs&#34; appeared in &#34;Thrilling Wonder Stories,&#34; October 1948, pages 101 to 108.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Defense Mech</strong></p><p><strong><em>Halloway stared down at Earth, and his brain tore loose and screamed, Man, man, how&#39;d you get in a mess like this, in a rocket a million miles past the moon, shooting for Mars and danger and terror and maybe death.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Defense Mech&#34; appeared in &#34;Planet Stories,&#34; Spring 1946, pages 42 - 49.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Ray Douglas Bradbury</strong> (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.</p><p>Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.</p><p>The New York Times called Bradbury &#34;the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream&#34;.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 162767e8-d992-4149-a455-4d2b7765b5a7 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-square-pegs-defense-mech-by-ray-bradbury Fri, 14 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 4145 no full Title Fight & The Woman Obsession, by William C Gault Title Fight & The Woman Obsession, by William C Gault Paul Lawley-Jones Title Fight

There would be blood on the streets tonight when Alix 1340, a robot, beat the current middleweight champion of the world, Nick Nolan, a human. Alix was fighting for the rights of the robots, the right to be recognized as having that 'spark of life' that gave the humans dominion over the sea and the land. He had to win...

"Title Fight" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," December 1956, pages 101 to 111.

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The Woman Obsession

Surely Collins was an idiot. He dreamt of women in a world that had forgotten their 'function.' He even claimed to have seen one on a planetoid in asteroid alley, a place where there couldn't possibly be any women.

"The Woman Obsession" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," September 1954, pages 48 to 57.

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William Campbell Gault (1910–1995) was an American writer. He wrote under his own name, and as Roney Scott and Will Duke, among other pseudonyms. He is probably best remembered for his sports fiction, particularly the young-readers' novels he began publishing in the early 1960s, and for his crime fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>Title Fight</strong></p><p><strong><em>There would be blood on the streets tonight when Alix 1340, a robot, beat the current middleweight champion of the world, Nick Nolan, a human. Alix was fighting for the rights of the robots, the right to be recognized as having that &#39;spark of life&#39; that gave the humans dominion over the sea and the land. He had to win...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Title Fight&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; December 1956, pages 101 to 111.</p><p>------</p><p><strong>The Woman Obsession</strong></p><p><strong><em>Surely Collins was an idiot. He dreamt of women in a world that had forgotten their &#39;function.&#39; He even claimed to have seen one on a planetoid in asteroid alley, a place where there couldn&#39;t possibly be any women.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Woman Obsession&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; September 1954, pages 48 to 57.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>William Campbell Gault</strong> (1910–1995) was an American writer. He wrote under his own name, and as Roney Scott and Will Duke, among other pseudonyms. He is probably best remembered for his sports fiction, particularly the young-readers&#39; novels he began publishing in the early 1960s, and for his crime fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> dfd14bd1-905c-4fa0-b16d-8bfbca1748a0 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/title-fight-the-woman-obsession-by-william-c-gault Tue, 11 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3840 no full Arm of the Law, by Harry Harrison Arm of the Law, by Harry Harrison Paul Lawley-Jones What would happen when a police robot was posted to a law enforcement outpost on Mars? How could a robot—a machine, after all—be involved in something as complex as the application of law? At one time—this was before the Robot Restriction Laws—they'd been allowed to make their own decisions....

"Arm of the Law" appeared in "Fantastic Universe", August, 1958, pages 23 to 36.

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Harry Max Harrison (March 12, 1925 – August 15, 2012) was an American science fiction author, known mostly for his character The Stainless Steel Rat and for his novel Make Room! Make Room! (1966). The latter was the rough basis for the motion picture Soylent Green (1973). Long resident in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, Harrison was involved in the foundation of the Irish Science Fiction Association, and was, with Brian Aldiss, co-president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>What would happen when a police robot was posted to a law enforcement outpost on Mars? How could a robot—a machine, after all—be involved in something as complex as the application of law? At one time—this was before the Robot Restriction Laws—they&#39;d been allowed to make their own decisions....</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Arm of the Law&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34;, August, 1958, pages 23 to 36.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Harry Max Harrison</strong> (March 12, 1925 – August 15, 2012) was an American science fiction author, known mostly for his character The Stainless Steel Rat and for his novel Make Room! Make Room! (1966). The latter was the rough basis for the motion picture Soylent Green (1973). Long resident in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, Harrison was involved in the foundation of the Irish Science Fiction Association, and was, with Brian Aldiss, co-president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> becda3e6-0a42-474c-955b-64f06d46364d https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/arm-of-the-law-by-harry-harrison Sun, 09 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2636 no full The Ice Goes Out & Raw Men, by Frank Richardson Pierce The Ice Goes Out & Raw Men, by Frank Richardson Pierce Paul Lawley-Jones The Ice Goes Out

This is a story of Alaska, in which honest men and crooks propose, but inscrutable Nature disposes.

"The Ice Goes Out" appeared in "Adventure," July 1st 1928, pages 58 - 61.

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Raw Men

Dick Walton's father had sent him out on Hanson's Arctic trading schooner to make something of him, to make up for his own failings as a father, in the hopes that he could learn that which his father had been unable to teach him. What he learned was that there are men, and there are Raw Men. Which was he?

"Raw Men" appeared in "Blue Book Magazine," November 1924, pages 80 - 85.

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Frank Richardson Pierce (1881-1966) was an American writer, best known for his stories in Western Pulps. He published over 1,500 short stories, 3 novels and 4 films—under his own name and pseudonyms, Erle Stanly Pierce and Seth Ranger—over a 50-year career. He was a founding member of the Northwest Writers Association (later renamed the Seattle Free Lances,) and was a member of the Author League of America, the League of Western Writers and the Authors Guild of America.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>The Ice Goes Out</strong></p><p><strong><em>This is a story of Alaska, in which honest men and crooks propose, but inscrutable Nature disposes.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Ice Goes Out&#34; appeared in &#34;Adventure,&#34; July 1st 1928, pages 58 - 61.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Raw Men</strong></p><p><strong><em>Dick Walton&#39;s father had sent him out on Hanson&#39;s Arctic trading schooner to make something of him, to make up for his own failings as a father, in the hopes that he could learn that which his father had been unable to teach him. What he learned was that there are men, and there are Raw Men. Which was he?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Raw Men&#34; appeared in &#34;Blue Book Magazine,&#34; November 1924, pages 80 - 85.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Frank Richardson Pierce</strong> (1881-1966) was an American writer, best known for his stories in Western Pulps. He published over 1,500 short stories, 3 novels and 4 films—under his own name and pseudonyms, Erle Stanly Pierce and Seth Ranger—over a 50-year career. He was a founding member of the Northwest Writers Association (later renamed the Seattle Free Lances,) and was a member of the Author League of America, the League of Western Writers and the Authors Guild of America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 78a0cca1-cc1a-4653-9217-1e8f39b93115 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-ice-goes-out-raw-men-by-frank-richardson-pierce Wed, 05 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3247 no full Classified Object, by John Victor Peterson Classified Object, by John Victor Peterson Paul Lawley-Jones There was a comic book in the alien space ship—of a sort. But it wasn't meant for children.

"Classified Object" appeared in "Fantastic Universe", July 1954, pages 115 to 129.

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John Victor Peterson was an American author who began publishing work of genre interest with "Martyrs Don't Mind Dying" in "Astounding", January 1938, and writing science fiction stories for various contemporary science fiction magazines until 1959. With Allen Ingvald Benson he published "Atmospherics" ("Astounding", September 1939) under the joint pseudonym "Victor Valding". He wrote one full-length novel, "Rock the Big Rock", published in 1970.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>There was a comic book in the alien space ship—of a sort. But it wasn&#39;t meant for children.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Classified Object&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe&#34;, July 1954, pages 115 to 129.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>John Victor Peterson</strong> was an American author who began publishing work of genre interest with &#34;Martyrs Don&#39;t Mind Dying&#34; in &#34;Astounding&#34;, January 1938, and writing science fiction stories for various contemporary science fiction magazines until 1959. With Allen Ingvald Benson he published &#34;Atmospherics&#34; (&#34;Astounding&#34;, September 1939) under the joint pseudonym &#34;Victor Valding&#34;. He wrote one full-length novel, &#34;Rock the Big Rock&#34;, published in 1970.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 049cfc3f-5e75-4cbf-b35b-a3512318f295 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/classified-object-by-john-victor-peterson Sun, 02 Mar 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2693 no full A Long Way Back & The Next Logical Step, by Ben Bova A Long Way Back & The Next Logical Step, by Ben Bova Paul Lawley-Jones A Long Way Back

After the war that ravaged the world, he held the future of civilization in his numbed hands. The satellite was ready to beam power back to Earth, and knowing that he wouldn't live to see the results, from 22,500 miles out, he made the gamble.

"A Long Way Back" appeared in "Amazing Science Fiction Stories" February 1960.

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The Next Logical Step

Normally, the military would want to keep the predictions of their wargames secret. But there might be times when you would want the enemy to see the results of your simulations. 

"The Next Logical Step" appeared in "Analog Science Fiction and Fact," May 1962.

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Benjamin William Bova (November 8, 1932 – November 29, 2020) was an American writer and editor. During a writing career of 60 years, he was the author of more than 120 works of science fact and fiction, an editor of Analog Science Fiction and Fact, for which he won a Hugo Award six times, and an editorial director of Omni; he was also president of both the National Space Society and the Science Fiction Writers of America.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>A Long Way Back</strong></p><p><strong><em>After the war that ravaged the world, he held the future of civilization in his numbed hands. The satellite was ready to beam power back to Earth, and knowing that he wouldn&#39;t live to see the results, from 22,500 miles out, he made the gamble.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;A Long Way Back&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Science Fiction Stories&#34; February 1960.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>The Next Logical Step</strong></p><p><strong><em>Normally, the military would want to keep the predictions of their wargames secret. But there might be times when you would want the enemy to see the results of your simulations. </em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Next Logical Step&#34; appeared in &#34;Analog Science Fiction and Fact,&#34; May 1962.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Benjamin William Bova</strong> (November 8, 1932 – November 29, 2020) was an American writer and editor. During a writing career of 60 years, he was the author of more than 120 works of science fact and fiction, an editor of Analog Science Fiction and Fact, for which he won a Hugo Award six times, and an editorial director of Omni; he was also president of both the National Space Society and the Science Fiction Writers of America.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 1d095d24-575c-4493-9b14-d3ef9c6a8da3 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/a-long-way-back-the-next-logical-step-by-ben-bova Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3532 no full Travelogue & The Minster had to Wait, by Roger D Aycock Travelogue & The Minster had to Wait, by Roger D Aycock Paul Lawley-Jones Travelogue

Adventure called late in the diffident, gentle, dreaming life of Wesley Filburn, mediocre writer of science fiction stories. But when it did call—in the shape of a strange child drowning in Sampson's Creek—it was just in time to save him from the machinations of the two women closest to him...

"Travelogue" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," December 1956, pages 87 - 100.

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The Minister had to Wait

Dr. Maxey's Dimension-tube would allow the Western Allied Military to penetrate the East's defensive shields and finally win the war, no matter how strenuously Dr. Maxey warned against the dangers of opening up a conduit into other dimensions. The Allied Military would hear none of it, though, and went ahead with a full-scale version...

"The Minister had to Wait" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," June-July 1953, pages 138 - 148.

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Roger D Aycock (6 December 1914 – 5 April 2004) was an American author who wrote under the pseudonym Roger Dee. He primarily wrote science fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>Travelogue</strong></p><p><strong><em>Adventure called late in the diffident, gentle, dreaming life of Wesley Filburn, mediocre writer of science fiction stories. But when it did call—in the shape of a strange child drowning in Sampson&#39;s Creek—it was just in time to save him from the machinations of the two women closest to him...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Travelogue&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; December 1956, pages 87 - 100.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>The Minister had to Wait</strong></p><p><strong><em>Dr. Maxey&#39;s Dimension-tube would allow the Western Allied Military to penetrate the East&#39;s defensive shields and finally win the war, no matter how strenuously Dr. Maxey warned against the dangers of opening up a conduit into other dimensions. The Allied Military would hear none of it, though, and went ahead with a full-scale version...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Minister had to Wait&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; June-July 1953, pages 138 - 148.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Roger D Aycock</strong> (6 December 1914 – 5 April 2004) was an American author who wrote under the pseudonym Roger Dee. He primarily wrote science fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> c3de5f6d-c5e3-48e6-8d40-c3bc22194053 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/travelogue-the-minster-had-to-wait-by-roger-d-aycock Mon, 24 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000 4299 no full Lancelot Biggs, Master Navigator, by Nelson S Bond Lancelot Biggs, Master Navigator, by Nelson S Bond Paul Lawley-Jones Trust Lancelot Biggs to get the Saturn into a mess just when speed and good navigation meant the prize contract of the year...!

"Lancelot Biggs, Master Navigator" appeared in "Fantastic Adventures," May 1940, pages 30 - 37.

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Nelson Slade Bond (November 23, 1908 – November 4, 2006) was an American writer. His works included books, magazine articles, and scripts used in radio, for television and on the stage.

The 1998 recipient of the Nebula Author Emeritus award for lifetime achievement, Bond was a pioneer in early science fiction and fantasy. His published fiction is mainly short stories, most of which appeared in pulp magazines in the 1930s and 1940s. Many were published in Blue Book magazine. He is noted for his "Lancelot Biggs" series of stories and for his "Meg the Priestess" tales, which introduced one of the first powerful female characters in science fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Trust Lancelot Biggs to get the Saturn into a mess just when speed and good navigation meant the prize contract of the year...!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Lancelot Biggs, Master Navigator&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Adventures,&#34; May 1940, pages 30 - 37.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Nelson Slade Bond</strong> (November 23, 1908 – November 4, 2006) was an American writer. His works included books, magazine articles, and scripts used in radio, for television and on the stage.</p><p>The 1998 recipient of the Nebula Author Emeritus award for lifetime achievement, Bond was a pioneer in early science fiction and fantasy. His published fiction is mainly short stories, most of which appeared in pulp magazines in the 1930s and 1940s. Many were published in Blue Book magazine. He is noted for his &#34;Lancelot Biggs&#34; series of stories and for his &#34;Meg the Priestess&#34; tales, which introduced one of the first powerful female characters in science fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 158dbb7a-1eed-4123-ad9b-e1599918d602 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/lancelot-biggs-master-navigator-by-nelson-s-bond Sun, 23 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2715 no full Referent & The Irritated People, by Ray Bradbury Referent & The Irritated People, by Ray Bradbury Paul Lawley-Jones Referent

Roby Morrison was special, a genius, but he didn't want to be. He wanted to escape the island where every waking moment was supervised. He wanted to be a normal boy doing normal things. He wanted to keep his dreams of the Sandman to himself. He wanted to bounce a rubber ball. He wanted to see his mother. He wanted to fly away from this place...

"Referent" appeared in "Thrilling Wonder Stories," October 1948, pages 148 - 152.

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The Irritated People

How does one make war without hurting anyone? That's exactly what Charles Crossley, President of American Jet-Propelled Ships, had figured out. And he was going to strike at the enemy with the President's blessing or without!

"The Irritated People" appeared in "Thrilling Wonder Stories," December 1947, pages 90 - 97.

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Ray Douglas Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.

Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including "Moby Dick" and "It Came from Outer Space." Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.

The New York Times called Bradbury "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream."

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>Referent</strong></p><p><strong><em>Roby Morrison was special, a genius, but he didn&#39;t want to be. He wanted to escape the island where every waking moment was supervised. He wanted to be a normal boy doing normal things. He wanted to keep his dreams of the Sandman to himself. He wanted to bounce a rubber ball. He wanted to see his mother. He wanted to fly away from this place...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Referent&#34; appeared in &#34;Thrilling Wonder Stories,&#34; October 1948, pages 148 - 152.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>The Irritated People</strong></p><p><strong><em>How does one make war without hurting anyone? That&#39;s exactly what Charles Crossley, President of American Jet-Propelled Ships, had figured out. And he was going to strike at the enemy with the President&#39;s blessing or without!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Irritated People&#34; appeared in &#34;Thrilling Wonder Stories,&#34; December 1947, pages 90 - 97.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Ray Douglas Bradbury</strong> (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.</p><p>Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including &#34;Moby Dick&#34; and &#34;It Came from Outer Space.&#34; Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.</p><p>The New York Times called Bradbury &#34;the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 50de85d0-c41c-4a0f-a10a-564c7b444ec1 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/referent-the-irritated-people-by-ray-bradbury Fri, 21 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3581 no full The Madness of Lancelot Biggs, by Nelson S Bond The Madness of Lancelot Biggs, by Nelson S Bond Paul Lawley-Jones There was more at stake than just a football game for Lancelot Biggs; two hundred and fifty credits, his claims on three future planetary discoveries, the rights to his new uranium condenser, his rocket emblem...and his heart!

"The Madness of Lancelot Biggs" appeared in "Fantastic Adventures," April 1940 pages 70 - 77.

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Nelson Slade Bond (November 23, 1908 – November 4, 2006) was an American writer. His works included books, magazine articles, and scripts used in radio, for television and on the stage.

The 1998 recipient of the Nebula Author Emeritus award for lifetime achievement, Bond was a pioneer in early science fiction and fantasy. His published fiction is mainly short stories, most of which appeared in pulp magazines in the 1930s and 1940s. Many were published in Blue Book magazine. He is noted for his "Lancelot Biggs" series of stories and for his "Meg the Priestess" tales, which introduced one of the first powerful female characters in science fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>There was more at stake than just a football game for Lancelot Biggs; two hundred and fifty credits, his claims on three future planetary discoveries, the rights to his new uranium condenser, his rocket emblem...and his heart!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Madness of Lancelot Biggs&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Adventures,&#34; April 1940 pages 70 - 77.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Nelson Slade Bond</strong> (November 23, 1908 – November 4, 2006) was an American writer. His works included books, magazine articles, and scripts used in radio, for television and on the stage.</p><p>The 1998 recipient of the Nebula Author Emeritus award for lifetime achievement, Bond was a pioneer in early science fiction and fantasy. His published fiction is mainly short stories, most of which appeared in pulp magazines in the 1930s and 1940s. Many were published in Blue Book magazine. He is noted for his &#34;Lancelot Biggs&#34; series of stories and for his &#34;Meg the Priestess&#34; tales, which introduced one of the first powerful female characters in science fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 43f075e9-2374-4d99-a7d7-c2d6640436bc https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-madness-of-lancelot-biggs-by-nelson-s-bond Tue, 18 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2776 no full The Man from Time & Mr Caxton Draws a Martian Bird, by Frank Belknap Long The Man from Time & Mr Caxton Draws a Martian Bird, by Frank Belknap Long Paul Lawley-Jones The Man from Time

Being the first Time Traveller, he couldn't have known about Time Fear; every date he observed terrified him. Lost in the vastness of Time, he didn't know how his colleagues would find him again.

"The Man from Time" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," March 1954, pages 74 - 85.

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Mr Caxton Draws a Martian Bird

No animal the size of the 'huge bird' Peter supposedly saw could survive on Mars without oxygenating apparatus. So said mean, grumpy Mr Caxton who was tasked with looking after them while their parents were away. They must be lying...

"Mr. Caxton Draws a Martian Bird" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," July 1954, pages 91 - 101.

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Frank Belknap Long Jr. (April 27, 1901 – January 3, 1994) was an American writer of horror fiction, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, gothic romance, comic books, and non-fiction. Though his writing career spanned seven decades, he is best known for his horror and science fiction short stories, including contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos alongside his friend, H. P. Lovecraft. During his life, Long received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement (at the 1978 World Fantasy Convention), the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement (in 1987, from the Horror Writers Association), and the First Fandom Hall of Fame Award (1977).

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>The Man from Time</strong></p><p><strong><em>Being the first Time Traveller, he couldn&#39;t have known about Time Fear; every date he observed terrified him. Lost in the vastness of Time, he didn&#39;t know how his colleagues would find him again.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Man from Time&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; March 1954, pages 74 - 85.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Mr Caxton Draws a Martian Bird</strong></p><p><strong><em>No animal the size of the &#39;huge bird&#39; Peter supposedly saw could survive on Mars without oxygenating apparatus. So said mean, grumpy Mr Caxton who was tasked with looking after them while their parents were away. They must be lying...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Mr. Caxton Draws a Martian Bird&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; July 1954, pages 91 - 101.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Frank Belknap Long Jr.</strong> (April 27, 1901 – January 3, 1994) was an American writer of horror fiction, fantasy, science fiction, poetry, gothic romance, comic books, and non-fiction. Though his writing career spanned seven decades, he is best known for his horror and science fiction short stories, including contributions to the Cthulhu Mythos alongside his friend, H. P. Lovecraft. During his life, Long received the World Fantasy Award for Life Achievement (at the 1978 World Fantasy Convention), the Bram Stoker Award for Lifetime Achievement (in 1987, from the Horror Writers Association), and the First Fandom Hall of Fame Award (1977).</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 09f8b49e-7f4c-4ba1-afa2-aeb3723072e8 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-man-from-time-mr-caxton-draws-a-martian-bird-by-frank-belknap-long Sun, 16 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000 4005 no full Lancelot Biggs Cooks a Pirate, by Nelson S Bond Lancelot Biggs Cooks a Pirate, by Nelson S Bond Paul Lawley-Jones "Cooking," explained Biggs, "is simply a matter of chemistry." But little did he know he'd have to prove that statement in order to save the crew of the Saturn from pirates!

"Lancelot Biggs cooks a pirate" appeared in "Fantastic Adventures," February 1940, pages 40 - 46.

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Nelson Slade Bond (November 23, 1908 – November 4, 2006) was an American writer. His works included books, magazine articles, and scripts used in radio, for television and on the stage.

The 1998 recipient of the Nebula Author Emeritus award for lifetime achievement, Bond was a pioneer in early science fiction and fantasy. His published fiction is mainly short stories, most of which appeared in pulp magazines in the 1930s and 1940s. Many were published in Blue Book magazine. He is noted for his "Lancelot Biggs" series of stories and for his "Meg the Priestess" tales, which introduced one of the first powerful female characters in science fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>&#34;Cooking,&#34; explained Biggs, &#34;is simply a matter of chemistry.&#34; But little did he know he&#39;d have to prove that statement in order to save the crew of the Saturn from pirates!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Lancelot Biggs cooks a pirate&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Adventures,&#34; February 1940, pages 40 - 46.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Nelson Slade Bond</strong> (November 23, 1908 – November 4, 2006) was an American writer. His works included books, magazine articles, and scripts used in radio, for television and on the stage.</p><p>The 1998 recipient of the Nebula Author Emeritus award for lifetime achievement, Bond was a pioneer in early science fiction and fantasy. His published fiction is mainly short stories, most of which appeared in pulp magazines in the 1930s and 1940s. Many were published in Blue Book magazine. He is noted for his &#34;Lancelot Biggs&#34; series of stories and for his &#34;Meg the Priestess&#34; tales, which introduced one of the first powerful female characters in science fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> fd0eef1d-cb37-4472-bb21-97076d8c6591 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/lancelot-biggs-cooks-a-pirate-by-nelson-s-bond Sat, 15 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2593 no full F O B Venus, by Nelson S Bond F O B Venus, by Nelson S Bond Paul Lawley-Jones Lancelot Biggs was perhaps the worst second mate Captain Hanson had ever shipped, and he was convinced of it when he ruined their cargo. But how dumb a man is, may sometimes be a matter of opinion.

"F O B Venus" appeared in "Fantastic Adventures," November, 1939, pages 34 to 40.

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Nelson Slade Bond (November 23, 1908 – November 4, 2006) was an American writer. His works included books, magazine articles, and scripts used in radio, for television and on the stage.

The 1998 recipient of the Nebula Author Emeritus award for lifetime achievement, Bond was a pioneer in early science fiction and fantasy. His published fiction is mainly short stories, most of which appeared in pulp magazines in the 1930s and 1940s. Many were published in Blue Book magazine. He is noted for his "Lancelot Biggs" series of stories and for his "Meg the Priestess" tales, which introduced one of the first powerful female characters in science fiction.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Lancelot Biggs was perhaps the worst second mate Captain Hanson had ever shipped, and he was convinced of it when he ruined their cargo. But how dumb a man is, may sometimes be a matter of opinion.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;F O B Venus&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Adventures,&#34; November, 1939, pages 34 to 40.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Nelson Slade Bond</strong> (November 23, 1908 – November 4, 2006) was an American writer. His works included books, magazine articles, and scripts used in radio, for television and on the stage.</p><p>The 1998 recipient of the Nebula Author Emeritus award for lifetime achievement, Bond was a pioneer in early science fiction and fantasy. His published fiction is mainly short stories, most of which appeared in pulp magazines in the 1930s and 1940s. Many were published in Blue Book magazine. He is noted for his &#34;Lancelot Biggs&#34; series of stories and for his &#34;Meg the Priestess&#34; tales, which introduced one of the first powerful female characters in science fiction.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> c9fbb7c1-bf10-4a1b-9095-04a6a938e0cf https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/f-o-b-venus-by-nelson-s-bond Wed, 12 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2363 no full Rastignac the Devil, by Philip José Farmer Rastignac the Devil, by Philip José Farmer Paul Lawley-Jones A man who refused to wear a Skin was labeled a "devil." Rastignac was such a man. He was a meat eater, adhered to the Philosophy of Violence, and was the leader of the Legal Underground of the Kingdom of L'Bawpfey. He could also see the end of Homo Sapiens on their adopted planet. All he wanted to do was to get to the Six Flying Stars—the space-ships that had brought humanity to this planet—and fly away to the stars.

"Rastignac the Devil" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," May 1954, pages 2 - 44.

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Philip José Farmer (January 26, 1918 – February 25, 2009) was an American author known for his science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories. He is best known for the World of Tiers (1965–93) and Riverworld (1971–83) series. He is noted for the reworking of the lore of celebrated pulp heroes. Farmer often mixed real and classic fictional characters and worlds. Such works as The Other Log of Phileas Fogg (1973) and Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life (1973) are early examples of literary mashup novels.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>A man who refused to wear a Skin was labeled a &#34;devil.&#34; Rastignac was such a man. He was a meat eater, adhered to the Philosophy of Violence, and was the leader of the Legal Underground of the Kingdom of L&#39;Bawpfey. He could also see the end of Homo Sapiens on their adopted planet. All he wanted to do was to get to the Six Flying Stars—the space-ships that had brought humanity to this planet—and fly away to the stars.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Rastignac the Devil&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; May 1954, pages 2 - 44.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Philip José Farmer</strong> (January 26, 1918 – February 25, 2009) was an American author known for his science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories. He is best known for the World of Tiers (1965–93) and Riverworld (1971–83) series. He is noted for the reworking of the lore of celebrated pulp heroes. Farmer often mixed real and classic fictional characters and worlds. Such works as The Other Log of Phileas Fogg (1973) and Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life (1973) are early examples of literary mashup novels.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 9ea7054e-cfc0-43e3-9881-cee21955d78e https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/rastignac-the-devil-by-philip-jos-farmer Sun, 09 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000 8409 no full The Man Who Wouldn't Sign Up, by Thomas E Purdom The Man Who Wouldn't Sign Up, by Thomas E Purdom Paul Lawley-Jones People had been telling Henry Westing, who just wanted to live his own life in his own manner, that he should belong to something, that he should join. When The Organization started to pester him to join them, he knew they would evetually wear him down, unless...

"The Man Who Wouldn't Sign Up" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction," October 1958, pages 68 - 77.

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Thomas Edward Purdom (born 1936) is an American writer best known for science fiction and nonfiction. His story "Fossil Games" was a nominee for the Hugo Award for Best Novelette in 2000.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>People had been telling Henry Westing, who just wanted to live his own life in his own manner, that he should belong to something, that he should join. When The Organization started to pester him to join them, he knew they would evetually wear him down, unless...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Man Who Wouldn&#39;t Sign Up&#34; appeared in &#34;Infinity Science Fiction,&#34; October 1958, pages 68 - 77.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Thomas Edward Purdom</strong> (born 1936) is an American writer best known for science fiction and nonfiction. His story &#34;Fossil Games&#34; was a nominee for the Hugo Award for Best Novelette in 2000.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 94008c67-9dd5-4248-94d2-53bd644302a0 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-man-who-wouldnt-sign-up-by-thomas-e-purdom Thu, 06 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000 1384 no full The Repairman, Navy Day & Toy Shop, by Harry Harrison The Repairman, Navy Day & Toy Shop, by Harry Harrison Paul Lawley-Jones The Repairman

A Mark III beacon, one of the earliest beacons deployed, possibly even the first, had broken down, and he had to go and fix it. Trouble was, there was a religious war going on around it. Time to get creative with the rules surrounding interactions with native species... 

"The Repairman" appeared in "Galaxy Science Fiction" February 1958, pages 60 - 73.

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Navy Day

The U.S. Army was calling for the abolition of the anachronistic U.S. Navy, and they had a strong case to make. The U.S. Navy, however, would not go without a fight...

"Navy Day" appeared in "Worlds of If Science Fiction," January 1954, pages 63 - 67.

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Toy Shop

Colonel "Biff" Hawton knew it was a trick when the salesman opened the 'toy,' revealing the cheap components inside. He bought one anyway. His engineer buddies would get a kick out of his little magic show at their next poker night...

"Toy Shop" appeared in "Analog Science Fact & Fiction" April 1962.

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Harry Max Harrison (March 12, 1925 – August 15, 2012) was an American science fiction author, known mostly for his character The Stainless Steel Rat and for his novel Make Room! Make Room! (1966). The latter was the rough basis for the motion picture Soylent Green (1973). Long resident in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, Harrison was involved in the foundation of the Irish Science Fiction Association, and was, with Brian Aldiss, co-president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>The Repairman</strong></p><p><strong><em>A Mark III beacon, one of the earliest beacons deployed, possibly even the first, had broken down, and he had to go and fix it. Trouble was, there was a religious war going on around it. Time to get creative with the rules surrounding interactions with native species... </em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Repairman&#34; appeared in &#34;Galaxy Science Fiction&#34; February 1958, pages 60 - 73.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Navy Day</strong></p><p><strong><em>The U.S. Army was calling for the abolition of the anachronistic U.S. Navy, and they had a strong case to make. The U.S. Navy, however, would not go without a fight...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Navy Day&#34; appeared in &#34;Worlds of If Science Fiction,&#34; January 1954, pages 63 - 67.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Toy Shop</strong></p><p><strong><em>Colonel &#34;Biff&#34; Hawton knew it was a trick when the salesman opened the &#39;toy,&#39; revealing the cheap components inside. He bought one anyway. His engineer buddies would get a kick out of his little magic show at their next poker night...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Toy Shop&#34; appeared in &#34;Analog Science Fact &amp; Fiction&#34; April 1962.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Harry Max Harrison</strong> (March 12, 1925 – August 15, 2012) was an American science fiction author, known mostly for his character The Stainless Steel Rat and for his novel Make Room! Make Room! (1966). The latter was the rough basis for the motion picture Soylent Green (1973). Long resident in both Ireland and the United Kingdom, Harrison was involved in the foundation of the Irish Science Fiction Association, and was, with Brian Aldiss, co-president of the Birmingham Science Fiction Group.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 908fb430-6d3c-486a-ae63-dd26ef83f595 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-repairman-navy-day-toy-shop-by-harry-harrison Mon, 03 Feb 2025 22:00:00 +0000 4015 no full Beyond our Control, by Randall Garrett Beyond our Control, by Randall Garrett Paul Lawley-Jones Satellite Number Four had been knocked out of its orbit, disrupting communications around the world. James Fitzpatrick MacIlheny, "Mac" to his colleagues and "Fitz" to his friends, the Operational Vice-President of Circum-Global Communications had to get Number Four back into its correct orbit, and fast! However, what they found when they sent up the repair drone was beyond what anyone could have imagined...

"Beyond Our Control" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction," January 1958, pages 68 - 85.

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Gordon Randall Phillip David Garrett (December 16, 1927 – December 31, 1987) was an American science fiction and fantasy author. He was a contributor to Astounding and other science fiction magazines of the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for the Lord Darcy books set in an alternate world where a joint Anglo-French empire still led by a Plantagenet dynasty has survived into the twentieth century and where magic works and has been scientifically codified. The Darcy books are rich in jokes, puns, and references, particularly of detective and spy fiction; Lord Darcy is modeled on Sherlock Holmes.

Garrett wrote under a variety of pseudonyms including: David Gordon, John Gordon, Darrel T. Langart (an anagram of his name), Alexander Blade, Richard Greer, Ivar Jorgensen, Clyde Mitchell, Leonard G. Spencer, S. M. Tenneshaw, Gerald Vance. He was also a founding member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, as "Randall of Hightower" (a pun on "garret.") The short novel Brain Twister, written by Garrett with author Laurence Janifer (using the joint pseudonym Mark Phillips), was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1960.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Satellite Number Four had been knocked out of its orbit, disrupting communications around the world. James Fitzpatrick MacIlheny, &#34;Mac&#34; to his colleagues and &#34;Fitz&#34; to his friends, the Operational Vice-President of Circum-Global Communications had to get Number Four back into its correct orbit, and fast! However, what they found when they sent up the repair drone was beyond what anyone could have imagined...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Beyond Our Control&#34; appeared in &#34;Infinity Science Fiction,&#34; January 1958, pages 68 - 85.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Gordon Randall Phillip David Garrett</strong> (December 16, 1927 – December 31, 1987) was an American science fiction and fantasy author. He was a contributor to Astounding and other science fiction magazines of the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for the Lord Darcy books set in an alternate world where a joint Anglo-French empire still led by a Plantagenet dynasty has survived into the twentieth century and where magic works and has been scientifically codified. The Darcy books are rich in jokes, puns, and references, particularly of detective and spy fiction; Lord Darcy is modeled on Sherlock Holmes.</p><p>Garrett wrote under a variety of pseudonyms including: David Gordon, John Gordon, Darrel T. Langart (an anagram of his name), Alexander Blade, Richard Greer, Ivar Jorgensen, Clyde Mitchell, Leonard G. Spencer, S. M. Tenneshaw, Gerald Vance. He was also a founding member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, as &#34;Randall of Hightower&#34; (a pun on &#34;garret.&#34;) The short novel Brain Twister, written by Garrett with author Laurence Janifer (using the joint pseudonym Mark Phillips), was nominated for the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1960.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> bd3aa20e-6535-4e29-867a-ca94cbcb2d33 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/beyond-our-control-by-randall-garrett Fri, 31 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2493 no full The Hunter's Lodge Case & The Plymouth Express Affair, by Agatha Christie The Hunter's Lodge Case & The Plymouth Express Affair, by Agatha Christie Paul Lawley-Jones The Hunter's Lodge Case

Even from his sick-bed, Hercule Poirot's famous "little gray cells" solve an apparently unsolvable murder mystery.

"The Hunter's Lodge Case" appeared in "The Blue Book Magazine," June 1924, pages 54 - 59. 

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The Plymouth Express Affair

The murder of an American steel magnate's daughter on a train from Plymouth to Bristol. A box of jewels worth over $100,000 stolen. A mysterious stranger, an estranged husband, and a playboy Count. Hercule Poirot's 'little gray cells' are put to the test again.

"The Plymouth Express Affair" appeared in "The Blue Book Magazine," January 1924, pages 136 - 142. 

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Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction," Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime"—now trademarked by her estate—or the "Queen of Mystery." She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>The Hunter&#39;s Lodge Case</strong></p><p><strong><em>Even from his sick-bed, Hercule Poirot&#39;s famous &#34;little gray cells&#34; solve an apparently unsolvable murder mystery.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Hunter&#39;s Lodge Case&#34; appeared in &#34;The Blue Book Magazine,&#34; June 1924, pages 54 - 59. </p><p>-----</p><p><strong>The Plymouth Express Affair</strong></p><p><strong><em>The murder of an American steel magnate&#39;s daughter on a train from Plymouth to Bristol. A box of jewels worth over $100,000 stolen. A mysterious stranger, an estranged husband, and a playboy Count. Hercule Poirot&#39;s &#39;little gray cells&#39; are put to the test again.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Plymouth Express Affair&#34; appeared in &#34;The Blue Book Magazine,&#34; January 1924, pages 136 - 142. </p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE</strong> (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world&#39;s longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the &#34;Golden Age of Detective Fiction,&#34; Christie has been called the &#34;Queen of Crime&#34;—now trademarked by her estate—or the &#34;Queen of Mystery.&#34; She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> d78379a7-45fa-48ce-9b25-6607ab0c2ba2 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-hunters-lodge-case-the-plymouth-express-affair-by-agatha-christie Wed, 29 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3816 no full Mr Lonliness, A Kiss for the Conqueror, & My Robot, by Henry Slesar Mr Lonliness, A Kiss for the Conqueror, & My Robot, by Henry Slesar Paul Lawley-Jones Mr Lonliness

It is lonely out there in space. Very, very lonely! A man needs to see a human face, hear a human voice. So visitors have to be sent out somehow—by some means.

"Mr Lonliness" appeared in "Super-Science Fiction," February 1957, pages 40 - 45.

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A Kiss for the Conqueror

There is always a disparity of power between the conquered and the conqueror, a desire to exercise that power, to exert control, to exact revenge, in whatever small way one can.

"A Kiss for the Conqueror" appeared in "Fantastic Science Fiction," February 1957, pages 99 - 103.

It appeared under the pen name of Clyde Mitchell, as Henry Slesar had 2 other stories published in that month's issue.

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My Robot

Faw-faw, the robot designed and built by his father, was his story-teller, his companion, his protector, his revenge! But where was he now? What had they done to him? How he wished Faw-faw were here!

"My Robot" appeared in "Fantastic Science Fiction," February 1957, page 81 - 85.

It appeared under the pen name of O H Leslie, as Henry Slesar had 2 other stories published in that month's issue.

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Henry Slesar (June 12, 1927 – April 2, 2002) was an American author and playwright. He is famous for his use of irony and twist endings. After reading Slesar's "M Is for the Many" in Ellery Queen's Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock bought it for adaptation and they began many successful collaborations. Slesar wrote hundreds of scripts for television series and soap operas, leading TV Guide to call him "the writer with the largest audience in America."

In 1955, he published his first short story, "The Brat" (Imaginative Tales, September, 1955). While working as a copywriter, he published hundreds of short stories—over forty in 1957 alone—including detective fiction, science fiction, criminal stories, mysteries, and thrillers in such publications as Playboy, Imaginative Tales, and Alfred Hitchcock's Mystery Magazine; he was writing, on average, a story per week.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>Mr Lonliness</strong></p><p><strong><em>It is lonely out there in space. Very, very lonely! A man needs to see a human face, hear a human voice. So visitors have to be sent out somehow—by some means.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Mr Lonliness&#34; appeared in &#34;Super-Science Fiction,&#34; February 1957, pages 40 - 45.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>A Kiss for the Conqueror</strong></p><p><strong><em>There is always a disparity of power between the conquered and the conqueror, a desire to exercise that power, to exert control, to exact revenge, in whatever small way one can.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;A Kiss for the Conqueror&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Science Fiction,&#34; February 1957, pages 99 - 103.</p><p>It appeared under the pen name of Clyde Mitchell, as Henry Slesar had 2 other stories published in that month&#39;s issue.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>My Robot</strong></p><p><strong><em>Faw-faw, the robot designed and built by his father, was his story-teller, his companion, his protector, his revenge! But where was he now? What had they done to him? How he wished Faw-faw were here!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;My Robot&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Science Fiction,&#34; February 1957, page 81 - 85.</p><p>It appeared under the pen name of O H Leslie, as Henry Slesar had 2 other stories published in that month&#39;s issue.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Henry Slesar</strong> (June 12, 1927 – April 2, 2002) was an American author and playwright. He is famous for his use of irony and twist endings. After reading Slesar&#39;s &#34;M Is for the Many&#34; in Ellery Queen&#39;s Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock bought it for adaptation and they began many successful collaborations. Slesar wrote hundreds of scripts for television series and soap operas, leading TV Guide to call him &#34;the writer with the largest audience in America.&#34;</p><p>In 1955, he published his first short story, &#34;The Brat&#34; (Imaginative Tales, September, 1955). While working as a copywriter, he published hundreds of short stories—over forty in 1957 alone—including detective fiction, science fiction, criminal stories, mysteries, and thrillers in such publications as Playboy, Imaginative Tales, and Alfred Hitchcock&#39;s Mystery Magazine; he was writing, on average, a story per week.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 7be6a855-bfcb-40b6-b8b8-4c0b704de108 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/mr-lonliness-a-kiss-for-the-conqueror-my-robot-by-henry-slesar Mon, 27 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2274 no full Blind Play & The Statistomat Pitch, by Chandler Davis Blind Play & The Statistomat Pitch, by Chandler Davis Paul Lawley-Jones Blind Play

Nick Pappas, hired-killer from Callisto, was strictly out for Pappas--out for Number One, as they used to say. And now those fools in the vanishing spaceship thought that number was up!

"Blind Play" appeared in "Planet Stories," May 1951, pages 24 - 31.

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The Statistomat Pitch

The Statistomat was no different from General Computer's Incomac when growing one's investments. So how could a new and small company compete with one of the largest and most well-funded companies in the country?

Jed Borch, who had a modest estate to invest, wanted to find out...

"The Statistomat Pitch" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction," January 1958, pages 92 - 100.

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Horace Chandler Davis (August 12, 1926 – September 24, 2022) was an American-Canadian mathematician, writer, educator, and political activist, and a minor science fiction writer.

Davis began his writing career in Astounding Science Fiction in 1946. From 1946 through 1962 he produced a spate of science fiction stories, mostly published there. One of the earliest, published May 1946, was The Nightmare, later the lead story in A Treasury of Science Fiction, edited by Groff Conklin.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>Blind Play</strong></p><p><strong><em>Nick Pappas, hired-killer from Callisto, was strictly out for Pappas--out for Number One, as they used to say. And now those fools in the vanishing spaceship thought that number was up!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Blind Play&#34; appeared in &#34;Planet Stories,&#34; May 1951, pages 24 - 31.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>The Statistomat Pitch</strong></p><p><strong><em>The Statistomat was no different from General Computer&#39;s Incomac when growing one&#39;s investments. So how could a new and small company compete with one of the largest and most well-funded companies in the country?</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Jed Borch, who had a modest estate to invest, wanted to find out...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Statistomat Pitch&#34; appeared in &#34;Infinity Science Fiction,&#34; January 1958, pages 92 - 100.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Horace Chandler Davis</strong> (August 12, 1926 – September 24, 2022) was an American-Canadian mathematician, writer, educator, and political activist, and a minor science fiction writer.</p><p>Davis began his writing career in Astounding Science Fiction in 1946. From 1946 through 1962 he produced a spate of science fiction stories, mostly published there. One of the earliest, published May 1946, was The Nightmare, later the lead story in A Treasury of Science Fiction, edited by Groff Conklin.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 8ce9c57e-6cbd-444d-a267-194590cb5a52 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/blind-play-the-statistomat-pitch-by-chandler-davis Sat, 25 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000 3068 no full The Man Who Could Work Miracles, by H G Wells The Man Who Could Work Miracles, by H G Wells Paul Lawley-Jones Mr. Fotheringay was a sceptic. He didn't believe in miracles, and he was going to prove it to Mr. Beamish, only...

"The Man Who Could Work Miracles" appeared in "Tales of Space and Time," Harper & Brothers, London and New York, 1900, pages 325 - 358.

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Herbert George Wells (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946) was an English writer. He wrote more than fifty novels and dozens of short stories. His non-fiction output included works of social commentary, politics, history, popular science, satire, biography, and autobiography. Wells' science fiction novels are so well regarded that he has been called the "father of science fiction".

As a futurist, he wrote a number of utopian works and foresaw the advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, nuclear weapons, satellite television and something resembling the World Wide Web. His science fiction imagined time travel, alien invasion, invisibility and biological engineering before these subjects were common in the genre. Brian Aldiss referred to Wells as the "Shakespeare of science fiction."

Wells rendered his works convincing by instilling commonplace detail alongside a single extraordinary assumption per work – dubbed "Wells's law." His most notable science fiction works include The Time Machine (1895), which was his first novel, The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), The War of the Worlds (1898), the military science fiction The War in the Air (1907), and the dystopian When the Sleeper Wakes (1910).

Wells was a diabetic and co-founded the charity The Diabetic Association (Diabetes UK) in 1934.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Mr. Fotheringay was a sceptic. He didn&#39;t believe in miracles, and he was going to prove it to Mr. Beamish, only...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Man Who Could Work Miracles&#34; appeared in &#34;Tales of Space and Time,&#34; Harper &amp; Brothers, London and New York, 1900, pages 325 - 358.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Herbert George Wells</strong> (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946) was an English writer. He wrote more than fifty novels and dozens of short stories. His non-fiction output included works of social commentary, politics, history, popular science, satire, biography, and autobiography. Wells&#39; science fiction novels are so well regarded that he has been called the &#34;father of science fiction&#34;.</p><p>As a futurist, he wrote a number of utopian works and foresaw the advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, nuclear weapons, satellite television and something resembling the World Wide Web. His science fiction imagined time travel, alien invasion, invisibility and biological engineering before these subjects were common in the genre. Brian Aldiss referred to Wells as the &#34;Shakespeare of science fiction.&#34;</p><p>Wells rendered his works convincing by instilling commonplace detail alongside a single extraordinary assumption per work – dubbed &#34;Wells&#39;s law.&#34; His most notable science fiction works include The Time Machine (1895), which was his first novel, The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), The War of the Worlds (1898), the military science fiction The War in the Air (1907), and the dystopian When the Sleeper Wakes (1910).</p><p>Wells was a diabetic and co-founded the charity The Diabetic Association (Diabetes UK) in 1934.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> c4d63327-6063-4d62-be2e-008cc4728645 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-man-who-could-work-miracles-by-h-g-wells Thu, 23 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2690 no full How Deep the Grooves & The Wounded, by Philip José Farmer How Deep the Grooves & The Wounded, by Philip José Farmer Paul Lawley-Jones How Deep the Grooves

Dr. James Carroad was prepared to experiment on his own unborn son to demonstrate that he could condition unquestioning loyalty in potential citizens, removing certain freedoms. However, Nature, or God, or the universe, had beaten him by a long way....

"How Deep the Grooves" appeared in "Amazing Stories," February 1963, pages 106 - 117.

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The Wounded

No one was supposed to be able to recognize him. But those damned polaroid glasses they give you at the 3D movies...

"The Wounded" appeared in "Fantastic Universe," October 1954, pages 69 - 73. 

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Philip José Farmer (January 26, 1918 – February 25, 2009) was an American author known for his science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories. He is best known for the World of Tiers (1965–93) and Riverworld (1971–83) series. He is noted for the reworking of the lore of celebrated pulp heroes. Farmer often mixed real and classic fictional characters and worlds. Such works as The Other Log of Phileas Fogg (1973) and Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life (1973) are early examples of literary mashup novels.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>How Deep the Grooves</strong></p><p><strong><em>Dr. James Carroad was prepared to experiment on his own unborn son to demonstrate that he could condition unquestioning loyalty in potential citizens, removing certain freedoms. However, Nature, or God, or the universe, had beaten him by a long way....</em></strong></p><p>&#34;How Deep the Grooves&#34; appeared in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; February 1963, pages 106 - 117.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>The Wounded</strong></p><p><strong><em>No one was supposed to be able to recognize him. But those damned polaroid glasses they give you at the 3D movies...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Wounded&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe,&#34; October 1954, pages 69 - 73. </p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Philip José Farmer</strong> (January 26, 1918 – February 25, 2009) was an American author known for his science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories. He is best known for the World of Tiers (1965–93) and Riverworld (1971–83) series. He is noted for the reworking of the lore of celebrated pulp heroes. Farmer often mixed real and classic fictional characters and worlds. Such works as The Other Log of Phileas Fogg (1973) and Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life (1973) are early examples of literary mashup novels.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> c85711cd-e329-4cea-8386-fd9f425cb131 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/how-deep-the-grooves-the-wounded-by-philip-jos-farmer Tue, 21 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2779 no full The Untouchable Adolescents, by Harlan Ellison The Untouchable Adolescents, by Harlan Ellison Paul Lawley-Jones The aliens wouldn't accept help, though their world was about to explode. They were adolescents. Adolescence is the time when you aren't smart enough to ask for help....

"The Untouchable Adolescents" appeared in the February 1957 issue of "Super-Science Fiction" on pages 68 - 86. It was published under the pen name of "Ellis Hart", which Ellison used when publishing short stories.

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Harlan Jay Ellison (May 27, 1934 – June 28, 2018) was an American writer, known for his prolific and influential work in New Wave speculative fiction and for his outspoken, combative personality. His published works include more than 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media.

Some of his best-known works include the 1967 Star Trek episode "The City on the Edge of Forever", considered by some to be the single greatest episode of the Star Trek franchise (he subsequently wrote a book about the experience that includes his original teleplay), his "A Boy and His Dog" cycle (which was made into a film), and his short stories "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" and "'Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman".

He was also editor and anthologist for Dangerous Visions (1967) and Again, Dangerous Visions (1972). Ellison won numerous awards, including multiple Hugos, Nebulas, and Edgars.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The aliens wouldn&#39;t accept help, though their world was about to explode. They were adolescents. Adolescence is the time when you aren&#39;t smart enough to ask for help....</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Untouchable Adolescents&#34; appeared in the February 1957 issue of &#34;Super-Science Fiction&#34; on pages 68 - 86. It was published under the pen name of &#34;Ellis Hart&#34;, which Ellison used when publishing short stories.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Harlan Jay Ellison</strong> (May 27, 1934 – June 28, 2018) was an American writer, known for his prolific and influential work in New Wave speculative fiction and for his outspoken, combative personality. His published works include more than 1,700 short stories, novellas, screenplays, comic book scripts, teleplays, essays, and a wide range of criticism covering literature, film, television, and print media.</p><p>Some of his best-known works include the 1967 Star Trek episode &#34;The City on the Edge of Forever&#34;, considered by some to be the single greatest episode of the Star Trek franchise (he subsequently wrote a book about the experience that includes his original teleplay), his &#34;A Boy and His Dog&#34; cycle (which was made into a film), and his short stories &#34;I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream&#34; and &#34;&#39;Repent, Harlequin!&#39; Said the Ticktockman&#34;.</p><p>He was also editor and anthologist for Dangerous Visions (1967) and Again, Dangerous Visions (1972). Ellison won numerous awards, including multiple Hugos, Nebulas, and Edgars.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> a3826318-ffda-4701-ab71-146c6bb1ba53 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-untouchable-adolescents-by-harlan-ellison Sun, 19 Jan 2025 22:00:00 +0000 2516 no full Stopover Planet & The Space Between, by Robert E Gilbert Stopover Planet & The Space Between, by Robert E Gilbert Paul Lawley-Jones Stopover Planet

Early morning deliveries were part of the Honeychile Bakery Service. But on this particular morning the bakery was collecting, not delivering!

"Stopover Planet" appeared in "Imagination," August 1953, pages 132 - 140.

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The Space Between

Jak and Drusilla were on their way back to Earth, to the Wollongong Obstetric Hospital to be precise, for Drusilla had developed an acute case of pregnancy, when they were waylaid by ... pirates!?

"The Space Between" appeared in "Planet Stories," Spring 1955, pages 60 - 66.

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Robert E. Gilbert (May 6, 1924 – April 4, 1993) was an American science fiction writer.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>Stopover Planet</strong></p><p><strong><em>Early morning deliveries were part of the Honeychile Bakery Service. But on this particular morning the bakery was collecting, not delivering!</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Stopover Planet&#34; appeared in &#34;Imagination,&#34; August 1953, pages 132 - 140.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>The Space Between</strong></p><p><strong><em>Jak and Drusilla were on their way back to Earth, to the Wollongong Obstetric Hospital to be precise, for Drusilla had developed an acute case of pregnancy, when they were waylaid by ... pirates!?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Space Between&#34; appeared in &#34;Planet Stories,&#34; Spring 1955, pages 60 - 66.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Robert E. Gilbert</strong> (May 6, 1924 – April 4, 1993) was an American science fiction writer.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> ab56ff16-4af9-4be8-ba39-6c4d1b3f63f0 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/stopover-planet-the-space-between-by-robert-e-gilbert Sat, 18 Jan 2025 04:19:00 +0000 2962 no full The Diamond Lens, by Fitz-James O'Brien The Diamond Lens, by Fitz-James O'Brien Paul Lawley-Jones What was he prepared to do to pursue his life's ambition become the foremost microscopist? It turned out, almost anything. But what he discovered was to change, and ruin, his life.

"The Diamond Lens" appeared first in "Atlantic Monthly," January 1858, pages 354 - 367, and later in "Amazing Stories," October 1933, pages 600 - 615.

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Fitz James O'Brien (also spelled Fitz-James; 25 October 1826 – 6 April 1862) was an Irish-American Civil War soldier, writer, and poet often cited as an early practitioner of science fiction.

He wrote for the Home Journal, the New York Times, and the American Whig Review. His first important literary connection was with Harper's Magazine, and beginning in February 1853, with The Two Skulls, he contributed more than sixty articles in prose and verse to that periodical. He likewise wrote for the New York Saturday Press, Putnam's Magazine, Vanity Fair, and the Atlantic Monthly.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>What was he prepared to do to pursue his life&#39;s ambition become the foremost microscopist? It turned out, almost anything. But what he discovered was to change, and ruin, his life.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Diamond Lens&#34; appeared first in &#34;Atlantic Monthly,&#34; January 1858, pages 354 - 367, and later in &#34;Amazing Stories,&#34; October 1933, pages 600 - 615.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Fitz James O&#39;Brien</strong> (also spelled Fitz-James; 25 October 1826 – 6 April 1862) was an Irish-American Civil War soldier, writer, and poet often cited as an early practitioner of science fiction.</p><p>He wrote for the Home Journal, the New York Times, and the American Whig Review. His first important literary connection was with Harper&#39;s Magazine, and beginning in February 1853, with The Two Skulls, he contributed more than sixty articles in prose and verse to that periodical. He likewise wrote for the New York Saturday Press, Putnam&#39;s Magazine, Vanity Fair, and the Atlantic Monthly.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> cae0e3c4-4539-474b-a55e-7e78926cdc37 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-diamond-lens-by-fitz-james-obrien Thu, 16 Jan 2025 03:53:00 +0000 3832 no full Infiltration, by Algis Budrys & And Miles To Go Before I Sleep, by William F Nolan Infiltration, by Algis Budrys & And Miles To Go Before I Sleep, by William F Nolan Paul Lawley-Jones Infiltration

Werewolves don't necessarily conform to all the superstitions people have. They may even know fear...

"Infiltration" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction" October 1958, pages 114 - 123.

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Algirdas Jonas "Algis" Budrys (January 9, 1931 – June 9, 2008) was a Lithuanian-American science fiction author, editor, and critic. He was also known under the pen names Frank Mason, Alger Rome (in collaboration with Jerome Bixby), John A. Sentry, William Scarff, and Paul Janvier. He is best known for the influential 1960 novel Rogue Moon.

Incorporating his family's experience, Budrys's fiction depicts isolated and damaged people and themes of identity, survival, and legacy.

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And Miles To Go Before I Sleep

He knew, to the exact minute, when he was going to die. And Earth was too far away to reach. But his aged parents would never know that their son was dead...

"And Miles To Go Before I Sleep" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction," August 1958, pages 88 - 92.

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William Francis Nolan (March 6, 1928 – July 15, 2021) was an American author who wrote hundreds of stories in the science fiction, fantasy, horror, and crime fiction genres. Nolan is perhaps best known for coauthoring the novel "Logan's Run," with George Clayton Johnson, but wrote literally hundreds of pieces, from poetry to nonfiction,to prose, for many publications.Nolan wrote several mystery novels, including the "Challis" series. He also had a long career in the movie industry, primarily working for Dan Curtis, and co-wrote the screenplay for the 1976 horror film Burnt Offerings which starred Karen Black and Bette Davis.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong>Infiltration</strong></p><p><strong><em>Werewolves don&#39;t necessarily conform to all the superstitions people have. They may even know fear...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Infiltration&#34; appeared in &#34;Infinity Science Fiction&#34; October 1958, pages 114 - 123.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Algirdas Jonas &#34;Algis&#34; Budrys</strong> (January 9, 1931 – June 9, 2008) was a Lithuanian-American science fiction author, editor, and critic. He was also known under the pen names Frank Mason, Alger Rome (in collaboration with Jerome Bixby), John A. Sentry, William Scarff, and Paul Janvier. He is best known for the influential 1960 novel Rogue Moon.</p><p>Incorporating his family&#39;s experience, Budrys&#39;s fiction depicts isolated and damaged people and themes of identity, survival, and legacy.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>And Miles To Go Before I Sleep</strong></p><p><strong><em>He knew, to the exact minute, when he was going to die. And Earth was too far away to reach. But his aged parents would never know that their son was dead...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;And Miles To Go Before I Sleep&#34; appeared in &#34;Infinity Science Fiction,&#34; August 1958, pages 88 - 92.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>William Francis Nolan</strong> (March 6, 1928 – July 15, 2021) was an American author who wrote hundreds of stories in the science fiction, fantasy, horror, and crime fiction genres. Nolan is perhaps best known for coauthoring the novel &#34;Logan&#39;s Run,&#34; with George Clayton Johnson, but wrote literally hundreds of pieces, from poetry to nonfiction,to prose, for many publications.Nolan wrote several mystery novels, including the &#34;Challis&#34; series. He also had a long career in the movie industry, primarily working for Dan Curtis, and co-wrote the screenplay for the 1976 horror film Burnt Offerings which starred Karen Black and Bette Davis.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 4d223c86-fbd1-4696-9448-d0cdc010f566 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/infiltration-by-algis-budrys-miles-to-go-before-i-sleep-by-william-f-nolan Tue, 14 Jan 2025 01:32:00 +0000 2262 no full All Cats are Gray, by Andre Norton All Cats are Gray, by Andre Norton Paul Lawley-Jones Steena was background stuff, never out of her baggy shapeless gray space-alls, with the gray personality of the machines she minded. Her only companion was a gray cat called Bat. So when she told Cliff Moran, a down-on-his-luck spacer, that it was time to seek out the famed "Empress of Mars" and bring it into port, he had no choice but to take her seriously. Little did he know that he'd have two extra passengers, nor that this trip would change his life...

"All Cats are Gray" appeared in "Fantastic Universe Science Fiction," August-September 1953, pages 129 - 134.

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Andre Alice Norton (born Alice Mary Norton, February 17, 1912 – March 17, 2005) was an American writer of science fiction and fantasy, who also wrote works of historical and contemporary fiction. She wrote primarily under the pen name Andre Norton, but also under Andrew North and Allen Weston. She was the first woman to be Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy, to be SFWA Grand Master, and to be inducted by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Steena was background stuff, never out of her baggy shapeless gray space-alls, with the gray personality of the machines she minded. Her only companion was a gray cat called Bat. So when she told Cliff Moran, a down-on-his-luck spacer, that it was time to seek out the famed &#34;Empress of Mars&#34; and bring it into port, he had no choice but to take her seriously. Little did he know that he&#39;d have two extra passengers, nor that this trip would change his life...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;All Cats are Gray&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe Science Fiction,&#34; August-September 1953, pages 129 - 134.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Andre Alice Norton</strong> (born Alice Mary Norton, February 17, 1912 – March 17, 2005) was an American writer of science fiction and fantasy, who also wrote works of historical and contemporary fiction. She wrote primarily under the pen name Andre Norton, but also under Andrew North and Allen Weston. She was the first woman to be Gandalf Grand Master of Fantasy, to be SFWA Grand Master, and to be inducted by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 42f6ad66-71b9-4a35-bf6b-3d838cd77451 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/all-cats-are-gray-by-andre-norton Sun, 12 Jan 2025 05:19:00 +0000 1162 no full The Missing Will, by Agatha Christie The Missing Will, by Agatha Christie Paul Lawley-Jones Violet Marsh's uncle had written two wills—one public, one hidden—and challenged his niece, and his sole heir, to pit her educated wits against his uneducated wits and find the hidden will. Knowing that she was outmatched, Violet contacted an expert in solving riddles...

"The Missing Will" appeared in "Blue Book Magazine," January 1925, pages 146 - 150. 

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Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world's longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the "Golden Age of Detective Fiction," Christie has been called the "Queen of Crime"—now trademarked by her estate—or the "Queen of Mystery." She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Violet Marsh&#39;s uncle had written two wills—one public, one hidden—and challenged his niece, and his sole heir, to pit her educated wits against his uneducated wits and find the hidden will. Knowing that she was outmatched, Violet contacted an expert in solving riddles...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Missing Will&#34; appeared in &#34;Blue Book Magazine,&#34; January 1925, pages 146 - 150. </p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Dame Agatha Mary Clarissa Christie</strong>, Lady Mallowan, DBE (née Miller; 15 September 1890 – 12 January 1976) was an English writer known for her 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections, particularly those revolving around fictional detectives Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. She also wrote the world&#39;s longest-running play, the murder mystery The Mousetrap, which has been performed in the West End of London since 1952. A writer during the &#34;Golden Age of Detective Fiction,&#34; Christie has been called the &#34;Queen of Crime&#34;—now trademarked by her estate—or the &#34;Queen of Mystery.&#34; She also wrote six novels under the pseudonym Mary Westmacott. In 1971, she was made a Dame (DBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for her contributions to literature. Guinness World Records lists Christie as the best-selling fiction writer of all time, her novels having sold more than two billion copies.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 46244190-b10f-4136-ba93-60f5fb53c488 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-missing-will-by-agatha-christie Fri, 10 Jan 2025 11:45:00 +0000 1514 no full The Boomerang Circuit, by Murray Leinster The Boomerang Circuit, by Murray Leinster Paul Lawley-Jones Ades has vanished! And kings, emperors and despots are annexing the planets Kim Rendell, matter-transmitter technician, inter-galactic criminal, and space explorer, and Dona, his wife and ship-mate, freed from the Sinab Empire. In his ship, the Starshine, Kim must investigate what has happened to Ades, and then devise a plan to free those planets from further tyranny...

"The Boomerang Circuit" first appeared in "Thrilling Wonder Stories," June 1947, pages 11 - 37. It was later published as the third part of a full novel titled "The Last Spaceship" in 1949 by "Galaxy Publishing Corp."

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Murray Leinster (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Ades has vanished! And kings, emperors and despots are annexing the planets Kim Rendell, matter-transmitter technician, inter-galactic criminal, and space explorer, and Dona, his wife and ship-mate, freed from the Sinab Empire. In his ship, the Starshine, Kim must investigate what has happened to Ades, and then devise a plan to free those planets from further tyranny...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Boomerang Circuit&#34; first appeared in &#34;Thrilling Wonder Stories,&#34; June 1947, pages 11 - 37. It was later published as the third part of a full novel titled &#34;The Last Spaceship&#34; in 1949 by &#34;Galaxy Publishing Corp.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Murray Leinster</strong> (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p>Music: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 7589b526-3c73-45b6-ad1c-04678b71884b https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-boomerang-circuit-by-murray-leinster Wed, 08 Jan 2025 11:42:00 +0000 7173 no full The Manless Worlds, by Murray Leinster The Manless Worlds, by Murray Leinster Paul Lawley-Jones The planet Sinab II has altered the fighting-beams to kill only men, and they're spreading across the First Galaxy by wiping out all the men on a planet, waiting until the women are desperate, and then re-colonizing it with their own men, creating the first Galactic Empire. The planet Ades is in line to be colonized and become part of the Sinab Empire. But Kim Rendell, matter-transmitter technician and inter-galactic criminal, has a plan to stop them... 

"The Manless Worlds" first appeared in "Thrilling Wonder Stories," February 1947, pages 11 - 35. It was later published as the second part of a full novel titled "The Last Spaceship" in 1949 by "Galaxy Publishing Corp."

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Murray Leinster (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The planet Sinab II has altered the fighting-beams to kill only men, and they&#39;re spreading across the First Galaxy by wiping out all the men on a planet, waiting until the women are desperate, and then re-colonizing it with their own men, creating the first Galactic Empire. The planet Ades is in line to be colonized and become part of the Sinab Empire. But Kim Rendell, matter-transmitter technician and inter-galactic criminal, has a plan to stop them... </em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Manless Worlds&#34; first appeared in &#34;Thrilling Wonder Stories,&#34; February 1947, pages 11 - 35. It was later published as the second part of a full novel titled &#34;The Last Spaceship&#34; in 1949 by &#34;Galaxy Publishing Corp.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Murray Leinster</strong> (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 50f302aa-7439-458e-8744-b90e4e5a18b4 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-manless-worlds-by-murray-leinster Tue, 07 Jan 2025 02:49:00 +0000 6354 no full The Disciplinary Circuit, by Murray Leinster The Disciplinary Circuit, by Murray Leinster Paul Lawley-Jones Kim Rendell, matter-transmitter technician, has defied the government of Alphin III by nullifying the Disciplinary Circuit, the system used to keep the planet's citizens under control in a condition of virtual slavery. He is given a choice, stay on the planet as a blocked man with no access to any facilities the planet provides and suffering daily the increasing pain of the Disciplinary Circuit, or exile. Kim chooses a third option...

"The Disciplinary Circuit" first appeared in "Thrilling Wonder Stories," Winter 1946, pages 44 - 63. It was later published as the first part of a full novel titled "The Last Spaceship" in 1949 by "Galaxy Publishing Corp."

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Murray Leinster (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Kim Rendell, matter-transmitter technician, has defied the government of Alphin III by nullifying the Disciplinary Circuit, the system used to keep the planet&#39;s citizens under control in a condition of virtual slavery. He is given a choice, stay on the planet as a blocked man with no access to any facilities the planet provides and suffering daily the increasing pain of the Disciplinary Circuit, or exile. Kim chooses a third option...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Disciplinary Circuit&#34; first appeared in &#34;Thrilling Wonder Stories,&#34; Winter 1946, pages 44 - 63. It was later published as the first part of a full novel titled &#34;The Last Spaceship&#34; in 1949 by &#34;Galaxy Publishing Corp.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Murray Leinster</strong> (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 749dc8cb-e42c-464a-8838-08bfb4104614 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-disciplinary-circuit-by-murray-leinster Mon, 06 Jan 2025 09:22:00 +0000 6027 no full The Eyes Have It & Beyond the Door, by Philip K Dick The Eyes Have It & Beyond the Door, by Philip K Dick Paul Lawley-Jones A little whimsy, now and then, makes for good balance. You could find this type of humor anywhere, but only a topflight science-fictionist could have written this story, in just this way...

"The Eyes Have It" appeared in "Science Fiction Stories," 1953, pages 128 - 130.

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Did you ever wonder at the lonely life the bird in a cuckoo clock has to lead—that it might possibly love and hate just as easily as a real animal of flesh and blood?

Larry Thomas bought a cuckoo clock for his wife—without knowing the price he would have to pay.

"Beyond the Door" appeared in "Fantastic Universe Science Fiction," January 1954, pages 101 - 106.

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Philip Kindred Dick (December 16, 1928 – March 2, 1982) was an American science fiction writer. He wrote 44 novels and about 121 short stories. His fiction explored philosophical and social questions such as the nature of reality, perception, human nature, and identity, and commonly featured characters struggling against elements such as alternate realities, illusory environments, monopolistic corporations, drug abuse, authoritarian governments, and altered states of consciousness.

Dick's influence has been widespread, extending into Hollywood filmmaking. Popular films based on his works include Blade Runner (1982), Total Recall (1990 and 2012), Screamers (1995), Minority Report (2002), A Scanner Darkly (2006), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), and Radio Free Albemuth (2010). In 2015, The Man in the High Castle (1962) was a dapted into a multi-season television series, based on Dick's 1962 novel; and in 2017 Channel 4 produced the anthology series Electric Dreams, based on various Dick stories.

In 2007, Dick became the first science fiction writer included in The Library of America series.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>A little whimsy, now and then, makes for good balance. You could find this type of humor anywhere, but only a topflight science-fictionist could have written this story, in just this way...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Eyes Have It&#34; appeared in &#34;Science Fiction Stories,&#34; 1953, pages 128 - 130.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong><em>Did you ever wonder at the lonely life the bird in a cuckoo clock has to lead—that it might possibly love and hate just as easily as a real animal of flesh and blood?</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Larry Thomas bought a cuckoo clock for his wife—without knowing the price he would have to pay.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Beyond the Door&#34; appeared in &#34;Fantastic Universe Science Fiction,&#34; January 1954, pages 101 - 106.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Philip Kindred Dick</strong> (December 16, 1928 – March 2, 1982) was an American science fiction writer. He wrote 44 novels and about 121 short stories. His fiction explored philosophical and social questions such as the nature of reality, perception, human nature, and identity, and commonly featured characters struggling against elements such as alternate realities, illusory environments, monopolistic corporations, drug abuse, authoritarian governments, and altered states of consciousness.</p><p>Dick&#39;s influence has been widespread, extending into Hollywood filmmaking. Popular films based on his works include Blade Runner (1982), Total Recall (1990 and 2012), Screamers (1995), Minority Report (2002), A Scanner Darkly (2006), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), and Radio Free Albemuth (2010). In 2015, The Man in the High Castle (1962) was a dapted into a multi-season television series, based on Dick&#39;s 1962 novel; and in 2017 Channel 4 produced the anthology series Electric Dreams, based on various Dick stories.</p><p>In 2007, Dick became the first science fiction writer included in The Library of America series.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> d79e2923-0bf4-4b69-bb6a-524e83640739 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-eyes-have-it-beyond-the-door-by-philip-k-dick Sat, 04 Jan 2025 05:09:00 +0000 1501 no full A Little Journey & Zero Hour, by Ray Bradbury A Little Journey & Zero Hour, by Ray Bradbury Paul Lawley-Jones Mrs. Bellowes, along with a lot of other older women, had paid good money to stay at Mr. Thirkell's Restorium and eventually on to the greatest adventure life could offer. But after yet another delay, she just had to take matters into her own hands...

"A Little Journey" appeared in "Galaxy Science Fiction," August 1951, pages 152 - 158.

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The new game the children are playing is going to be the best game ever! It's called 'Invasion!' and their new friend, Drill, is helping them prepare for Zero Hour, when the game begins.

"Zero Hour" appreaed in "Planet Stories," Fall 1947, pages 40 - 45.

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Ray Douglas Bradbury (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.

Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.

The New York Times called Bradbury "the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream."

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Mrs. Bellowes, along with a lot of other older women, had paid good money to stay at Mr. Thirkell&#39;s Restorium and eventually on to the greatest adventure life could offer. But after yet another delay, she just had to take matters into her own hands...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;A Little Journey&#34; appeared in &#34;Galaxy Science Fiction,&#34; August 1951, pages 152 - 158.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong><em>The new game the children are playing is going to be the best game ever! It&#39;s called &#39;Invasion!&#39; and their new friend, Drill, is helping them prepare for Zero Hour, when the game begins.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Zero Hour&#34; appreaed in &#34;Planet Stories,&#34; Fall 1947, pages 40 - 45.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Ray Douglas Bradbury</strong> (August 22, 1920 – June 5, 2012) was an American author and screenwriter. One of the most celebrated 20th-century American writers, he worked in a variety of genres, including fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, and realistic fiction.</p><p>Bradbury is widely known by the general public for his novel Fahrenheit 451 (1953) and his short-story collections The Martian Chronicles (1950) and The Illustrated Man (1951). Most of his best known work is speculative fiction, but he also wrote and consulted on screenplays and television scripts, including Moby Dick and It Came from Outer Space. Many of his works were adapted into television and film productions as well as comic books.</p><p>The New York Times called Bradbury &#34;the writer most responsible for bringing modern science fiction into the literary mainstream.&#34;</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> bdf6dea8-8dba-48e9-84e6-97da6ea81ee0 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/a-little-journey-zero-hour-by-ray-bradbury Wed, 01 Jan 2025 05:59:00 +0000 2551 no full The Hanging Stranger, by Philip K Dick The Hanging Stranger, by Philip K Dick Paul Lawley-Jones Ed Loyce was a practical man. He liked to fix things himself. And if he couldn't fix it himself, he'd call someone. When he saw what was hanging in the town square, and no one doing anything about it, he had to go and investigate...

"The Hanging Stranger" appeared in "Science Fiction Adventures" magazine, December 1953, pages 122 - 136.

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Philip Kindred Dick (December 16, 1928 – March 2, 1982) was an American science fiction writer. He wrote 44 novels and about 121 short stories. His fiction explored philosophical and social questions such as the nature of reality, perception, human nature, and identity, and commonly featured characters struggling against elements such as alternate realities, illusory environments, monopolistic corporations, drug abuse, authoritarian governments, and altered states of consciousness.

Dick's influence has been widespread, extending into Hollywood filmmaking. Popular films based on his works include Blade Runner (1982), Total Recall (1990 and 2012), Screamers (1995), Minority Report (2002), A Scanner Darkly (2006), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), and Radio Free Albemuth (2010). In 2015, The Man in the High Castle (1962) was a dapted into a multi-season television series, based on Dick's 1962 novel; and in 2017 Channel 4 produced the anthology series Electric Dreams, based on various Dick stories.

In 2007, Dick became the first science fiction writer included in The Library of America series.

-----

If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Ed Loyce was a practical man. He liked to fix things himself. And if he couldn&#39;t fix it himself, he&#39;d call someone. When he saw what was hanging in the town square, and no one doing anything about it, he had to go and investigate...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Hanging Stranger&#34; appeared in &#34;Science Fiction Adventures&#34; magazine, December 1953, pages 122 - 136.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Philip Kindred Dick</strong> (December 16, 1928 – March 2, 1982) was an American science fiction writer. He wrote 44 novels and about 121 short stories. His fiction explored philosophical and social questions such as the nature of reality, perception, human nature, and identity, and commonly featured characters struggling against elements such as alternate realities, illusory environments, monopolistic corporations, drug abuse, authoritarian governments, and altered states of consciousness.</p><p>Dick&#39;s influence has been widespread, extending into Hollywood filmmaking. Popular films based on his works include Blade Runner (1982), Total Recall (1990 and 2012), Screamers (1995), Minority Report (2002), A Scanner Darkly (2006), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), and Radio Free Albemuth (2010). In 2015, The Man in the High Castle (1962) was a dapted into a multi-season television series, based on Dick&#39;s 1962 novel; and in 2017 Channel 4 produced the anthology series Electric Dreams, based on various Dick stories.</p><p>In 2007, Dick became the first science fiction writer included in <a href="https://www.loa.org/" rel="nofollow">The Library of America</a> series.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p>Music: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="http://incompetech.com" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 1d748d0e-b856-47ec-9ad9-e483145df98e https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-hanging-stranger-by-philip-k-dick Sun, 29 Dec 2024 03:31:00 +0000 2129 no full The Way Out, by Richard Rein Smith The Way Out, by Richard Rein Smith Paul Lawley-Jones <p>How do you kill a man without killing him? </p> <p>This was the problem Colonel Donovan had to solve if Earth was to win the war against Antares. Suicide was not an option; the killing of one's own soldiers was just wrong. But a way had to be found to prevent captured soldiers from divulging information about the disposition of Earth's forces.</p> <p>"The Way Out" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction," June 1958, pages 110 - 125.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Richard Rein Smith</strong> (November 28 1930 – ) is an American science fiction writer, and a writer of novels in other genres under various pseudonyms, some of which are as yet unrevealed.</p> <hr /> <p><strong>Links</strong></p> <p>Reaper: <a title="Reaper" href="https://www.reaper.fm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reaper.fm</a></p> <p>LibSyn: <a title="LibSyn" href="https://libsyn.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">libsyn.com</a></p> <p>"Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (<a title="Incompetech.com" href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a title= "Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0 International" href= "http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> <hr /> <p>If there is a particular story that you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know using the <a title="Contact Me" href= "https://sites.libsyn.com/554987/site/contact">Contact Form</a>.</p> How do you kill a man without killing him? 

This was the problem Colonel Donovan had to solve if Earth was to win the war against Antares. Suicide was not an option; the killing of one's own soldiers was just wrong. But a way had to be found to prevent captured soldiers from divulging information about the disposition of Earth's forces.

"The Way Out" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction," June 1958, pages 110 - 125.

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Richard Rein Smith (November 28 1930 – ) is an American science fiction writer, and a writer of novels in other genres under various pseudonyms, some of which are as yet unrevealed.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>How do you kill a man without killing him? </em></strong></p><p><strong><em>This was the problem Colonel Donovan had to solve if Earth was to win the war against Antares. Suicide was not an option; the killing of one&#39;s own soldiers was just wrong. But a way had to be found to prevent captured soldiers from divulging information about the disposition of Earth&#39;s forces.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Way Out&#34; appeared in &#34;Infinity Science Fiction,&#34; June 1958, pages 110 - 125.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Richard Rein Smith</strong> (November 28 1930 – ) is an American science fiction writer, and a writer of novels in other genres under various pseudonyms, some of which are as yet unrevealed.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 50840e00-7029-4056-ae29-c66037793e90 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-way-out-by-richard-rein-smith Thu, 26 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000 2580 no full Tony and the Beetles, by Philip K Dick Tony and the Beetles, by Philip K Dick Paul Lawley-Jones The Pas-udeti war-fleet had turned the flank of the human war-fleet, and, for the first time in a century, the humans were retreating. But this planet around Orion was Tony's home. He'd been born here. He had Pas-udeti friends. He'd known them for five years. They were building a model spaceport. Nothing would change...

"Tony and the Beetles" appeared in "Orbit," December 1953, pages 60 - 71.

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Philip Kindred Dick (December 16, 1928 – March 2, 1982) was an American science fiction writer. He wrote 44 novels and about 121 short stories. His fiction explored philosophical and social questions such as the nature of reality, perception, human nature, and identity, and commonly featured characters struggling against elements such as alternate realities, illusory environments, monopolistic corporations, drug abuse, authoritarian governments, and altered states of consciousness.

Dick's influence has been widespread, extending into Hollywood filmmaking. Popular films based on his works include Blade Runner (1982), Total Recall (1990 and 2012), Screamers (1995), Minority Report (2002), A Scanner Darkly (2006), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), and Radio Free Albemuth (2010). In 2015, The Man in the High Castle (1962) was adapted into a multi-season television series, based on Dick's 1962 novel; and in 2017 Channel 4 produced the anthology series Electric Dreams, based on various Dick stories.

In 2007, Dick became the first science fiction writer included in The Library of America series.

-----

If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The Pas-udeti war-fleet had turned the flank of the human war-fleet, and, for the first time in a century, the humans were retreating. But this planet around Orion was Tony&#39;s home. He&#39;d been born here. He had Pas-udeti friends. He&#39;d known them for five years. They were building a model spaceport. Nothing would change...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Tony and the Beetles&#34; appeared in &#34;Orbit,&#34; December 1953, pages 60 - 71.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Philip Kindred Dick</strong> (December 16, 1928 – March 2, 1982) was an American science fiction writer. He wrote 44 novels and about 121 short stories. His fiction explored philosophical and social questions such as the nature of reality, perception, human nature, and identity, and commonly featured characters struggling against elements such as alternate realities, illusory environments, monopolistic corporations, drug abuse, authoritarian governments, and altered states of consciousness.</p><p>Dick&#39;s influence has been widespread, extending into Hollywood filmmaking. Popular films based on his works include Blade Runner (1982), Total Recall (1990 and 2012), Screamers (1995), Minority Report (2002), A Scanner Darkly (2006), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), and Radio Free Albemuth (2010). In 2015, The Man in the High Castle (1962) was adapted into a multi-season television series, based on Dick&#39;s 1962 novel; and in 2017 Channel 4 produced the anthology series Electric Dreams, based on various Dick stories.</p><p>In 2007, Dick became the first science fiction writer included in The Library of America series.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> d36e593a-c3c3-4d74-805b-7c2ae607a9f1 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/tony-and-the-beetles-by-philip-k-dick Mon, 23 Dec 2024 05:34:00 +0000 2033 no full West o' Mars, by Charles L Fontenay West o' Mars, by Charles L Fontenay Paul Lawley-Jones Dinner with Samlaan Britt at West o' Mars was the pinnacle of Peache's career, but he was determined to get to the truth of the rumors that surrounded the founding of West o' Mars.

Peache believed that behind every man lies the influence of a woman. Influence, though, can take odd forms...

"West o' Mars" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction," April 1958, pages 110 - 125.

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Charles Louis Fontenay (March 17, 1917 – January 27, 2007) was an American journalist and science fiction writer. He wrote science fiction novels and short stories.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Dinner with Samlaan Britt at West o&#39; Mars was the pinnacle of Peache&#39;s career, but he was determined to get to the truth of the rumors that surrounded the founding of West o&#39; Mars.</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Peache believed that behind every man lies the influence of a woman. Influence, though, can take odd forms...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;West o&#39; Mars&#34; appeared in &#34;Infinity Science Fiction,&#34; April 1958, pages 110 - 125.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Charles Louis Fontenay</strong> (March 17, 1917 – January 27, 2007) was an American journalist and science fiction writer. He wrote science fiction novels and short stories.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 3ffcf7bf-26bf-49d7-800a-ec3ef9f9e000 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/west-o-mars-by-charles-l-fontenay Fri, 20 Dec 2024 04:39:00 +0000 2470 no full Wall of Crystal, Eye of Night, by Algis Budrys Wall of Crystal, Eye of Night, by Algis Budrys Paul Lawley-Jones Rufus Sollenar, creator of EmpaVid, a revolutionary entertainment system, had everything. However, the Special Public Relations Office of the International Association of Broadcasters needs to ensure that its members investements were safe, especially as Cortwright Burr, Sollenar's biggest competitor, recently visited the Martian engineers... 

"Wall of Crystal, Eye of Night" appeared in "Galaxy Magazine," December 1961, pages 110 - 131.

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Algirdas Jonas "Algis" Budrys (January 9, 1931 – June 9, 2008) was a Lithuanian-American science fiction author, editor, and critic. He was also known under the pen names Frank Mason, Alger Rome (in collaboration with Jerome Bixby), John A. Sentry, William Scarff, and Paul Janvier. He is best known for the influential 1960 novel Rogue Moon.

Incorporating his family's experience, Budrys's fiction depicts isolated and damaged people and themes of identity, survival, and legacy.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Rufus Sollenar, creator of EmpaVid, a revolutionary entertainment system, had everything. However, the Special Public Relations Office of the International Association of Broadcasters needs to ensure that its members investements were safe, especially as Cortwright Burr, Sollenar&#39;s biggest competitor, recently visited the Martian engineers... </em></strong></p><p>&#34;Wall of Crystal, Eye of Night&#34; appeared in &#34;Galaxy Magazine,&#34; December 1961, pages 110 - 131.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Algirdas Jonas &#34;Algis&#34; Budrys</strong> (January 9, 1931 – June 9, 2008) was a Lithuanian-American science fiction author, editor, and critic. He was also known under the pen names Frank Mason, Alger Rome (in collaboration with Jerome Bixby), John A. Sentry, William Scarff, and Paul Janvier. He is best known for the influential 1960 novel Rogue Moon.</p><p>Incorporating his family&#39;s experience, Budrys&#39;s fiction depicts isolated and damaged people and themes of identity, survival, and legacy.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> cd8b1b3a-fab7-4ace-beb7-6cd02d6a873a https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/wall-of-crystal-eye-of-night-by-algis-budrys Tue, 17 Dec 2024 04:19:00 +0000 3407 no full Nobody Saw the Ship, by Murray Leinster Nobody Saw the Ship, by Murray Leinster Paul Lawley-Jones It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it. But the ship's mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth. And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...

"Nobody Saw The Ship" appeared in "Future combined with Science Fiction Stories," May-June 1950, pages 40 - 49 and 94 - 97.

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Murray Leinster (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>It was only a tiny scout ship from somewhere beyond the stars; only one alien creature occupied it. But the ship&#39;s mission spelled life to its fellow creatures and death to all living creatures on Earth. And against the super-science of the raider stood one terrified old man and his dog...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Nobody Saw The Ship&#34; appeared in &#34;Future combined with Science Fiction Stories,&#34; May-June 1950, pages 40 - 49 and 94 - 97.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Murray Leinster</strong> (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> d346b837-e72a-4de7-8d1e-33232e71cc8b https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/nobody-saw-the-ship-by-murray-leinster Sat, 14 Dec 2024 10:54:00 +0000 3033 no full The Crystal Egg, by H G Wells The Crystal Egg, by H G Wells Paul Lawley-Jones In a small grimy shop selling bric-a-brac and antiquities in Seven Dials, London, was a large crystal egg. The shop's proprietor, a Mr. C Cave, was reluctant to sell, even when offered the outrageous sum of five pounds! His step-family didn't understand; there was so much they could do with such a fortune!

What was it about that crystal egg that prevented Mr. Cave from selling?

"The Crystal Egg" appeared in "Tales of Space and Time," published in 1900 by Harper & Brothers, pages 1 - 33.

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Herbert George Wells (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946) was an English writer. He wrote more than fifty novels and dozens of short stories. His non-fiction output included works of social commentary, politics, history, popular science, satire, biography, and autobiography. Wells' science fiction novels are so well regarded that he has been called the "father of science fiction".

As a futurist, he wrote a number of utopian works and foresaw the advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, nuclear weapons, satellite television and something resembling the World Wide Web. His science fiction imagined time travel, alien invasion, invisibility and biological engineering before these subjects were common in the genre. Brian Aldiss referred to Wells as the "Shakespeare of science fiction."

Wells rendered his works convincing by instilling commonplace detail alongside a single extraordinary assumption per work – dubbed "Wells's law." His most notable science fiction works include The Time Machine (1895), which was his first novel, The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), The War of the Worlds (1898), the military science fiction The War in the Air (1907), and the dystopian When the Sleeper Wakes (1910).

Wells was a diabetic and co-founded the charity The Diabetic Association (Diabetes UK) in 1934.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>In a small grimy shop selling bric-a-brac and antiquities in Seven Dials, London, was a large crystal egg. The shop&#39;s proprietor, a Mr. C Cave, was reluctant to sell, even when offered the outrageous sum of five pounds! His step-family didn&#39;t understand; there was so much they could do with such a fortune!</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>What was it about that crystal egg that prevented Mr. Cave from selling?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Crystal Egg&#34; appeared in &#34;Tales of Space and Time,&#34; published in 1900 by Harper &amp; Brothers, pages 1 - 33.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Herbert George Wells</strong> (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946) was an English writer. He wrote more than fifty novels and dozens of short stories. His non-fiction output included works of social commentary, politics, history, popular science, satire, biography, and autobiography. Wells&#39; science fiction novels are so well regarded that he has been called the &#34;father of science fiction&#34;.</p><p>As a futurist, he wrote a number of utopian works and foresaw the advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, nuclear weapons, satellite television and something resembling the World Wide Web. His science fiction imagined time travel, alien invasion, invisibility and biological engineering before these subjects were common in the genre. Brian Aldiss referred to Wells as the &#34;Shakespeare of science fiction.&#34;</p><p>Wells rendered his works convincing by instilling commonplace detail alongside a single extraordinary assumption per work – dubbed &#34;Wells&#39;s law.&#34; His most notable science fiction works include The Time Machine (1895), which was his first novel, The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), The War of the Worlds (1898), the military science fiction The War in the Air (1907), and the dystopian When the Sleeper Wakes (1910).</p><p>Wells was a diabetic and co-founded the charity The Diabetic Association (<a href="https://www.diabetes.org.uk/" rel="nofollow">Diabetes UK</a>) in 1934.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 5bb36b13-4194-474e-9f8b-c374912c2558 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-crystal-egg-by-h-g-wells Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:50:00 +0000 2967 no full Earth Transit, by Charles L Fontenay Earth Transit, by Charles L Fontenay Paul Lawley-Jones When Captain Makki is found dead on a routine hop from Earth to Mars, there are only three suspects; Lefler, the astrogator, Taat, the ship's doctor, and Robwood, the engineer. One of them must have done it. But who? And why?

"Earth Transit" appeared in "Infinity Science Fiction," September 1957, pages 18 - 33.

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Charles Louis Fontenay (March 17, 1917 – January 27, 2007) was an American journalist and science fiction writer. He wrote science fiction novels and short stories.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>When Captain Makki is found dead on a routine hop from Earth to Mars, there are only three suspects; Lefler, the astrogator, Taat, the ship&#39;s doctor, and Robwood, the engineer. One of them must have done it. But who? And why?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Earth Transit&#34; appeared in &#34;Infinity Science Fiction,&#34; September 1957, pages 18 - 33.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Charles Louis Fontenay</strong> (March 17, 1917 – January 27, 2007) was an American journalist and science fiction writer. He wrote science fiction novels and short stories.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> e907c929-9d2c-4e4b-94c6-70876a9d18ca https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/earth-transit-by-charles-l-fontenay Sun, 08 Dec 2024 09:07:00 +0000 2232 no full Prize Ship, by Philip K Dick Prize Ship, by Philip K Dick Paul Lawley-Jones The war with the Ganymedeans has been going on for two months, and Terra has been unable to use the launch cradles at Ganymede to send space ships to its colonies at Proxima Centauri. The colonists at Proxima Centauri are slowly starving, and Terra is about to capitulate to the Ganymedeans' demands.

As a vote to capitulate is being taken in the Senate, an urgent message arrives; a new type of Ganymedean ship has been captured! General Groves, Commander Carmichel, Major Siller, and Dr. Basset volunteer to take it for a test flight to discover its secrets.

"Prize Ship" appeared in "Thrilling Wonder Stories," Winter 1954, pages 89 - 101.

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Philip Kindred Dick (December 16, 1928 – March 2, 1982) was an American science fiction writer. He wrote 44 novels and about 121 short stories. His fiction explored philosophical and social questions such as the nature of reality, perception, human nature, and identity, and commonly featured characters struggling against elements such as alternate realities, illusory environments, monopolistic corporations, drug abuse, authoritarian governments, and altered states of consciousness.

Dick's influence has been widespread, extending into Hollywood filmmaking. Popular films based on his works include Blade Runner (1982), Total Recall (1990 and 2012), Screamers (1995), Minority Report (2002), A Scanner Darkly (2006), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), and Radio Free Albemuth (2010). In 2015, The Man in the High Castle (1962) was a dapted into a multi-season television series, based on Dick's 1962 novel; and in 2017 Channel 4 produced the anthology series Electric Dreams, based on various Dick stories.

In 2007, Dick became the first science fiction writer included in The Library of America series.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The war with the Ganymedeans has been going on for two months, and Terra has been unable to use the launch cradles at Ganymede to send space ships to its colonies at Proxima Centauri. The colonists at Proxima Centauri are slowly starving, and Terra is about to capitulate to the Ganymedeans&#39; demands.</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>As a vote to capitulate is being taken in the Senate, an urgent message arrives; a new type of Ganymedean ship has been captured! General Groves, Commander Carmichel, Major Siller, and Dr. Basset volunteer to take it for a test flight to discover its secrets.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Prize Ship&#34; appeared in &#34;Thrilling Wonder Stories,&#34; Winter 1954, pages 89 - 101.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Philip Kindred Dick</strong> (December 16, 1928 – March 2, 1982) was an American science fiction writer. He wrote 44 novels and about 121 short stories. His fiction explored philosophical and social questions such as the nature of reality, perception, human nature, and identity, and commonly featured characters struggling against elements such as alternate realities, illusory environments, monopolistic corporations, drug abuse, authoritarian governments, and altered states of consciousness.</p><p>Dick&#39;s influence has been widespread, extending into Hollywood filmmaking. Popular films based on his works include Blade Runner (1982), Total Recall (1990 and 2012), Screamers (1995), Minority Report (2002), A Scanner Darkly (2006), The Adjustment Bureau (2011), and Radio Free Albemuth (2010). In 2015, The Man in the High Castle (1962) was a dapted into a multi-season television series, based on Dick&#39;s 1962 novel; and in 2017 Channel 4 produced the anthology series Electric Dreams, based on various Dick stories.</p><p>In 2007, Dick became the first science fiction writer included in The Library of America series.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> b0521ca9-c0f6-4d86-a3f3-dd30639c81cd https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/prize-ship-by-philip-k-dick Thu, 05 Dec 2024 01:29:00 +0000 3127 no full In the Year 2889, by Jules Verne & Michel Verne In the Year 2889, by Jules Verne & Michel Verne Paul Lawley-Jones An account of a day in the busy life of Mr. Fritz Napoleon Smith, proprietor of the Earth Chronicle, specifically, September 25th, 2889, in the city of Centropolis.

"In the Year 2889" appeared in "The Forum," February 1889, vol. 6, issue 6, pages 662 - 677.

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Jules Verne (8 February 1828 – 24 March 1905) was a French novelist, poet, and playwright. He has sometimes been called the "father of science fiction", a title that has also been given to H. G. Wells and Hugo Gernsback. His novels are generally set in the second half of the 19th century, taking into account the technological advances of the time. His work has been adapted for film and television since the beginning of cinema, as well as for comic books, theater, opera, music and video games.

Verne is considered to be an important author in France and most of Europe, where he has had a wide influence on the literary avant-garde and on surrealism. His literary reputation, which was not so good in the English-speaking world, has improved since the 1980s.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

-----

Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>An account of a day in the busy life of Mr. Fritz Napoleon Smith, proprietor of the Earth Chronicle, specifically, September 25th, 2889, in the city of Centropolis.</em></strong></p><p>&#34;In the Year 2889&#34; appeared in &#34;The Forum,&#34; February 1889, vol. 6, issue 6, pages 662 - 677.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Jules Verne</strong> (8 February 1828 – 24 March 1905) was a French novelist, poet, and playwright. He has sometimes been called the &#34;father of science fiction&#34;, a title that has also been given to H. G. Wells and Hugo Gernsback. His novels are generally set in the second half of the 19th century, taking into account the technological advances of the time. His work has been adapted for film and television since the beginning of cinema, as well as for comic books, theater, opera, music and video games.</p><p>Verne is considered to be an important author in France and most of Europe, where he has had a wide influence on the literary avant-garde and on surrealism. His literary reputation, which was not so good in the English-speaking world, has improved since the 1980s.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> cfd78788-cbe6-4df7-ae23-2a6eabff4809 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/in-the-year-2889-by-jules-verne-michel-verne Mon, 02 Dec 2024 06:00:00 +0000 2554 no full Skit-tree Planet, by Murray Leinster Skit-tree Planet, by Murray Leinster Paul Lawley-Jones The skit-trees grew in neat rows as far as the eye could see. There were dams and irrigation systems, graded and terraced ground, and large clearings where, it was supposed, the cities in which lived those who planted the skit-trees would have been. But where were they? What had happened to them? Not one artifact, not one shaped rock or piece of metal remained. And why did the radio keep picking up static on a supposedly uninhabited planet?

Wentworth and Haynes, part of the Extra-Solarian Research Institute expedition team, were about to find out...

"Skit-tree Planet" appeared in "Thrilling Wonder Stories," April 1947, pages 41 - 49.

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Murray Leinster (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.

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If there's a story you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>The skit-trees grew in neat rows as far as the eye could see. There were dams and irrigation systems, graded and terraced ground, and large clearings where, it was supposed, the cities in which lived those who planted the skit-trees would have been. But where were they? What had happened to them? Not one artifact, not one shaped rock or piece of metal remained. And why did the radio keep picking up static on a supposedly uninhabited planet?</em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Wentworth and Haynes, part of the Extra-Solarian Research Institute expedition team, were about to find out...</em></strong></p><p>&#34;Skit-tree Planet&#34; appeared in &#34;Thrilling Wonder Stories,&#34; April 1947, pages 41 - 49.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Murray Leinster</strong> (June 16, 1896 – June 8, 1975) was a pen name of William Fitzgerald Jenkins, an American writer of genre fiction, particularly of science fiction. He wrote and published more than 1,500 short stories and articles, 14 movie scripts, and hundreds of radio scripts and television plays.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there&#39;s a story you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 2b9b4e4a-c30f-4fbd-9365-b4c55bb040bc https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/skit-tree-planet-by-murray-leinster Fri, 29 Nov 2024 05:07:00 +0000 2792 no full The Star, by H G Wells The Star, by H G Wells Paul Lawley-Jones Something had caused Neptune to act erratically as it orbited far out in the solar system. And that something was coming nearer. Would it collide with the Earth? No one knew, although speculation abounded. Closer and closer it came, brightening the night skies across the globe. As the new star passed close to Jupiter, it's direction changed. Where would it end up? And what effect would it have on the Earth?

"The Star" appeared in "Tales of Space and Time," published by Harper & Brothers, 1900, pages 37 - 57.

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Herbert George Wells (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946) was an English writer. He wrote more than fifty novels and dozens of short stories. His non-fiction output included works of social commentary, politics, history, popular science, satire, biography, and autobiography. Wells' science fiction novels are so well regarded that he has been called the "father of science fiction".

As a futurist, he wrote a number of utopian works and foresaw the advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, nuclear weapons, satellite television and something resembling the World Wide Web. His science fiction imagined time travel, alien invasion, invisibility and biological engineering before these subjects were common in the genre. Brian Aldiss referred to Wells as the "Shakespeare of science fiction."

Wells rendered his works convincing by instilling commonplace detail alongside a single extraordinary assumption per work – dubbed "Wells's law." His most notable science fiction works include The Time Machine (1895), which was his first novel, The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), The War of the Worlds (1898), the military science fiction The War in the Air (1907), and the dystopian When the Sleeper Wakes (1910).

Wells was a diabetic and co-founded the charity The Diabetic Association (Diabetes UK) in 1934.

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If there is a particular story that you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p><strong><em>Something had caused Neptune to act erratically as it orbited far out in the solar system. And that something was coming nearer. Would it collide with the Earth? No one knew, although speculation abounded. Closer and closer it came, brightening the night skies across the globe. As the new star passed close to Jupiter, it&#39;s direction changed. Where would it end up? And what effect would it have on the Earth?</em></strong></p><p>&#34;The Star&#34; appeared in &#34;Tales of Space and Time,&#34; published by Harper &amp; Brothers, 1900, pages 37 - 57.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Herbert George Wells</strong> (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946) was an English writer. He wrote more than fifty novels and dozens of short stories. His non-fiction output included works of social commentary, politics, history, popular science, satire, biography, and autobiography. Wells&#39; science fiction novels are so well regarded that he has been called the &#34;father of science fiction&#34;.</p><p>As a futurist, he wrote a number of utopian works and foresaw the advent of aircraft, tanks, space travel, nuclear weapons, satellite television and something resembling the World Wide Web. His science fiction imagined time travel, alien invasion, invisibility and biological engineering before these subjects were common in the genre. Brian Aldiss referred to Wells as the &#34;Shakespeare of science fiction.&#34;</p><p>Wells rendered his works convincing by instilling commonplace detail alongside a single extraordinary assumption per work – dubbed &#34;Wells&#39;s law.&#34; His most notable science fiction works include The Time Machine (1895), which was his first novel, The Island of Doctor Moreau (1896), The Invisible Man (1897), The War of the Worlds (1898), the military science fiction The War in the Air (1907), and the dystopian When the Sleeper Wakes (1910).</p><p>Wells was a diabetic and co-founded the charity The Diabetic Association (Diabetes UK) in 1934.</p><p>-----</p><p>If there is a particular story that you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music</strong>: &#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 4a105916-b797-4132-bbe6-7e53f8d924a7 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/the-star-by-h-g-wells Tue, 26 Nov 2024 05:28:00 +0000 1934 no full Introducing Golden Age Fiction Introducing Golden Age Fiction Paul Lawley-Jones Welcome to Golden Age Fiction.

My name is Paul and in this podcast, I will be introducing you to, and narrating, stories from the golden age of pulp fiction magazines. This is generally considered to be from the last two decades of the 19th century to around the middle of the 20th century.

Evolving from the earlier dime novels and boys' magazines, there were a plethora of these pulp fiction magazines, of varying quality, in a wide selection of genres, printed on cheap pulp paper, appearing on mostly US newsstands, during that period. 

Early notable examples of these magazines were The Argosy, Blue Book Magazine, and Adventure. Later came magazines such as Western Story Magazine, Detective Story Magazine, and Love Story Magazine, the three most popular genres. Later still came Weird Tales, Ghost Stories, and Astounding Stories of Super-Science - which is still with us today, although it is now called 'Analog Science Fiction and Fact.' 

Many famous writers, some household names, started their careers in these pulp fiction magazines, sometimes writing under pseudonyms to protect their reputations, as fiction writing, especially fantasy and science fiction, was not as well regarded as it is today; writers like Raymond Chandler, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and Isaac Asimov.

While I will try to spread the stories evenly over genres, I have a personal preference for science fiction and fantasy, for which I make no apologies.

I plan to release one episode a week with a story of between 30 minutes and 1 hour, but occasionally, I may release an episode with two or more 10- to 15-minute stories. There may also be the odd episode that is longer than an hour.

If I release a story longer than an hour and a half; a novelette, novella, or full novel, it will be serialised into 1-hour installments over consecutive days. I'm not going to make you wait a week for that next chapter.

However, as the saying goes, no plan survives contact with the enemy, this schedule may have to be adjusted as and when life rears its ugly head.

Finally, if there is a particular story that you'd like me to narrate, or a genre you'd like me to include more of, please email me to let me know at goldenagefiction@proton.me.

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Music: "Mesmerizing Galaxy" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

]]> <p>Welcome to Golden Age Fiction.</p><p>My name is Paul and in this podcast, I will be introducing you to, and narrating, stories from the golden age of pulp fiction magazines. This is generally considered to be from the last two decades of the 19th century to around the middle of the 20th century.</p><p>Evolving from the earlier dime novels and boys&#39; magazines, there were a plethora of these pulp fiction magazines, of varying quality, in a wide selection of genres, printed on cheap pulp paper, appearing on mostly US newsstands, during that period. </p><p>Early notable examples of these magazines were The Argosy, Blue Book Magazine, and Adventure. Later came magazines such as Western Story Magazine, Detective Story Magazine, and Love Story Magazine, the three most popular genres. Later still came Weird Tales, Ghost Stories, and Astounding Stories of Super-Science - which is still with us today, although it is now called &#39;Analog Science Fiction and Fact.&#39; </p><p>Many famous writers, some household names, started their careers in these pulp fiction magazines, sometimes writing under pseudonyms to protect their reputations, as fiction writing, especially fantasy and science fiction, was not as well regarded as it is today; writers like Raymond Chandler, Edgar Rice Burroughs, and Isaac Asimov.</p><p>While I will try to spread the stories evenly over genres, I have a personal preference for science fiction and fantasy, for which I make no apologies.</p><p>I plan to release one episode a week with a story of between 30 minutes and 1 hour, but occasionally, I may release an episode with two or more 10- to 15-minute stories. There may also be the odd episode that is longer than an hour.</p><p>If I release a story longer than an hour and a half; a novelette, novella, or full novel, it will be serialised into 1-hour installments over consecutive days. I&#39;m not going to make you wait a week for that next chapter.</p><p>However, as the saying goes, no plan survives contact with the enemy, this schedule may have to be adjusted as and when life rears its ugly head.</p><p>Finally, if there is a particular story that you&#39;d like me to narrate, or a genre you&#39;d like me to include more of, please email me to let me know at <a href="mailto:goldenagefiction@proton.me" rel="nofollow">goldenagefiction@proton.me</a>.</p><p>-----</p><p><strong>Music: </strong>&#34;Mesmerizing Galaxy&#34; Kevin MacLeod (<a href="https://incompetech.com/wordpress/" rel="nofollow">incompetech.com</a>). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License <a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/" rel="nofollow">http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</a>.</p> 679d9f46-a0b1-4d71-a6b5-5a3c5df30c89 https://3db6f0d9-8e50-4172-b8e9-ecd282196680.libsyn.com/introducing-golden-age-fiction Sat, 23 Nov 2024 02:06:00 +0000 222 no