<p><a href="https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/h-beam-piper">H. Beam Piper</a> was a well-regarded and popular American science fiction author active in the 1940s, 1950s and early 1960s, who published many science fiction short stories, novelettes, novellas and novels. One major strand in his writing is envisioning a future history based on human civilization expanding throughout the galaxy, with a rather paternalistic approach to sentient alien species. Another important theme was Piper’s concept of “Paratime”: the idea that there are many parallel timelines branching off from each other, and that it’s possible—with the right technology—to move, and even carry out commerce, between these different timelines. Many of these stories are also frequently feature a rather tongue-in-cheek humor.</p> <p>This collection covers a wide range of his shorter fiction, almost all of which was published in various American science fiction magazines. One additional story included in this collection, “Rebel Raider,” however, is not science fiction or fantasy but a lightly-fictionalized account of events in the U.S. Civil War. A few of the stories were written in collaboration with John J. McGuire.</p>
There's some reaction these days that holds scientists responsible for war. Take it one step further: What happens if "book-learnin'" is held responsible...? A startling science fiction novel by H. Beam Piper (author of the classic LITTLE FUZZY) and John J. McGuire!
The natives of Kwannon practiced ritual magic under the watchful eyes of their Terran rulers. Hunting, farming, raising children -- it all required the special spells only a powerful shoonoo could cast. But when prophesies of the end of the world send the natives of Kwannon swarming, it may also be the end for the Terrans. The natives, it seems, actually want the end of the world -- for the promised afterlife will be far, far better. And who can argue with the shoonoon and their prophetic dreams? It's up to Miles Gilbert, reporter for the Kwannon Planetwide News Service, to save the day. For only he can turn the natives from the course with the special magic of Earth, the machine-giving Oomphel!
Ed Chalmers, history professor, had a real problem in his classes: he kept blurting out events that hadn't happened yet. Of course that made him the butt of jokes and ridicule, and the Dean wanted him out despite his tenure. But Ed had other ideas ... especially when his predictions started coming true!
