E. C. Tubb Knihy

4 stories of unique adventure...from interplanetary intrigue to our own planet's possible tomorrows.4 top writers - Sturgeon, MacDonald, Cartmill, Tubb - in a brand-new collection of fine science-fiction.Dimension 4 is a window on a weird and wonderful new dimension in reading.Contents:"Won't You Walk..." • (1956) • novelette by Theodore Sturgeon Sense of Proportion • (1958) • novelette by E. C. Tubb Trojan Horse Laugh • (1949) • novelette by John D. MacDonald Some Day We'll Find You • (1942) • novella by Cleve Cartmill

Set in a future where interstellar travel is routine, the narrative centers on the emergence of Planetoid Disposals Ltd., a company established to tackle the dangers posed by rogue planetoids and meteorites. With the invention of the Nulgrav Drive revolutionizing space travel, the company’s mission is to ensure safe passage through the cosmos by eliminating these celestial threats, highlighting themes of innovation and the challenges of space exploration.

The setting of Turgan is vividly depicted as a labyrinth of narrow, dark alleys flanked by ancient houses that have stood for centuries. These structures, with their unseeing facades and barred doors, create an atmosphere of mystery and history, hinting at untold stories and secrets hidden within the shadows. The intertwining alleys evoke a sense of both confinement and exploration, emphasizing the age and depth of the environment.

Set against the backdrop of ancient Rome, a former boy slave rises from the brutal world of gladiators to wield power and wealth. Atilus Cindras navigates the treacherous politics under Emperor Nero, who seeks to entertain the masses with a new spectacle: female gladiators. As Atilus trains his troupe, he becomes entangled in a deadly game orchestrated by the Emperor and his allies, risking his freedom and life. The story unfolds with thrilling action and complex political maneuvers, continuing the gripping Atilus Saga.

Set on Mercury, a harsh planet characterized by extreme temperatures and unique physics, the Twilight Belt is the only habitable zone for humans. This region offers the potential for abundant, inexpensive energy crucial for space travel, presenting both opportunities and challenges. The narrative explores the struggles and triumphs of those living in this unforgiving environment, highlighting the interplay between survival and the quest for power in the cosmos.

Set against a backdrop of a brutal military regime, the story follows Wilson, a boy shaped by hardship and violence, who rises through the ranks of the Stellar Legion after being sent to a penal world. Meanwhile, Laurance, the Federation's Director, grapples with the consequences of his creation, fearing the Legion's potential for destruction. As he attempts to dismantle this ruthless force, a tense battle of wits ensues between him and the Legion's commander, Hogarth, amidst the looming threat to the galaxy.

The story explores the complex dynamics on Venus, where native Venusians, Earth colonists, and half-breeds coexist amid rising tensions. Jim Warren, a half-breed, is determined to validate his theory that both races descended from a shared Elder Race. However, his quest for acceptance leads to ostracism from both the Earthmen and his own kind, highlighting themes of identity and belonging in a divided society.

The story revolves around two characters: Rosslyn, a pilot who is resurrected after dying in space, and Comain, a dreamer who remained on Earth. After two centuries, Rosslyn returns to a transformed civilization where women hold power, guided by a formidable machine that predicts the future and shapes society's actions. The narrative explores themes of technological advancement, the evolution of society, and the contrast between Rosslyn's past and the astonishing new world he encounters.

Atilus Cindras, once a slave in Rome and now a skilled gladiator, grapples with the consequences of his past and the treachery of newfound partners in a high-stakes venture. After a failed gamble leaves him in debt, he must navigate betrayal and the chaos of a city engulfed in flames. With his British wife by his side, Atilus fights for survival and seeks a path back to Britain. This gripping climax of the Atilus Trilogy blends action and personal struggle against the backdrop of ancient Rome's tumultuous landscape.