Boyd Ellanby 1 hr 8 min read

A scientist slips out from behind a secret bookcase passage as a black-uniformed Ruler and his watchguard burst in, his hidden work almost discovered.

Boyd Ellanby's 1952 story tightens the tension around Dr. David Wong, concealing his notebook from the agents of a police state. Taut, atmospheric hard SF about forbidden research under tyranny. Read it for a suspenseful golden-age tale of a scientist guarding a dangerous secret from a watching regime.

In its time

Published in 1952, during the 1950s, post-war optimism meets cold war anxiety.

Reading it

1 hr 8 min read (a novelette, room for a turn or two).

Illustrated by

Ed Emshwiller