Golden Age Fiction
Fiction & Audio Drama
About
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.
Episodes
- The Mordant, by Merab Eberle
Golden Age Fiction narrates "The Mordant," a 1930 short story by Merab Eberle, which questions the benefits of discovering the secret to indefinite life extension.
- The Fate of the Poseidonia, by Clare Winger Harris
This episode features "The Fate of the Poseidonia," a 1927 short story by pioneering science fiction writer Clare Winger Harris. The story involves a man's investigation into another man his love interest is associated with, leading to a s…
- The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb, by Agatha Christie
This episode features Agatha Christie's short story "The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb" from the collection "Poirot Investigates." It explores Hercule Poirot's encounter with superstition and mystery in the Egyptian desert.
- Death Sentence, by Isaac Asimov
This episode of Golden Age Fiction features "Death Sentence," a science fiction story by Isaac Asimov, first published in June 1944. The story is presented in the context of scientific experimentation and Asimov's prolific career.
- Memorium, by Basil Wells
This episode features the science fiction story "Memorium" by Basil Wells, originally published in "Fantastic Universe" in 1956. The story explores the implications of recording every human thought for posterity. The episode also provides…
- The Dancers, by Margaret St Clair
This episode features "The Dancers," a 1952 short story by American science fiction author Margaret St Clair, published under the pseudonym Wilton Hazzard. The episode discusses St Clair's prolific career and her unique perspective on writ…
- The Laugh, by Robert Abernathy
This episode features "The Laugh," a short story by American science fiction author Robert Abernathy, originally published in "Fantastic Universe" in June 1956. The story is narrated by Golden Age Fiction and explores a child's view of adu…
- Strange Playfellow, by Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov's debut robot story, "Strange Playfellow" (later titled "Robbie"), was first published in 1940 and featured early concepts of the Three Laws of Robotics. The story received a retrospective Hugo Award in 2016.
- The Million Dollar Bond Robbery, by Agatha Christie
This episode covers Agatha Christie's short story 'The Million Dollar Bond Robbery,' where Hercule Poirot solves the case of stolen bonds. The story was published in the 1921 collection 'Poirot Investigates.'
- Homo Sol, by Isaac Asimov
This episode features "Homo Sol," a science fiction story by Isaac Asimov, originally published in 1940. The story depicts Earth-men, known for their ingenuity, as disruptors of a stable galactic civilization. Isaac Asimov was a prolific a…
- The Forerunners, by Norman Arkawy and Stanley Henig
This episode discusses 'The Forerunners,' a science fiction story by Norman Arkawy and Stanley Henig published in March 1956. The narrative, which appeared in 'Fantastic Universe,' centers on telepaths perceived as a danger to a challengin…
- Shambleau, by C L Moore
This episode of Golden Age Fiction explores C.L. Moore's 1933 story "Shambleau," notable for introducing the character Northwest Smith and being an early work by a pioneering female science fiction author.
- The Artificial Man, by Clare Winger Harris
This episode features "The Artificial Man," a 1929 science fiction story by Clare Winger Harris, exploring the link between mental and physical health. Harris was a pioneering female author in the genre, publishing stories in the 1920s.
- Biddy and the Silver Man, by Harlan Ellison
This episode features a narration of Harlan Ellison's short story "Biddy and the Silver Man," which was published in the February 1957 issue of "Fantastic Science Fiction" under the house pen name E K Jarvis.
- The Man from the Atom, by G Peyton Wertenbaker
This episode explores G. Peyton Wertenbaker's 1926 science fiction story, "The Man from the Atom." It discusses the plot involving a transformative invention, the author's background as a science fiction pioneer, and his later career in jo…
- Keepers of the House, by Lester del Rey
This episode covers Lester del Rey's 1956 short story "Keepers of the House," which appeared in Fantastic Universe. The description also provides biographical details about del Rey, highlighting his career as a science fiction author and e…
- Einstein's Planetoid, by C M Kornbluth, Robert A W Lowndes, and Frederick Pohl
The episode discusses "Einstein's Planetoid," a 1942 Science Fiction Quarterly story by C M Kornbluth, Robert A W Lowndes, and Frederick Pohl. The narrative follows space explorers searching for a lost expedition to Alpha Centauri, only to…
- The Velvet Glove, by Harry Harrison
This episode features a narration of the short story The Velvet Glove by Harry Harrison, which explores the treatment of robots despite the Robot Equality Act. The episode also provides background on Harrison's career and publications.
- Lobo's Return, by Forrestine C Hooker
This episode features "Lobo's Return," a 1925 short story by Forrestine C. Hooker about a wolf seeking water near humans. Hooker was an American author known for Western-themed children's books.
- Duar the Accursed, by Clifford Ball
This episode covers Clifford Ball's 1937 Weird Tales story "Duar the Accursed," noting its similarities to Robert E. Howard's Hyborian Age and Ball's role as an early sword and sorcery writer.
- Native Son, The Last Supper, & Floor of Heaven, by T D Hamm
This episode of Golden Age Fiction features three science fiction stories by T D Hamm: "Native Son," about a boy fearing abandonment, "The Last Supper," concerning a rescue mission, and "Floor of Heaven," following an astronaut
- The Genius of Lancelot Biggs
This episode discusses Nelson S. Bond's science fiction story "The Genius of Lancelot Biggs," which appeared in the June 1940 issue of Fantastic Adventures. Nelson S. Bond was a pioneer in early science fiction and fantasy, known for his "…
- The Vertigo Hook, by Richard Ashby
This episode covers Richard Ashby's science fiction story "The Vertigo Hook," featuring Civil War General John Singleton Mosby. The story, which appeared in "Fantastic Universe" in 1953, involves Mosby and a new weapon concept.
- Microcosmic God, by Theodore Sturgeon
This episode features Theodore Sturgeon's 1941 short story "Microcosmic God." The story concerns a character named Kidder with a system for invention and its consequences. "Microcosmic God" has received multiple accolades and was adapted i…
- My Past is Mine, by Gerda Rhoads
This episode features the short story "My Past is Mine" by Gerda Rhoads, exploring the consequences of altering a single memory. The author's background as a ballet dancer, painter, and her emigration from Vienna are also mentioned.
- The Lady on the Stairs, by Agatha Christie
This episode of Golden Age Fiction features Agatha Christie's short story
- Rhythm Rides the Rocket, by Bob Olsen
Bob Olsen's 1940 story "Rhythm Rides the Rocket" is narrated. It follows pilot LeDoux and his crew as they encounter dangerous Callistonians near Jupiter while transporting wives for miners. Their only hope may lie in the Callistonians' un…
- The Man who Saved New York, by Ray Cummings
Ray Cummings' 1943 science fiction story 'The Man who Saved New York' features a plot where an ego saves the city. Cummings, a founding father of science fiction, also worked with Thomas Edison and authored works like 'The Girl in the Gold…
- The Vanguard of Venus, by Landell Bartlett
This episode covers Landell Bartlett's 1928 science fiction story "The Vanguard of Venus," where Venusians abduct a man to reveal their plans to conquer Earth and enslave its population. The story was featured in "Amazing Stories" and writ…
- Office Call, by Charles E Fritch
Dr. Rawlings is preoccupied with thoughts of a chicken farm and Miss Austin while managing patients with unusual delusions of Martian origin. The story "Office Call" by Charles E Fritch was published in Fantastic Universe in October 1954.
- Redemption, by Robert F Young
This episode features "Redemption," a science fiction short story by Robert F. Young, originally published in "Amazing Stories" in July 1963. Young, known for his poetic and romantic style, wrote fiction for over thirty years.
- Strangers to Straba, by Carl Jacobi
This episode of Golden Age Fiction features "Strangers to Straba," a 1954 short story by Carl Jacobi. The story follows Cap Barlow, a golf course owner on Straba, whose life is disrupted by the arrival of a surveyor and a legendary ship cr…
- Descending, by Thomas M Disch
This episode features a narration of Thomas M. Disch's short story "Descending," originally published in July 1964. The episode also provides biographical information about the author, Thomas Michael Disch, a notable American science ficti…
- The Great Illusion, by Manly Bannister
This episode reviews Manly Bannister's 1957 science fiction story "The Great Illusion," published in Super-Science Fiction. The story questions the authenticity of the planet Hume and its inhabitants. The episode also provides biographical…
- "Sexton, Sexton, in the Wall," by August Derleth
August Derleth's "Sexton, Sexton, in the Wall" from Weird Tales magazine tells of Cornillo Martens, whose tranquil life is disrupted by his neighbor's experiments and grandchildren. Derleth was a significant figure in cosmic horror and fou…
- Once a First Wife, by Norman Arkawy
The podcast episode features the short story "Once a First Wife" by Norman Arkawy, which was originally published in "Fantastic Universe" in October 1954. The story focuses on a woman being judged for marital fidelity and sexual competence.
- Asleep in Armageddon, by Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury's "Asleep in Armageddon," published in Planet Stories in 1948, is a cautionary tale about Planetoid 787. Bradbury, a celebrated 20th-century American writer known for genres like science fiction and fantasy, also penned "Fahre…
- Equals Four, by Piers Anthony
Piers Anthony
- The Happiness Rock, by Albert Teichner
A science fiction story from January 1964 explores the accidental discovery of a germ on an asteroid that induces euphoria. The narrator questions the potential cost of this beneficial discovery, a common theme in science fiction.
- Half-Breed, by Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov's 1940 short story "Half-Breed," published in Astonishing Stories, explores the "Tweenies," reviled beings who are half human and half Martian. Scientist Jefferson Scanlon uncovers hidden truths about them. Asimov was a prolif…
- Too Close to the Forest, by Bryce Walton & Al Reynolds
This episode features "Too Close to the Forest," a 1954 short story by Bryce Walton published in Fantastic Universe. The story involves Dr. Marsten's research into mental telepathy, with a twist related to psychic abilities. Bryce Walton w…
- The Stellar Legion, by Leigh Brackett
The podcast discusses Leigh Brackett's short story "The Stellar Legion," published in Planet Stories in 1940 and awarded a Retro Hugo in 2016. The episode notes Brackett's career as a prominent female science fiction author, her work on "T…
- When the Sun went out, by Leslie F Stone
The podcast features the 1929 science fiction story "When the Sun Went Out" by Leslie F Stone. It describes humanity living underground as the Sun dies, focusing on the lives of young astronomers.
- The Face of Helen, by Agatha Christie
In Agatha Christie's "The Face of Helen," Mr. Satterthwaite observes a violent fight outside an opera house. This short story was originally published in The Story-Teller magazine in April 1927.
- The Gifts of Asti, by Andre Norton
Andre Norton's short story "The Gifts of Asti" follows the last priestess of Asti as she escapes to the surface world with ancient gifts. The story first appeared in "Fantasy Book" in 1948. Andre Norton was a prolific writer of science fic…
- The Shrine, by Walt Sheldon
This episode discusses "The Shrine," a science fiction story by Walt Sheldon published in Fantastic Universe in December 1956. It follows a Tokyo Tribune reporter named Ed Blair who investigates the monks of the Hataka Shrine.
- The Autumn After Next, by Margaret St Clair
The podcast episode features "The Autumn After Next," a 1960 short story by American writer Margaret St Clair, known for her fantasy and science fiction works. St Clair, who wrote under pseudonyms, often contributed to pulp magazines and e…
- The Maugham Obsession, By August Derleth
This episode covers August Derleth's story "The Maugham Obsession," about an inventor whose success becomes dangerous. Derleth was a notable American author and anthologist, known for his contributions to cosmic horror and for co-founding…
- First Contact, by Murray Leinster
This episode features "First Contact," a science fiction story by Murray Leinster about an Earth expedition encountering an unknown group near the Crab Nebula. The story explores the spaceship skipper's options in this tense situation.
- If The Sun Died, by R F Starzl
This episode covers R F Starzl's 1931 short story 'If The Sun Died,' published in Astounding Stories. The narrative centers on humanity's decline and dependence on machines in Subterannea, with a faction believing the Sun still exists and…