The Heads of Cerberus - The First Sci-Fi to use the Idea of Parallel Worlds and Alternate Time

Francis Stevens, Gertrude Barrows Bennett

Summary

'The Heads of Cerberus' curated by Gertrude Barrows Bennett, also known by her pseudonym Francis Stevens, emerges as a landmark collection, melding early 20th-century speculative fiction with rich, philosophical undertones. The anthology seamlessly encompasses a variety of styles, ranging from gothic suspense to pioneering science fiction, reflecting the turbulence and innovation of the early modernist period. The inclusion of landmark pieces such as the title work prominently demonstrates an exploration of dystopian themes and the transformative potential of narrative structure in speculative fiction. Each story serves as a portal to the unfamiliar, challenging the boundaries of reality and fiction. This collection highlights Bennett's, one of the first major female science fiction writers in America, indelible mark on the genre. Her oeuvre encapsulates a pivotal era where science fiction began to gain scholarly attention and commercial popularity. The works selected resonate with the themes of societal transformation and the quest for knowledge, emblematic of the larger currents of the American post-Victorian context. Bennett's visionary approach not only pioneered themes in science fiction but also significantly influenced contemporaneous and subsequent writers within the genre. The Heads of Cerberus' is essential reading for enthusiasts seeking to explore the origins and evolution of speculative fiction. The anthology offers readers an exclusive glimpse into the early development of dystopian narratives and the role of literature in critiquing societal norms. This collection is a scholarly treasure that promises not only a journey through varied landscapes of human imagination but also stimulates intellectual discourse among readers intrigued by early science fiction. Herein lies a unique educational experience, emphasizing the historical value and innovative spirit of Bennett's writing.

Available since: 10/16/2017.

Print length: 173 pages.

Other books that might interest you

The Time and the Gods

Lord Dunsany

TIME AND THE GODS is a collection of short stories involving Lord Dunsany’s invented pantheon of deities who dwell in Pegana.Dunsany was a key figure in the development of the fantasy genre, and his influence was noted by a diverse assortment of later writers of speculative fiction, including H. P. Lovecraft, J. R. R. Tolkien, and Arthur C. Clarke.Evocative, poignant, and bitingly clever, the legends and fables in TIME AND THE GODS draw the listener into a singular world of dreamlike imagination and unforgettable characters.

Show book

Mr Harrison's Confessions

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

It is asserted that the inspiration for Elizabeth Gaskell's  marvellous stories of Cranford was her childhood home of Knutsford, a small town in Cheshire and to where she returned for a while as a young woman. This assertion is born out by an essay she wrote in 1849 entitled The Last Generation in England, in which she writes about "The town in which I once resided ...". There can be little doubt when reading this that it provided her with the template for Cranford.In 1851 the year she began to write Cranford, she also wrote a novella entitled Mr. Harrison's Confessions.  It describes the life of a country doctor in a small provincial town.  Mrs. Gaskell's model for this town could also only have been Knutsford which she knew and loved so well. The story revolves around the arrival in the town of a young doctor and the attempts of the ladies of the town to place his status within their society and of course to find him a suitable wife.  It is often thought of as a prequel to Cranford.Both of these pieces together with the novels, My Lady Ludlow and Cranford were used by the BBC to create the Television series Cranford in 2007. (Summary by Noel Badrian)

Show book

The Sheep who Loves to Paint

Kelly Johnson

In Meadowville, Sally the sheep discovers a love for painting amidst the rolling green hills. Inspired by an old paint set found in her youth, Sally creates vibrant artworks capturing the beauty of her home. Encouraged by friends and Mrs. Wise, Sally attends art school in the city, where she refines her skills and discovers her unique style. Returning to Meadowville as a renowned artist, Sally opens her own studio and becomes a beloved teacher, inspiring others to see the world through art. Her journey from curious lamb to celebrated artist embodies the power of passion and perseverance in pursuing dreams.

Show book

Skylark - The Dragon Lady

Emily N Madison

Skylark, The Dragon Lady is an adventurous fantasy that pulls readers into Belladonna Skylark’s world of piracy, prophecies, dark forces, and personal challenges—propelling the protagonist into tests of her character and resolve.

Show book

Tree of Death

Dawn Blair

Spencer walked through the night as if he were death itself.Some souls get tangled and lost. they need to be gathered and the energy gently released back into the ether of the All.Spencer collects the souls of the dead who have not yet crossed over. That mission brought him to the cemetery tonight.Most people can’t contemplate this task, let alone do it. Yet Spencer enjoys being a soulcolist.But tonight, no souls wait for him. Unnatural and unkind, this absence of death leaves Spencer to uncover the reason why.If you enjoy endearing characters and fateful twists, you’ll love this metaphysical fantasy about life, death, and rites of passage.

Show book

Torrent

Megan Linski

USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR Megan Linski takes flight with a young adult paranormal angel romance that features action, magic, and supernatural battles. 
What if you were in love with heaven and hell? 
My name’s Cassia. Shuffled from home to home since I was a kid, I managed to escape the darkest part of my life and start again in a new town, though it’s more dangerous than I expected. 
I planned to graduate high school and leave my past behind me, until I meet two very different guys... bad boy Thames, and football captain Cairo. 
Except there’s more to these two men than meets the eye. I’m caught up in a dangerous love triangle straight out of a storybook, submerged in a world where angels and demons fight for dominance. I find myself falling for Cairo, who has been gifted powers from heaven, and desiring Thames, who is descended from hell.  
Trapped in the middle of a holy war, my love for both boys causes me to be hunted by a monster that's emerged straight from the underworld. 
My life has been turned upside down, and I don’t know if I’ll survive long enough to taste forbidden fruit. I have to choose— Cairo, or Thames. 
The wrong decision could bring my damnation.  
Torrent is a YA urban fantasy romance about self-discovery, true love, and learning your own power. This is the first book in the Angels & Demons trilogy.

Show book