Product Description
For almost 15 years, this widely heralded, award-winning anthology series has been propelling readers into realms beyond time and space, parallel worlds and alternate realities and place at the infinite edges of the imagination. The impetus for these startling voyages has come from the best new writers of speculative fiction--the winners of the internationally acclaimed Writers of the Future Contest. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

A rich and rewarding anthology
A Boy and His Bicycle is a great story.
(I put this in so I don't continuously trip over the review by someone who apparently didn't get it. I must offer the disclaimer however, that I wrote that story. It's a subtle tale, and I'm very grateful that the judges understood it and gave it a First Place award.)

This anthology, Volume XIX, (IMO) contains richly tapestried stories, strewn with new ideas or new takes on old ones. I've no doubt that before long, many of the authors will be Hugo winners

Some incredible writing (and some bad)
WotF XIX is a compilation of excellent stories (with a few, notable exceptions) spanning the genre range from historical fiction through horror and fantasy to science fiction. Despite the ever-present copy-editing errors, this was a very good read.

I would put the stories in four categories of excellence (well, three of excellence and one of crap).

Group One: The best

Walking Rain - Ian Keane's tale of supernatural beings in present day America, reminiscent (but not derivative) of American Gods, is compelling. The writing is lush, the characterizations beautiful. Hands down the best of the best. I can't say enough about this story. The book is worth buying for this story alone.

Into The Gardens of Sweet Night - Algis Budrys weaves a fairy tale-like tapestry of words as a boy takes a fantastic journey into the sky looking for the fabled gardens. Sometimes the discussions on freedom get a bit thick, but still great.

Blood and Horses - Myke Cole brings us a story of military sf where rebels riding horses seek the oil that gives life, losing their own blood fighting against a technically far superior opponent.

Group Two: The very excellent (in no particular order)

From All the Work Which He Had Made - Michael Churchman's style is strikingly odd at first, but within a page he had made me a convert with this interesting tale about the development of a humanoid robot exploring the questions of his soul.

Dark Harvest - Geoffrey Girard brings us a story about what happens when you find your worst nightmare dying in a field, and it becomes a tourist attraction. Excellent writing, and a wonderful story.

Beautiful Singer - Steve Bein's story of a haunted sword is elegant in its way of presenting feudal Japanese culture and characters. Every word of this story echoes with the culture of the samurai. The only thing holding back this most savory of writing from the top slot was the way the ending rushed together (a common difficulty in short-story writing).

A Few Days North of Vienna - Brandon Butler takes us along as a band of thieves join up with a group of vampire hunters to eradicate those evil creatures. The plot is nothing new or innovative, but the writing is top notch, and that's more important anyway.

Group Three: The still excellent (still in no particular order)

A Ship That Bends - whatever Butler lacked in innovation, Luc Reid makes up for in spades with his characters who live on a flat world and must build a bending ship if they wish to sail to the other side without falling off. The ending is its great weakness, suddenly ending the story before it really reaches its climax. Fun world, great writing, but it just stops cold.

A Silky Touch to No Man - a weak ending is also the problem with Robert J. Defendi's exploration of life in the near future where virtual reality has become the only reality. For a murder mystery, it was painfully apparent "whodunit" from the very beginning. But the writing is strong and the world well conceived (almost scary, actually) which makes it fun anyway.

Gossamer - Ken Liu offers a scenario where Earth finally makes contact with an alien species, and has no idea if they can even communicate. Art seems to be the only thing the Gossamers are interested in, but what does that mean? Interesting twist on the first contact plot.

Numbers - Joel Best brings us a stark account of a world where mathematicians can do almost anything, including make animals and people. In this world one woman seeks to create the perfect mate, but learns that perfection (and creation) are about more than doing everything flawlessly.

Group Four: The stories that really don't belong

Trust Is A Child - Matthew Candelaria's overly long story of negotiations with aliens is really just a painful rehash of about a thousand other identical stories, offering no new slants or anything. That alone wouldn't make it so horrible, but the main character is painfully stupid, and the plot has a hole in it the size of a small star system (it has to do with her being stopped by Marine guards while the aliens can just cruise on by and enter her private quarters without explanation). Also, her solution to being stopped is just horrible (apparently the guard is even dumber than she is). Still, with a good edit and re-write, I think it could have been decent, so I wouldn't write off the author.

A Boy and His Bicycle - Carl Frederick offers a story about just that: a boy and his bike. They don't do anything interesting, or go anywhere fun, or give us any reason not to hope that they just crash into a bus and die. The only saving grace is that it's short and over quickly. And to think this story got first place that quarter...

Bury My Heart At the Garrick - Steve Savile takes the prize for plodding, pointlessness. This story of Houdini was confusing, but not in that good way where you want to know what's going on, more in the way where you just don't care and want to skip to the next story. I kept reading to see if it would get better (imagine a short story that took me a week to read!). It didn't.

Surprisingly good; recommend for short story lovers.
While I do not get a chance to read much science fiction, I decided to pick up this book mainly because I enjoy short stories.And I must say that this book surprised me.There are a number of well-written, very entertaining stories in this book.There is also a good amount of variety.As more than 12 authors contribute to this book, if you are not a fan of one story, you can move onto the next.There should be four stories in this book that will captivate you.From the quality of the prose and the structure of the stories, I was at first surprised to see that these are first time authors.Now realizing that these are contest winnners from L Ron Hubbard's Writers of the Future contest, it makes more sense.My favorites include Oragami Cranes, Eating Drinking and Walking, Windseekers, and Rewind (for it's writing style).

Ably compiled and edited
Before he went on to invent Cybernetics, L. Ron Hubbard was a prominent author of science fiction and eventually launched annual collections of science fiction and fantasy drawn from the best and the brightest in the field. The newest addition to the L. Ron Hubbard "Writers Of The Future" series is volume 18, ably compiled and edited by long time science fiction expert Algis Budrys and highly recommended reading for any fantasy fan and science fiction enthusiast. Included in this outstanding anthology are: The Dragon Cave (Drew Morby); The Haunted Seed (Ray Roberts); Rewind (David D. Levine); Windseekers (Nnedi Okorafor); Magic Out Of A Hat (L. Ron Hubbard); Lost On The Road (Ari Goelman); Graveyard Tea (Susan Fry); Carry The God (Lee Battersby); A Few Tips On The Craft Of Illustration (H. R. Van Dongen); Memoria Technica (Leon J. West); Free Fall (Tom Brennan); All Winter Long (Jae Brim); The Art Of Creation (Carl Frederick); Advice To The New Writer (Andre Norton); The Road To Levenshir (Patrick Rothfuss); Eating, Drinking, Walking (Dylan Otto Krider); Origami Cranes (Seppo Kurki); A New Anthology (Tim Powers); Worlds Apart (Woody O. Carsky-Wilson); Prague 47 (Joel Best); and What Became Of The King (Aimee C. Amodeo). L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers Of The Future, Volume XVIII concludes with "The Year In Contests" by Algis Budrys and "Contest Information".

Pretty good story weaving
It's not perfect but I found this anthology very satisfying. When every single one of the stories is able to take me somewhere interesting, then the anthology is worth the money.. Favorite stories: Graveyard Tea, Windseekers, and Origami Cranes. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (23)

I wish I knew this before!
This book really helped me understand my friends, my co-workers, and family members.It's helped me get along with people so much better and it also helped me know who my friends really were.

This book spews dogmatic nonsense
There does not exist any scientific studies to verify and document Hubbard's rather bigoted notions about human behavior in this book.Hubbard writes at long length about an emotional scale that he called "The Tone Scale".In his "Chart of Human Evaluation", he claimed that certain personality characteristics bind to other characteristic behaviors or physiological conditions. I read this book from cover to cover and have never found the data that Hubbard claims as true to bear out in the real world.
If you want to predict human behavior, I suggest studying the subjects of psychology, sociology, economics, and linguistics.Those fields will give you a genuine understanding of how us humans conduct our affairs as individuals and in groups.The pat dogma that Hubbard claims in this book is utter nonsense.Do not waste your time or money on it.

This Is a Book You Can Actually Use
I actually read this book for the first time many years ago.In fact - it was when my daughter was very young - so say 22 years ago.I liked it - and remember getting some good information from it; but before reading it again recently I had no idea just how much I got out of it!

I bring up my daughter because I'm very proud of her --- she never went through things like the "Terrible Twos" - and those horrible moments I've heard and seen so much of --- the "generation gap" where it seems like parents and kids speak different languages and tend to simply fight a lot.Then there are the infamous "rebellion years" that "all kids go through".My daughter never had any of those periods that drove some of my friends crazy - and worse, having their kids end up on drugs - or worse.I just put it off to - who knows..... she was special?I did something right maybe?

Well - what I realized when I reread the book was that as she was growing up I used a LOT of the information I got from Science of Survival.Believe me, I didn't get the whole book when I first read it.But, one of the key factors I got was that you never, never, never try to get through to someone or have a sane conversation with anyone who's "dramatizing" and as you'll read in the book - low on the Tone Scale.If a person is upset -- (simple rule of thumb) you won't get anywhere! So, I actually talked to my daughter only when she was herself - not running around, screaming, throwing tantrums, etc.It's obvious you're not talking to her --- she's too wrapped up in some upset.Those things did happen of course.But once I started using this data, it was very rare - and then there were none.She knew from our conversations when she was herself that nothing good comes of trying to have a conversation when either one of us is upset or mad or crying or whatever.So, if that happened I'd remind her of that and let her know I was there for her when she came out of it.It was miraculous!

Also - a very simple but very powerful thing I also learned from this book is that you never never never validate those times when a child (or adult for that matter!!) is upset.Why?because then becoming upset means you'll get validation - or candy - or an OK to watch TV - or a new bike --- whatever!My daughter knew that she wouldn't get anything if she threw a tantrum or even "demanded" it in some misemotional way.But, man she was well rewarded when she would sit down with me and just talk about whatver it was she wanted.Was our relationship all a bed of roses???No - but I'm telling you, I couldn't ask or hope for a better relationship with my daughter.

So - long story; but when you find some bit of information that's that simple, and that powerful - you have to tell others.Do I recommend the book?Absolutely!But one thing -- there's a LOT of information in the book.I tend to just grab a few points of things that make sense to me and then use them.Boy did I get the right points - and somehow used them correctly.

good stuff
This book is about predicting human behavior.If you ever plan on having a relationship, an employee, or a friend you really should look them up in this book.It has a chart where you can find others (and yourself) regarding your basic "emotional tone" and it is super interesting to look up yourself and find people you are working with or wondering about.

Extremely Technical
Wow, what a book!I dived into this thinking I would get some useful information about life and living and I got a tremendous dissertation full of technical information, much of which was over my head at first glance.Advice at the beginning of the book suggested I look up any words I didn't fully understand, and boy, did I have to do that.

I'm not necessarily so keen on spending a lot of time in the dictionary, and it was fortunate many of the words were defined in a glossary in the back, but I still found myself heading for the dictionary a number of times.

I was hoping for a book I could prop on my lap at night before bed and enjoy as I waited for sleep.Not such a book.Not a casual read - I felt like a student again, as if I was back in school.

While not really a bad thing, be prepared to get a lot of information about the mind and body thrown at you and be prepared to take your time to get the information.

And despite what some psychiatrist said here, make up your own mind whether the information is true or not.

There are many detractors of things both good and bad and the only way to determine which is which is to read the information yourself.

But be prepared for a very technical and thorough book. ... Read more

Product Description
The basic building block to learning and communicating is the written and spoken language. If your child cannot express his thoughts or ideas well, he will be shut off from the fruits of understanding and success in life.

The fundamental of speech and writing, grammar, has always been taught as a complicated, confusing and constricting set of rules that very few people understand. Until now.

This revolutionary book contains easy-to-read text and is full of illustrations that make effective communication with grammar simple to understand. With this unique approach, children can gain the ability to communicate their ideas well-something which is vital to preparing them for life. Suitable for children from ages of 8 to 12 years old. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Helping my child
This book by Mr Hubbard helped me to help my child with this sometimes troubling subject of Grammar.He enjoyed it very much.

Grammer and Communication for Children
This has helped my son get grades level and above all of his class mates. He is now able to read when before he would not even touch a book! It has also helped me and I am a school teacher!!! Get for the benifit of your child.

A good grammar book, but...
This is a very good basic grammar book. I used it to refresh my memory, and the children in my home are learning their grammar in conjunction with Grammar House Rock. Photocopy a few pages, and kids will have a fun coloring in the black and white pictures. My only problem with this book is L. Ron Hubbard pads this book with ideas from scientology. This is only so in the beginning and end of the book. Parents, if you do not want your children to learn Scientology, find some scissors and cut those parts out. It is a great grammar book. The illustrations are beautiful, and the characters are diverse. It has pictures of Black, Latino children, and disabled children. There is also an overweight child.

Do not think this book is some kind of odd cult thing. It simplifies grammar, and children will like it because of the pictures. Just avoid the beginning and end parts of the book if you object Scientology. Get your children Grammar House Rock too. Remember to be an active part to your children's education.

The ultimate grammar book!
This book is a wonderful example of how a complicated subject can be made simple and fan to learn. I would highly recommend it not only for children, but for adult as well! Adults, this one can really improve your communication skills!

Every child should have this book
Grammar is getting severely neglected in the school system, and as a basic building block to learning, it is becoming apparent why so many children are developing learning difficulties, or being tagged with disabilities.

This book takes you easily through grammar and communication, and helps a child (and an adult for that matter), understand enough to really use it and take command of the language.

It will be some of the best money you have ever spent on your child's education.I have 3 kids aged 7,8 and 9, and they changed after doing this course.

I didn't have to bug them about homework again.Once you eliminate the stumbling blocks and barriers your kids are faced with, they eagerly do it. ... Read more

Product Description
They defy reality, conquer new worlds and make the impossible possible. Discover the new visionaries of imagination in the Writers of the Future. Established in 1983 by L. Ron Hubbard expressly for the aspiring writer, Writers of the Future has become the most respected and significant forum for new talent in all aspects of speculative fiction. Never before published first-rate science fiction and fantasy stories selected by top names in the field: Kevin J. Anderson, Doug Beason, Gregory Benford, Orson Scott Card, Eric Flint, Brian Herbert, Nina Kiriki Hoffman, Eric Kotani, Anne McCaffrey, Rebecca Moesta, Larry Niven, Frederik Pohl, Jerry Pournelle, Tim Powers, Mike Resnick, Kristine Kathryn Rusch, Robert J. Sawyer, Robert Silverberg, Dean Wesley Smith, K.D. Wentworth, Sean Williams and Dave Wolverton. Each story illustrated by budding new artists in the field from the companion Illustrators of the Future Contest. ... Read more

Product Description
London 1975. The World War is grinding to a halt. A force more sinister than Hitler's Nazi regime has seized control of Europe and is systematically destroying every adversary. Ordered by his superiors to return to British Headquarters, located in a vast underground fortress, "the Lieutenant" is torn between abiding by military codes and doing what he knows is right for his country. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

quickie
Recieved in less time than was told it would take.Brand new and excellent price.

The Insanity of War
Most of us today cannot help but evaluate L. Ron Hubbard without thinking of him in terms of his connection with Dianetics and Scientology. My view of Hubbard in this context is generally negative.

But Hubbard wrote a lot of fiction before the days of Dianetics in the early fifties. Much of it was bad, but some of it was quite good. _Final Blackout_ (1948) was first written in 1939 and serialized in _Astounding_ in 1940. In a preface to the 1948 book, Hubbard notes that when he wrote the novel "there was still a Maginot line, Dunkirk was just another French coastal town and the Battle of Britain, the Bulge, Saipan, Iwo, V2s and Nagasaki were things unknown" (5). Many gentlemen still wondered "whether or not it _was_ not possible to do business with Hitler" (6).

Hubbard's novel, written in "that quiet world of 1939" (8), generated a lot of controversy, both as a magazine serial and as a book. Hubbard imagines a Europe ravaged by so many wars that almost all traces of civilization have been wiped out. Against this background, a military genius called "the Lieutenant"-- he has no name-- bucks his incompetent superior officers and launches a series of campaigns that begin to win the war and unify England with himself as dictator. The country that is considered to be the main villain is not Germany or Russia. Rather, it is a decadent United States of America.

The novel is violent and grim, and the scenario of the Benevolent Dictator rescuing Civilization is a bit on the fascist side. (Though the novel goes through the motions of attacking fascism.) But these qualities are consistent with Hubbard's premise of a war-torn continent. And it is to Hubbard's credit that the violence is not sensationalized and the characters are not glorified.

Sixty years after the book publication, the faults of the novel are more obvious. The style is competent but pulpish, and its theme is sometimes a little too obvious. It is not as good as some of his early fantasies like _Slaves of Sleep_ (1948) and _Fear_ (1957). But it still has a certain power to it that wears well.

Pulp fiction what-if war novel
This is a pulp fiction, sci-fi novel.Kind of comic book stuff, which makes it an easy read.There is no suspense, clever plots, internal dialogues or character development.

I liked the book for its simplicity and concept of a post World War II.After years of fighting, Europe is covered with roving bands of soldiers, who take food and weapons wherever they travel.They eventually re-conquer England and set up a prosperous and fair government.After a few years, their peace is disrupted by an invading force from the U.S.A. under the pretense that they violated some international law.(This is really Deja vu regarding the Middle East and several of the U.N. Peace Keeping "Humanitarian" missions.)

While Peace Keeping, in Croatia, (former Yugoslavia) I heard reports of the same roving kind of private army bands, pillaging across the country.So, this scenario is very possible.Any history buff or soldier can also relate to concepts of the "field soldiers/officers" and the lazy, self-serving bureaucrats that make up "the brass."

While this is not great book, it is thought-provoking to what could have happened in Europe or Asia, if the west had not intervened.

Doug Setter, author of One Less Victim: A Prevention Guide and Stomach Flattening

A very dark and prescient tale about the world, with an even darker ending
As this book demonstrates, before he turned to Dianetics and founded the religion of Scientology, Hubbard was a pretty good science fiction writer. Originally written in 1940, this book is a dark and prescient tale about a general European war.
The setting is decades after the start of the war, it started with the use of high powered weapons of the 1940 era, but after the involvement of atom bombs, biological and chemical agents, the war continues but the quality of the weapons has declined. Airplanes and all other mechanized weapons of war are no longer, along with nearly all of the people. The soldiers continue to fight on, but now a large unit is a few hundred men. They are called the "unkillables" because they have managed to survive the biological agents, war and the chronic lack of food. Most of what they eat is the remnants of what was packaged years ago, so nearly everyone is on the edge of starvation. The industrial base is gone and there are few civilians and even fewer pockets of civilization.
The lieutenant commands a small British unit that has been in constant warfare on the European mainland for years. Since they are infected with a biological agent, they are forbidden to return to England. The lieutenant is an extremely skilled commander, so as they move around the countryside they easily defeat any opposition they encounter.
Eventually, they come across a unit commanded by British political generals, sent by the British Communist Party, now ruling Britain, to make contact with all remaining British units. The goal of the generals is to strip these units of their distinctive structure and incorporate them into a political fighting force. However, since the generals are militarily incompetent, it is easy for the lieutenant and his unit to defeat them and take over the command. Knowing that it is now biologically safe to do so, the lieutenant and his forces return to England.
Hubbard demonstrates his knowledge of the current status of science and a degree of predictive capability in his use of biological and atomic weapons. However, as dark as the story is, it has an even darker ending, for despite all of the death and destruction; as soon as it is possible, imperialism arises once more in a terrible but predictable way.

Final Blackout
It seems that every time I find one of Hubbard's fiction books they're full of blurbs from famous authors praising them. "Fear" was called a "classic" by Stephen King and the Galaxy edition of "Final Blackout" has a long introduction by Algis Budrys saying how great the book is. Somehow the books never seem to be able to live up to their hype. One exception may be "Battlefield Earth", which I really liked.

Anyway, "Final Blackout" was written in 1940, and its set in the future, the Second World War having never ended. "The Lieutenant" leads his soldiers in battle, exiled from his native Britain, and when they get to the headquarters somewhere in France, military bureaucrats takes his troops away from him. But his soldiers stand by him and they invade Britain, which has been taken overy by communists.

It starts out with rather tedious battle scenes, gets better somewhere in the middle, then more battle scenes. Then there are some political ideas I found rather questionable, and a "clever" ending.

There are some similarities with "Battlefield Earth", but "Final Blackout" never gets anywhere near as good as that novel. It's a quick read. Will be interesting for Hubbard fans but most readers needn't bother. ... Read more

Product Description
The Japanese have led a heavily armored assault against the Chinese city of Shunkien, pounding wreckage into ashes and wiping out a city dating back to Genghis Kahn. One of the few buildings still standing is the small American consulate, now packed with one hundred and sixteen frightened American refugees. Food is low and deadly Asiatic cholera is starting to run rampant, with carnage and corpses piling up in the streets. Two hundred miles away, the USS Miami drops anchor, well equipped with the needed gold to buy food and a cholera serum to prevent disease and death. The dillema is that should the Marines take military action to rush supplies to the consulate, it could force the US into an all-out battle with the Japanese. Marine Gunnery Sergeant James Mitchell and Private First Class Spivits instead are ordered to conduct a treacherous supply mission facing impossible odds to reach and rescue the trapped Americans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Determination
The soldier simply won't give up. He gets the job done, no matter what. Another fun adventure. I want to thank Galaxy Press form making my drives to work and back fun again!

Captivating
It is hard to imagine the amount of research that must have gone into this book.The story takes place in China in the 1930's, during the Japanese invasion.Although it is fictions the situation does not seem too far fetched.The main character is especially intriguing. I believe that I read that this story was 1st published in 1937.This is my second Galaxy Press audio book and it is a top notch product.It is complete with acting and sound effects.They remind me of the old radio shows, but with better sound. I finished the book in about 4 days of driving back and forth to work with at least two 10 minute session sitting in the parking lot.

L. Ron Hubbard was a master storyteller
Before he became an icon of the Scientology movement, L. Ron Hubbard was a working writer whose popular stories appeared in many of the pulp magazines of the 1930s and 1940s. Now Galaxy Press is bringing those tales of fantasy, adventure, mystery, westerns, and romance back into print in their 'Stories from the Golden Age' series. "Orders Is Orders" is the story of Marin Gunnery Sergeant James Mitchell and Private First Class Spivits who are called upon to make a 200-mile trek to bring an anti-cholera serum to a remote American consulate in Shunkien, China against impossible odds and the risk of their very lives. L. Ron Hubbard was a master storyteller and Galaxy Press is to be congratulated for bringing this vibrant and entertaining stories back in print as 'time lost' classics and the enjoyment of a whole new generation of appreciative readers.
... Read more

Product Description
Circus dwarf Little Tom Little is the king of midgets, loved by crowds and carnival folk alike. Only he doesn't just want to be a bigger circus star, he wants to be just like the circus' tall and imposing leader.Trouble begins the moment that a set of ancient books containing the secret of switching bodies finds its way into Tom Little's tiny hands. When he magically trades his small frame with that of the circus chief, finds himself in a giant-sized heap of trouble his craving for height has landed him smack in the center ring surrounded by forty savage cats! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Hurrah for the little guy!
I don't know why, but I really liked the main character, Tom Little. Reminded me a bit of Miles Vorkosigan, and not just because they're both short.A bit of the 'refuse-to-lose' attitude without being cocky about it.
Great adventure, and with enough plot twists to keep you going.It'd make a great short film script for art students to use.

If I were you by L ron hubbard
This was an awesome book.I just love it so much.L ron hubbard is my favorite fiction author of all time and this is because he is able to write a book that absolutely pulls you into the story and supercharges your imagination.This book was just compelling!!

A pleasant little diversion, but could have used better stories
The audio version of L. Ron Hubbard's "If I Were You" is an absolute top-notch production all the way.The music, sound effects, and multi-voice cast work beautifully together, and the slipcase packaging complete with a colorful, substantial booklet on the author adds further heft to the proceedings.I just wish the two dramatized stories were a little more involving.I guess I'm just not into circus settings (the first story) and whimsical gangsters (the second one).I will keep an eye out for other installments in this audio series, however.If the same excellent production and packaging is applied to a couple of Mr. Hubbard's better stories from the Golden Age of pulps, that would be some audio.

What a fun story...
The story was fun, well-written and gives a personal flavor to each of the characters so that you feel like you're right there in the big-top with them as their whole world gets turned upside down.

What fun!
This was a great audio book. I felt like I was in a movie listening to this. Really high quality sound. I also really enjoyed the story and seeing the main character learn that "trying to be something other than who he was" didn't bring him happiness! Really good story, entertaining and just good, clean fantasy! I can't wait till the next Fantasy in the series comes out! I'm searching for it already! ... Read more

Product Description
American arms merchant Blacky Lee is wanted by nearly every government in 1930s Europe-especially the Nazis. They want Blacky's head for selling them dud weapons, prompting his rapid (and illegal) escape across the Balkans to the kingdom of Aldoria with his business partner in tow. Aldoria is well chosen. Years before, Blacky discovered he was the spitting image of the country's Prince Philip, learned the archduke's speaking voice and memorized the royal family tree just in case. When Blacky brazenly impersonates the leader, things go surprisingly well . . . that is, until he finds himself caught in the middle of a Communist plot to rig elections and take over. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

What an Amazing Romp!
The story of the scoundrel, cad & schemer that makes you wonder when he's going to get hoist on his own petard (fall victim to one of his own traps!) takes such irreverent twists and turns that you simply CAN'T stop listening to it or reading it.

One of the most delightful bits is that Blackie really is a NEAR total handsome devil scoundrel that women can't resist, self-confident-verging-on-arrogant cad.His sidekick keeps trying to get Blackie to grow a conscience with no success......

I love the fact that the roles of the white hat / black hat / innocent bystander get swapped around so thoroughly.After I finished the story, I reflected in the satisfied glow of a great read that L Ron Hubbard had actually slipped in such insightful commentary on the nature of what constituted a good government.

It's different, it's fun, it has aspects that one doesn't expect, and one can be refreshed and rejuvenated by it.

I had an opportunity to read a great many of the stories that Galaxy Press is bringing back out.Every single one of the stories that I read stood on it's own admirably. The similarity was only in the entertainment value and quality of writing.

Witty, sharp story
I really enjoy stories that are told slightly OFF of the main character's viewpoint. You get all the mystery of the plot while watching it unfold, without knowing exactly what the end game of the lead character is.A lot of this story is told from the Iron Duke's hapless assistant, who looks on in horror at the reckless improvisations of Blacky Lee that only get more elaborate as the story moves along.You keep expecting the whole house of cards to collapse on his head...
Good times. :)

Fast read, lots of fun.

Great Example of Forties Pulp Fiction!
Being a collector of pulp mags, I recognized the painting at the cover of The Iron Duke; I think it's from Argosy Magazine as I remember.I know that the company Author Services had a reprint project going on, but leather covers and expensive paper made a $50 a book subscription a bit expensive.Regardless, I collected a few of these books to get my Hubbard fix of fantasy and science fiction.Galaxy Press has been on a project recently of publications of Hubbard's old pulp stories.

The pulps had a lot going for them in the old days.It's really what kids were gravitated to.They were cheap entertainment and helped take the mind off The Great Depression, the Communist "threat" and the Nazis.The Iron Duke is clearly attempting to do that.

For a rather cheap price (I got mine from the library, yay) I got a bit of light entertainment and recognized the satire regarding a charlatan who just happens to be the near twin of Archduke Philip of Ardoria.That other Philip is a drunk and a raving lunatic who is kept under close watch by the royal family and a discredit to the monarchy.

Blacky and his sidekick Stub (cute name) take advantage of a case of mistaken identity and the Duke's convenient departure to make riches off the monarchy of Ardoria, avoid the Nazis and make a deal with "The Sons of Freedom", that is, a Communist movement to take over the monarchy.

Only one thing stops him:the love of a woman, Countess Zita.

Tossing grenades, being self-assured to the point of arrogance and somehow saving the day was typical plot of the Forties pulps.Taking a snide swipe at the Russians and Communism soon after WWII was daring to say the least.

Overall, not a bad book.Besides the story, Galaxy Press gave a short short of an upcoming adventure tale, a bit about the author, his list of pen-names, a short article on the history of pulp fiction and an invitation to read more.

Though I prefer Hubbard's horror (Fear) and his fantasy (Slaves of Sleep) and even his science fiction (Old Doc Methusulah), I have yet to check out further adventure and western tales.I may take Galaxy up on that offer!Critics to the contrary, Hubbard's science fiction output was quite low.Take a look at the biography!

Other books I recommend:

Battlefield Earth: A Saga of the Year 3000 [the book, NOT the movie!]
The Professor Was a Thief (Stories from the Golden Age) [Somewhere Hubbard said this was his favorite.]
Fear [a Stephen King favorite]

Funny, suspenseful with a touch of satire
Hubbard knows how to tell a story in a way to get you completely enthralled in it. This is one of those. A guy who is on the run from the Nazis goes to Aldoria (fictitious kingdom in Europe) because he looks just like the crown-prince of that country. After playing out the part for a while he runs into Countess Zita who is perplexed to find the crown-prince away from his strong-hold. Evidently the Sons of Freedom are lurking everywhere trying to assassinate the prince, so him being out and about is not very safe. When the countess offers to accompany him back to his fortress with added protection, where he undoubtedly will meet the real deal, his fate seems to be sealed.

It's a hell of a story and well worth reading.

Really good plot line.
I really liked the plot. It had twists and turns in it and kept me interested the whole way. Would highly recommend to others! ... Read more