영어로 읽는 고전 _ 핸리 커터너의 공허의 전쟁신들
Henry Kuttner의 "공허의 전쟁신들"은 20세기 초에 쓰인 공상과학 소설입니다. 이야기는 지구 수사관 제리 배닝이 거주하기 힘든 금성에서 도망자 돈 캘러한을 추적하는 과정을 따라갑니다. 배닝의 수색은 그로 하여금 인간을 광기와 죽음으로 몰아넣는 신비한 북방열에 맞닥뜨리게 하고, 결국 행성을 지배하고 주민들을 노예로 만드는 고대 외계 종족인 스왐자에 대한 어둠의 비밀을 밝혀내게 됩니다. 이야기는 처음에 캘러한으로부터 위험한 비밀 조약을 회수하라는 임무를 받은 배닝이 북방열에 의해 금성의 늪지대 북쪽으로 여행하도록 강요받는 위험한 세계에 갇히게 되면서 전개됩니다. 그는 나중에 스왐자가 인간과 원주민들을 모두 함정에 빠뜨리고 노예로 만들기 위해 이 열병을 조작했다는 것을 발견합니다. 배닝이 이 위험한 풍경을 헤쳐나가면서, 그는 동료 지구인 여성 리슬라를 포함한 다른 포로들과 힘을 합칩니다. 그들은 함께 외계 압제자들로부터 탈출을 시도하면서도 배닝은 캘러한을 체포하겠다는 의지를 굽히지 않습니다. 궁극적으로 이 이야기는 생존, 폭정에 대한 반란, 그리고 압도적인 역경에 맞선 자유를 위한 탐구라는 주제들을 탐구합니다.
Classics Read in English _ War-Gods of the Void by Henry Kuttner
Henry Kuttner's "War-Gods of the Void" is a science fiction novel from the early 20th century that follows Earth investigator Jerry Vanning as he pursues the fugitive Don Callahan across the hostile terrain of Venus. Vanning's relentless search leads him to encounter the enigmatic North-Fever, a mysterious affliction that drives men to madness and death, ultimately revealing dark secrets about the Swamja?an ancient alien race that rules the planet and enslaves its inhabitants.
The narrative unfolds as Vanning, initially assigned to retrieve a dangerous secret treaty from Callahan, becomes trapped in a perilous world where the North-Fever compels him to journey northward into Venus's treacherous swamplands. His investigation takes a sinister turn when he discovers that the Swamja have deliberately engineered this fever as a psychological weapon designed to trap and enslave both humans and native Venusians alike.
As Vanning navigates this hazardous landscape filled with both natural dangers and alien manipulation, he forms an unlikely alliance with other captives, including Lysla, a fellow Earthwoman who becomes both companion and crucial ally in their struggle for survival. Despite the overwhelming challenges they face, Vanning remains steadfastly determined to complete his original mission of capturing Callahan, even as the scope of the alien threat becomes increasingly apparent.
The story weaves together multiple narrative threads exploring themes of survival against impossible odds, rebellion against tyrannical oppression, and the fundamental human quest for freedom when confronted with forces that seek to strip away both dignity and autonomy. Through Vanning's journey, Kuttner examines how individuals can maintain their humanity and purpose even when faced with cosmic-scale threats that challenge the very foundations of human agency.
Among the contents
Earth Consul, Goodenow, tossed a packet of microfilms to Vanning, and said, "You're crazy. The man you're after isn't here. Only damn fools ever come to Venus?and don't ask me why I'm here. You're crazy to think you'll find a fugitive hiding on this planet."
Jerry Vanning, earth state investigator, moved his stocky body uneasily. He had a headache. He had had it ever since the precarious landing through the tremendous wind-maelstroms of the pea-soup Venusian atmosphere. With an effort he focused his vision on the micro-projector Goodenow handed him, and turned the tiny key. Inside the box, a face sprang into view. He sighed and slid another of the passport-films into place. He had never seen the man before.
"Routine check-up," he said patiently. "I got a tip Callahan was heading here, and we can't afford to take chances."
The consul mopped his sweating, beefy face and cursed Venusian air-conditioning units. "Who is this guy Callahan, anyway?" he asked.
