Most Popular Books by Frederik Pohl

The Heechee gateways, remnants of an ancient civilization, provide instantaneous passage to the far reaches of the universe but do not ensure destination, return, wealth, or survival.

A novel set in the "Gateway" universe.

In the race to colonize Mars, Roger Torraway is selected to undergo many painful operations that will enable him to stay alive on Mars without artificial aids.

Two of science fiction’s most renowned writers join forces for a storytelling sensation. The historic collaboration between Frederik Pohl and his fellow founding father of the genre, Arthur C. Clarke, is both a momentous literary event and a fittingly grand farewell from the late, great visionary author of 2001: A Space Odyssey. The Last Theorem is a story of one man’s mathematical obsession, and a celebration of the human spirit and the scientific method. It is also a gripping intellectual thriller in which humanity, facing extermination from all-but-omnipotent aliens, the Grand Galactics, must overcome differences of politics and religion and come together . . . or perish. In 1637, the French mathematician Pierre de Fermat scrawled a note in the margin of a book about an enigmatic theorem: “I have discovered a truly marvelous proof of this proposition which this margin is too narrow to contain.” He also neglected to record his proof elsewhere. Thus began a search for the Holy Grail of mathematics–a search that didn’t end until 1994, when Andrew Wiles published a 150-page proof. But the proof was burdensome, overlong, and utilized mathematical techniques undreamed of in Fermat’s time, and so it left many critics unsatisfied–including young Ranjit Subramanian, a Sri Lankan with a special gift for mathematics and a passion for the famous “Last Theorem.” When Ranjit writes a three-page proof of the theorem that relies exclusively on knowledge available to Fermat, his achievement is hailed as a work of genius, bringing him fame and fortune. But it also brings him to the attention of the National Security Agency and a shadowy United Nations outfit called Pax per Fidem, or Peace Through Transparency, whose secretive workings belie its name. Suddenly Ranjit–together with his wife, Myra de Soyza, an expert in artificial intelligence, and their burgeoning family–finds himself swept up in world-shaking events, his genius for abstract mathematical thought put to uses that are both concrete and potentially deadly. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to anyone on Earth, an alien fleet is approaching the planet at a significant percentage of the speed of light. Their mission: to exterminate the dangerous species of primates known as homo sapiens.

Stellar expedition searches for an answer to world famine.

About all of Halsey''s Planet there was the imperceptible reek of decay. The clean, big, bustling, efficient spaceport only made the sensation stronger. From where he stood on the height of the Ramp, he could see the Yards, the spires of Halsey City ten kilometers away - and the tumble-down gray acres of Ghost Town between.

Robinette Broadhead, who learned the secrets of a cache of Heechee starships found hidden in an asteroid, is brought face to face with the mysterious race who made them.

New York Times bestselling author Kim Stanley Robinson introduces this new edition of Our Angry Earth, a call to action from science fiction Grandmasters Isaac Asimov and Frederik Pohl.

There were too many people and too few resources on Earth. The old alliances had crumbled, and three global alignments now coexisted uneasily. Then, in a nearby star system, the Earthlike planet Jem was discovered. Its untapped resources might bring a renaissance to Earth--or bring on the final apocalypse.

A senator is picked up for questioning by the FBI for a crime committed by an alter ego from another time line.

In ''The Knights of Arthur,'' Frederik Pohl intricately weaves Arthurian legend with science fiction, inviting readers into a world where myth and narrative meet technology and futurism. This richly layered novel explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the quest for identity in a strikingly imaginative context that reexamines the tradition of chivalric romance through a modern lens. Pohl''s signature prose fuses lyrical beauty with sharp wit, offering a distinctive voice that bridges the past and future in an engaging and thought-provoking manner. Frederik Pohl, a luminary in the realm of speculative fiction, draws upon his extensive career as a writer and editor, as well as his deep knowledge of both science and classic literature. His fascination with the complexities of human nature, the challenges of technological advancement, and the enduring power of myth has profoundly shaped his storytelling. Pohl''s passion for challenging societal norms is evident in this narrative that extends beyond mere entertainment, engaging its readers in a profound dialogue about history and progress. Recommended for those who cherish the confluence of fantasy and science fiction, ''The Knights of Arthur'' stands as both a tribute to the storied past and a beckoning into uncharted futures. Pohl''s masterful storytelling and innovative concepts will resonate not only with fans of Arthurian lore but also with anyone seeking a rich narrative that provokes thought and stirs the imagination. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work''s timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era''s events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author''s life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work''s messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

This is a great collection of action short stories by Frederik Pohl from "The Golden Age of Science Fiction". Featured here: "Asteroid of the Damned", "Conspiracy on Callisto", "Double-Cross", and "Let the Ants Try".

Dive into the imaginative and captivating worlds of "Amazing Tales Volume 130", where each story explores themes of time, identity, truth, and the complexities of human desires. This anthology brings together the finest narratives of science fiction and speculative storytelling. In "A Hitch in Time" by Frederik Pohl, a stranded time traveler faces an existential crisis as he becomes entangled in the life of a dying man. His decisions in this ancient world could forever change the future, challenging his understanding of fate and self. Transitioning from the past to a courtroom drama, Theodore Sturgeon''s "The Sky Was Full of Ships" places Gordon Kemp at the center of a mysterious death in Switchpath, Arizona. As the sole guardian of the truth, Kemp confronts the intricacies of rustic justice and small-town secrets, striving to clear the fog surrounding Alessandro Sykes''s fate. Next, delve into Jerry Shelton''s "You are forbidden!" where the narrative follows Dr. Jules Craig, whose groundbreaking work faces unforeseen obstacles. As secrets unfold, the tension rises, questioning the boundaries of knowledge and the cost of forbidden pursuits. In "The Penultimate Trump" by R. C. W. Ettinger, immerse yourself in a world on the brink of transformation. Though the specifics remain elusive, Ettinger''s tale promises a twist on anticipation and the unexpected turns that define the human experience. Finally, "Definition" by Damon Knight captivates with a cosmic journey aboard a spaceship. Charles Samson and his wife, Midge, find their thoughts drifting from the grandeur of the galaxy to the simplicity of earthly cravings. This story beautifully contrasts the vastness of space with the intimate desires of the human heart. "Amazing Tales Volume 130" is a testament to the power of storytelling, inviting readers to explore diverse realms and ponder the profound questions of existence.

A near-future tale finds a popular theme park opened on the site of ancient Pompeii on the eve of the 2,000th anniversary of the eruption of Vesuvius and threatened by a possible repeat eruption and terrorist attack.