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The Sun Maker

Jack Williamson

First published June 1940
Type Short Fiction
Length Novella

Synopsis

A mysterious anomaly enters the solar system and prevents solar energy from reaching the earth. Human civilization retreats underground to be powered by tiny solar reactions inside tiny universes of compressed space until things return to normal. A scientist discovers that gravity has also been blocked and the sun is now out of reach. His further explorations discover that a long vanished advanced reptilian civilization had followed a similar path when a similar anomaly led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, and their superior technology can be adapted to save mankind.

Awards

YearAwardCategoryStatus
2016 Retro Hugo Award Best Novella Nominee/Finalist

Publications (5)

Date Publication Publisher Type Page
June 1940 Thrilling Wonder Stories, June 1940 Better Publications, Inc. MAGAZINE 95
May 1954 The Giant Anthology of Science Fiction: 10 Complete Short Novels Merlin Press Anthology 523
October 1958 Race to the Stars Crest Books / Fawcett Publications Anthology 173
August 2008 Gateway to Paradise Haffner Press Collection 135
August 2008 Gateway to Paradise Haffner Press Collection