"The Terror" by Alfred Coppel is a science fiction tale that unfolds during the Cold War era, where space exploration is new. The book explores how fear can hurt people when astronaut Jan Carvel comes back from space with a strange message that leads to global panic about aliens. The story tells of Jan Carvel's solo trip into space and his supposed discovery of an alien fleet. When he dies back on Earth, the data he leaves behind sparks intense dread, pushing countries to unite against this danger. As worries grow, experts and leaders argue over whether Carvel's claims are real. The story ends when they realize that the "Terror" might just be the result of Carvel's failing mind, not an alien invasion. Thus, the book makes a statement about fear, unity, and how people tend to invent enemies when they are unsure.
The terror
By Alfred Coppel
A lone astronaut's mysterious space voyage ignites worldwide panic and paranoia, compelling humanity to confront their innermost terrors, which may or may not be real.
Summary
About the AuthorAlfred Coppel, Alfredo Jose de Arana-Marini Coppel was an American author. Born in Oakland, he served as a fighter pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. After his discharge, he started his career as a writer. He became one of the most prolific pulp magazine authors of the 1950s and 1960s, adopting the pseudonyms Robert Cham Gilman and A.C. Marin and writing for a variety of pulp magazines and later "slick" publishers. Though writing in a variety of genres, including action thrillers, he is known for his science fiction stories which comprise both short stories and novels.
Alfred Coppel, Alfredo Jose de Arana-Marini Coppel was an American author. Born in Oakland, he served as a fighter pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. After his discharge, he started his career as a writer. He became one of the most prolific pulp magazine authors of the 1950s and 1960s, adopting the pseudonyms Robert Cham Gilman and A.C. Marin and writing for a variety of pulp magazines and later "slick" publishers. Though writing in a variety of genres, including action thrillers, he is known for his science fiction stories which comprise both short stories and novels.
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