Lake of Fire

Name: Lake of Fire
Author: Frank Belknap Long

By Frank Belknap Long

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Science-Fiction & Fantasy

About This Book

Two prospectors discover an ancient Martian mirror whose glass preserves the likeness of a long-dead woman, and one man becomes dangerously enthralled by the image. The narrator warns that such preserved visions have driven others mad, yet competition for the artifact provokes armed conflict with rival scavengers. During the fight a companion is wounded and the narrator deploys a silent, high-energy device to repel attackers. The story probes obsession with idealized, preserved beauty, the corrosive effects of colonial prospecting and greed, and the perilous consequences when lost technologies meet human longing.

About the Author

Frank Belknap Long

Frank Belknap Long was an American author known for his contributions to the science fiction genre. His works often explore themes of space travel and the unknown, reflecting the anxieties and fascinations of the early to mid-20th century. Among his notable titles is "Mars is My Destination," which showcases his imaginative storytelling and ability to blend adventure with speculative concepts. Long's writing is characterized by a unique blend of humor and horror, making him a distinctive voice in the literary landscape of his time. He was also associated with the Cthulhu Mythos, further cementing his place in the pantheon of speculative fiction.