Touch the sky

Name: Touch the sky
Author: Alfred Coppel

By Alfred Coppel

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Science-Fiction & Fantasy Short Stories

About This Book

A man preparing for a perilous lunar mission spends a last night at a carnival with his young wife, where a shabby rocket-ride's mock cosmos awakens a deep, irrational dread. During the actual launch, initial triumph gives way to mounting claustrophobia as onboard instruments and views show distorted stars and impossibly close celestial bodies, unsettling his sense of reality. The narrative contrasts the cheap, mocking spectacle of midways with the grandeur and anxiety of space exploration, examining how fear, expectation, and the fragility of perception complicate the promise of new frontiers.

About the Author

Alfred Coppel

Alfred Coppel was an American author known for his contributions to science fiction and adventure literature. His works often explore themes of human resilience and the complexities of society. Among his notable titles is "Captain Midas," which showcases his ability to blend imaginative storytelling with thought-provoking concepts. Coppel's writing reflects a keen interest in the interplay between technology and humanity, as seen in other works like "Flight From Time" and "The First Man on the Moon." With a diverse portfolio of over twenty published works, he has left a lasting mark on the genre, appealing to readers who enjoy speculative fiction and engaging narratives.