The Moon Pool

Merritt, A.

ISBN 10: 0809532972 / ISBN 13: 9780809532971

Published by Wildside Press, Holicong, PA, 2003

About this Item

2003. 1st Edition. Fine paperback book. An as new copy, it's square, tight and clean. 432pp. (A).

Seller Inventory # 021690

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Moon Pool
• Publisher: Wildside Press, Holicong, PA
• Publication Date: 2003
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0809532972
• ISBN 13: 9780809532971
• Binding: Soft cover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Science Fiction/Fantasy

About this title

Synopsis

The Moon Pool is a fantasy novel by Abraham Merritt (1884-1943). It originally appeared as two short stories in All-Story Weekly: "The Moon Pool" (1918) and its sequel, "Conquest of the Moon Pool" (1919). These were then reworked into a novel released in 1919. The protagonist, Dr. Goodwin, would later appear in Merritt's second novel, The Metal Monster (1920).

Although Merritt did not invent the "lost world" novel—he followed in the footsteps of Bulwer-Lytton, Conan Doyle, Burroughs, and others--this work extended the tradition. The plot concerns an advanced race which has developed within the Earth's core. Eventually their most intelligent members create an offspring. This created entity encompasses both great good and great evil, but it slowly turns away from its creators and towards evil. The entity is called either the Dweller or the Shining One.

Eventually of the race which created it, only three are left; these are called the Silent Ones, and they have been 'purged of dross' and can be described as higher, nobler, more angelic beings than are humankind. They have also been sentenced by the good among their race to remain in the world, and not to die, as punishment for their pride which was the source of the calamity called the Dweller, until such time as they destroy their creation--if they still can. And the reason they do not do so is simply that they continue to love it.

About the Author

Author of 15 science fiction and fantasy novels, ABRAHAM MERRITT (1884-1943) was the most popular genre writer of his time. His talent for fantasy and science fiction writing was first recognized when the novelette version of this story appeared in a 1918 issue of All-Story Weekly.