Greed


Continues the anthology of short stories by Hubbard.

“Greed” is the title and when I started reading it I didn’t know what to expect. An interesting premise that a society needs greed as an incentive to move forward. But the theory holds up: explorers and conmen both want some degree of recognition, some for power, others money and fame.

The Asians are taking over the galaxy, taking advantage of the West’s reducing their war machines to nil and forgetting war. One Captain Lorrilard find a key to the Asian’s defense screens, a weakness he exploits, and with this superior “tech”, brings the Asian enemy to its knees and the negotiating table.

At the time of writing, much was going on with the wars in Europe and Japan, so this was a tale speaking to the reality of the readers of the time. Fast-paced, on par with E.E. Doc Smith’s Skylark of Space series.

The second story, “Final Enemy”, is about the superiority of Man as he conquers the sub races on other planets. These planets come up with a legend that there was once a superior race that seemed more powerful than Man was. This was unthinkable! Earth then comes together for a common purpose to conquer this “enemy.” Interesting twist at the end with a lesson in discovering a basic purpose within everyone would result in peace, despite greed being a motive.

The last was a surprise: I would have thought “The Automagic Horse” would have deserved its own booklet. It is published elsewhere as a kid’s book, but I think adults would enjoy it as well. Sarcastic criticism of the Hollywood system of checks & balances, and one Gadget O’Dowd, a special effects man who is pilfering Hollywood cash for his secret rocket to the Moon! But when a woman accountant comes to the lot and inquires about his expenses, she’s liable to find out about it – and about the expense of an automagic horse, Stardust. Fast-paced, imaginative and kinda silly.

Overall, a quick read, a fun look at pulp fiction.



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Very fun sci fi story. edgy ( )

L. Ron Hubbard's "Greed" is a post-war science fiction morality tale told by a master storyteller. By the time "Greed" was published in the pages of Astounding Science Fiction magazine Hubbard had produced an astonishing body of fiction encompassing every genre: air-adventure, western, sea adventure, crime stories, far-flung tales in exotic locales, fantasy and tales from the Orient. "Greed" is typical of his output - well-written and fully realized. This edition includes two bonus stories - "Final Enemy" which is yet another classic, and the renowned "The Auto-Magic Horse." It's difficult to pick a favorite because all three are so good, but I'd have to lean in favor of "The Auto-Magic Horse." I own a rather battered copy of the original October 1949 issue of Astounding Science Fiction where "The Auto-Magic Horse" first appeared. Part Hollywood satire, part science fiction, "The Auto-Magic Horse" is a stand-out gem from L. Ron Hubbard. As always I am recommending the superb audio book from Galaxy Press in addition to the paperback. These audio books are the best on the market. The vocal talent includes David Paladino, James King, Jim Meskimen, Tamra Meskimen, Noelle North, Jeff Pomerantz, Phil Proctor, Enn Reitel, Josh R. Thompson and Michael Yurchak. The primary narration is provided by R. F. Daley who has the best voice in the audio book industry. ( )

Good set of stories. As a child I enjoyed L. Ron Hubbard's work and reading these returned me to an earlier time. Quite fun reading. ( )

Interesting stories from a dated but historically telling point of view. Not cutting edge anymore, but good classic fun, and with a stylish air. Short book of long stories!

I will reiterate the point of earlier reviewers: a biography of Hubbard without a mention of Scientology is questionable. ( )