Frederik Pohl
Frederik Pohl (1919-2013) was an American writer and editor, one of the most acclaimed and influential figures in science fiction, honoured with the field's highest awards across a career of more than seventy years. He was celebrated both for his sharp satirical fiction and for his work as an editor and mentor.
Pohl is best known for novels like Gateway and, with Cyril Kornbluth, the satirical classic The Space Merchants — most of which remain under copyright. Like many writers of his generation, he began in the science-fiction magazines, and a couple of his early stories have since entered the public domain.
The library offers those early public-domain stories: 'The Tunnel Under the World,' a brilliant, unsettling tale about a man trapped reliving the same day, and 'The Knights of Arthur.' Both display the satirical wit and clever premises he was known for.
Our editions present these early works clearly. Read a story free, and read or listen with a membership.
Frederik Pohl in the library · 2 works
The Knights of Arthur
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Frequently asked questions about Frederik Pohl
What did Frederik Pohl write?
Pohl wrote science fiction across seven decades, most famously the novels Gateway and, with C. M. Kornbluth, The Space Merchants. He was also a distinguished editor. He won multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards. Most of his celebrated novels remain under copyright.
Which Frederik Pohl works are available here?
The library offers two of his early stories that are now in the public domain: 'The Tunnel Under the World' and 'The Knights of Arthur.' Both appeared in science-fiction magazines in the 1950s. His famous novels, such as Gateway, remain under copyright and are not included.
What is 'The Tunnel Under the World' about?
'The Tunnel Under the World' follows a man who wakes to find himself living the same day over and over, gradually uncovering a disturbing truth about his town and the forces controlling it. A sharp satire of advertising and manipulation with a chilling twist, it's one of the most admired science-fiction short stories of its era. It showcases Pohl's clever, unsettling imagination.
Where should I start with these works?
'The Tunnel Under the World' is the ideal starting point — a gripping, thought-provoking classic short story. 'The Knights of Arthur' offers Pohl's satirical humour. Both are short and quick to read.
Why is Frederik Pohl important?
Pohl was a major science-fiction author and editor whose satirical, socially aware fiction — especially his collaborations skewering advertising and consumerism — helped mature the genre. As an editor he shaped magazines and discovered talent. His long career earned him the field's highest honours and lasting influence.
Why aren't his famous novels available here?
Because his best-known novels, such as Gateway and The Space Merchants, remain under copyright. Only a couple of his early stories have entered the public domain, and those are what the library can legally offer. We're clear about which titles are included.
Where can I read these works for free?
Pohl's early public-domain stories are freely available. Older editions keep the original text. Here you can read a story free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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