United States | Lecturia

Henry Kuttner & C. L. Moore: What You Need

“What You Need” is a science fiction short story written by Henry Kuttner and C. L. Moore, first published in Astounding Science Fiction in October 1945. The story follows Tim Carmichael, a cynical and ambitious journalist who, intrigued by the display window of a mysterious shop on Park Avenue, steps into the enigmatic business of Peter Talley — a man who claims to have exactly what each person needs. Fascinated by this strange establishment, Carmichael becomes obsessed with uncovering its secret, unaware that he is about to confront a disturbing power that will put his fate to the test.

Frank Belknap Long: The Hounds of Tindalos

Synopsis: “The Hounds of Tindalos” is a short story by Frank Belknap Long, first published in Weird Tales in March 1929, within the Cthulhu Mythos universe. The story follows Halpin Chalmers, a scholar obsessed with the mysteries of time and space, who decides to carry out a daring experiment to prove his theories. Using a strange Asiatic substance that alters perception, Chalmers intends to travel mentally through time, witnessing the lives of his ancestors back to the very origins of humanity. However, what begins as a fascinating journey soon turns into a horrifying nightmare.

Richard Matheson: Button, Button

“Button, Button” is a disturbing short story by Richard Matheson, first published in Playboy magazine in June 1970. The story follows Norma and Arthur Lewis, who receive a strange package at their New York apartment. Inside, they find a device with a button protected by a glass dome, along with a note announcing a visit from Mr. Steward. When he arrives, he makes them a chilling offer: if they press the button, someone they don’t know will die — and they will receive fifty thousand dollars. This moral dilemma puts to the test the couple’s ethics and their deepest ambitions.

Isaac Asimov: The Bicentennial Man

Synopsis: “The Bicentennial Man” is a philosophical science fiction short story by Isaac Asimov that won him the prestigious Hugo, Locus, and Nebula awards in 1977. The story follows Andrew Martin, a robot designed to perform domestic tasks for a human family. However, Andrew soon reveals creative abilities and exceptional reasoning, which earns him special … Read more

Ray Bradbury: The Wind. Summary and Analysis

“The Wind” by Ray Bradbury was first published in Weird Tales in March 1943 and later included in the collection Dark Carnival (1947). The story revolves around a series of telephone calls between Herb Thompson and his friend Allin, a travel writer who lives alone in an isolated house. Allin is convinced that the wind—a conscious force that has pursued him since an expedition to the Himalayas—has finally returned to capture him. Throughout the night, he describes how this presence surrounds his home, tries to enter, and tears apart parts of the structure. Meanwhile, Herb, caught between disbelief and concern, listens to his friend’s increasingly desperate calls. At last, after losing contact and hearing what seems to be Allin’s laughter outside his own door, Herb opens it… but finds only wind and silence.

Jane Rice: The Idol of the Flies

“The Idol of the Flies” is a short story by Jane Rice, published in June 1942 in Unknown Worlds magazine. It tells the story of Pruitt, a cruel and manipulative orphaned boy who lives under the care of his aunt and takes perverse delight in tormenting those around him. While his governess and the servants struggle to endure his whims, Pruitt indulges in sadistic games and disturbing rituals in which flies play a central role.