The Cosmic Express

by Jack Williamson

"A new invention. Just perfected a few weeks ago..."

Wireless transmission of matter

First published in Amazing Stories

Genres: Science Fiction, Short Stories, Fiction, Dungeons and Dragons

Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 1930

About the author

John Stewart Williamson who wrote as Jack Williamson (and occasionally under the pseudonym Will Stewart) was a U.S. writer often referred to as the "Dean of Science Fiction".

Reviews

[Bryan · Rating 1 out of 5]

A short story that would quite simply be unpublishable even a few years beyond its 1930 publication date. Prospective readers should only seek this out for an historical view of the very earliest science fiction, and of the very earliest work of Jack Williamson, who was here developing into the fine writer that he would shortly become.

The most annoying thing about this story that one cannot overlook even considering its early appearance in SF: the protagonists are astoundingly naïve. "Send us to Venus one-way without any survival needs - rations, tools or even matches".

It's not enjoyable to read about ignorant people who get themselves in trouble through stupidity and then become a burden to those that would need to rescue them.

[Kiara Selena · Rating 3 out of 5]

The classic tale of 'be careful what you wish for'

[Ralph McEwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Downloaded from librivox.org as an mp3. Good short story. Stoic protagonists never complained about the stupid choices they made.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good for a laugh. Worth a read.

[Kumari de Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

A funny little short story from the golden age of Sci-Fi. It makes an attempt at an info dump early in the story when explaining how the "cosmic express" works, but otherwise not too many changes in the world of tomorrow. Our hero is a writer, people still read books? And he uses a typewriter for his work - not even a dictaphone. It's enjoyable from a historical perspective. Written when people still believed in the mysterious "ether."

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute fantasy reading 📚

Due to eye issues Alexa reads to me, a will written fantasy Sci-Fi novella . The characters are interesting. The story line is fast moving to the conclusion. I would recommend this novella to anyone looking for a quick read. Enjoy reading 🔰2021 😊

[Mel Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the lesson of it, to be happy with what you have, because sometimes the grass isn't greener on the other side. A good listen!

[Andy Hickman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Cosmic Express, by Jack Williamson
Eric the novelist (like its author) and his wife is completely naïve about Venus!

[Forked Radish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A crystal resonance transport system results in a humorous predicament for naïve urbanites.

[Nathan Beatty · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess it can be considered to be one of the first science fiction stories, but it looks like a first draft. It ends right when something finally happens.

[Tony Ciak · Rating 5 out of 5]

scifi, short story, by a master.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eric and Nada decide they’ve had enough of civilization. They want to go to Venus. Not that anyone lives there. They’re aware of the time it would take to travel that distance. That’s where the Cosmic Express comes in.

Please read the read of the review here.

[Marisa James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable (and adorably dated) short story in which a young couple learn the difference between fiction and reality. And I'm particularly fond of the view of the future from the 1930s, in which one can beam to Venus but still use a typewriter.

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wut

Stupid people travel to Venus to get back to nature. They take no provisions with them. They almost die. Fate saves them. Clear skies thereafter. I imagined this tale as a black and white RKO Pictures movie. Only way to get through this.