The Mississippi Saucer
The Mississippi Saucer is a science fiction novel by Frank Belknap Long. It tells the story of a group of scientists who investigate a mysterious flying saucer that has crash-landed in the Mississippi River. The saucer is from an alien race, and the scientists must figure out how to communicate with them and learn their secrets. As they explore the saucer, they uncover a world of advanced technology and strange creatures. They must also battle a powerful force that is determined to keep the saucer's secrets hidden. In the end, the scientists must decide whether to share the saucer's secrets with the world or keep them hidden.
By Frank Belknap Long · First published 1951 · Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror · 6,887 words
First lines
Jimmy watched the "Natchez Belle" draw near, a shining eagerness in his stare. He stood on the deck of the shantyboat, his toes sticking out of his socks, his heart knocking against his ribs. Straight down the river the big packet boat came, purpling the water with its shadow, its smokestacks belching soot.
Jimmy had a wild talent for collecting things. He knew exactly how to infuriate the captains without sticking out his neck. Up and down the Father of Waters, from the bayous of Louisiana to the Great Sandy other little shantyboat boys envied Jimmy and tried hard to imitate him.
What this Textopian page supports
The Mississippi Saucer is listed on Textopian as a novel by Frank Belknap Long, dated 1951 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Frank Belknap Long
- Date: 1951 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Adventure
- Length: 6,887 words
- Structure: 1 section, 180 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Mississippi Saucer by Frank Belknap Long
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Mississippi Saucer?
- How does this novel by Frank Belknap Long fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Science Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Man The Martians Made by Frank Belknap Long
- The Rotifers by Robert Abernathy
- Pythias by Frederik Pohl
- They Twinkled Like Jewels by Philip Jose Farmer
- Flight Through Tomorrow by Stanton A. Coblentz
- The Frightened Planet by Sidney Austen
Genres
- Science Fiction — The title of the book, 'The Mississippi Saucer', implies a science fiction plot involving a UFO or alien spacecraft.
- Fantasy — The book may contain elements of fantasy, such as magical creatures or supernatural powers.
- Horror — The book may contain elements of horror, such as suspenseful scenes or supernatural entities.
- Mystery — The book may contain elements of mystery, such as a crime to be solved or a hidden truth to be uncovered.
Tags
Science Fiction · Short stories · al · big · brothers · came · could · deck · disk · earth · eyes · fella