A Brand New World by Ray Cummings
"A Brand New World" by Ray Cummings is a science fiction novel that explores the discovery of a new planet, Xenephrene, which enters our solar system and disrupts Earth's climate and axis. The story is narrated by Peter Vanderstuyft, a young newsgatherer, who becomes embroiled in the unfolding events after his father, a prominent astronomer, discovers the planet. As Xenephrene approaches, it causes catastrophic weather changes on Earth, leading to global panic and a mass migration towards the equator. The novel delves into the societal and scientific implications of this new world, as well as the personal struggles of the characters. Peter's father, along with his sister Hulda and a mysterious girl named Zetta from Xenephrene, are taken to the new planet. Peter, along with his friends Dan and Freddie, embark on a journey to Xenephrene to rescue them and uncover the truth about the planet and its inhabitants. Xenephrene is depicted as a world with advanced technology and a unique society that has moved beyond the complexities of modern civilization to embrace a simpler, more harmonious way of life. However, the planet is also home to a rival faction, the Brauns, who pose a threat to both Xenephrene and Earth. The novel explores themes of exploration, the clash of civilizations, and the potential for both conflict and cooperation between different worlds. As the story unfolds, the characters must navigate the challenges of interplanetary travel, the mysteries of Xenephrene's society, and the looming threat of invasion from the Brauns. The novel combines elements of adventure, romance, and speculative science fiction to create a compelling narrative about the possibilities and dangers of encountering a brand new world.
By Ray Cummings · First published 1938 · Genre: Science Fiction, Utopian Fiction, Dystopian Fiction · 22 chapters · 89,242 words
First lines
The new Star was first observed on the night of October 4, 1952, reported by the Clarkson Observatory, near London. A few hours later the observers at Washington saw it also; and still later, it was found and identified as unknown upon one of the photographic plates of the great refracting telescope of Flagstaff, Arizona. By observers at Table Mountain, Cape Town, and the observatory near Buenos Aires, it was not seen, for it was in the northern heavens.
The affair brought a brief mention in the Amalgamated Broadcasters' report the next day; and the newspapers carried a few lines of it on their back pages. Nothing more.
What this Textopian page supports
A Brand New World is listed on Textopian as a novel by Ray Cummings, dated 1938 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Ray Cummings
- Date: 1938 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Utopian Fiction, Dystopian Fiction, Adventure, Social Science Fiction
- Length: 89,242 words
- Structure: 22 chapters, 1,770 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Brand New World by Ray Cummings
- 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
Genres
- Science Fiction — The novel features a futuristic setting with advanced technology and re-imagined societal structures, making it a quintessential work of science fiction.
- Utopian Fiction — It explores the creation of a radically redefined society that embodies idealistic visions and experiments with social order.
- Dystopian Fiction — While presenting an idealized future, the narrative hints at underlying societal flaws and critiques, elements often found in dystopian works.
- Adventure — The plot involves journeys into uncharted territories and encounters with new societal norms, underlining an adventurous spirit.
Tags
Science Fiction · Futuristic · Alternate Reality · Time Travel · Exploration · Adventure · Speculative · Technology · Space · Parallel Worlds · Social Commentary · Innovation
Contents
- The Coming of the World
- The White Girl in the Moonlight
- The Crowning Terror
- Zetta
- Crimson Sound!
- If I had but Known!
- Mysterious Star, Imperturbably Shining!
- From Across the Void
- Pioneers into Space
- Landing to Face the Unknown
- Under Gardens
- At Dawn
- Emperor of the Earth!
- Brave, Foolish Little Zetta!
- Graff's Treachery
- On our Way to Conquer the Earth!
- Planning the Conquest
- The Earth at Bay!
- Red Madness Stalking the Earth
- The Night Prowlers
- A Nest of Vermin
- Peace on Earth