Before the science overtook the fiction in science fiction, writers could imagine all sorts of fascinating possibilities. That’s On the Trail of the Space Pirates.
High Point: The creativity and imagination that went into setting the environments for the story.
Low Point: As one should expect, the mores and attitudes are quite dated, and seem quaint in the 21st century.
Author: Carey Rockwell
Publication Date: 1953
Genre: Science Fiction
Before the science overtook the fiction in science fiction, writers could imagine all sorts of fascinating possibilities. They didn’t need to worry much about scientific contradiction. We could still have open-air human colonies on Venus, Mars and Jupiter’s moons. Nuclear power still held long-term promise as an almost endless energy source.
That’s life in On The Trail Of The Space Pirates by Corey Rockwell. Published in 1953, Rockwell—a pseudonym for a team of unknown authors—used all those facets as background for a space western for young readers. In addition, he utilized some great terms such as astrogation (in lieu of navigation), astral chronometer, paralo-ray pistol and atomic blaster.
The book is one of a series about Tom Corbett, a cadet in a 24th century space academy. In the mid-20th century, Corbett was to outer space what Bronc Burnett and Chip Hilton were to men’s sports, and Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys were to mystery.
Although Rockwell’s storyline would certainly be a dud for today’s young readers, it was likely a solid and entertaining read for youth 70 years ago. In fact, my copy of the book contains an inscription, “To Lewis on December 30, 1954, from Dad.” I bet Lewis just ate it up.
Movie/TV Adaptation
Tom Corbett, Space Cadet (TV Series) (1950-55)
Sources For This Book
Free eBook (Project Gutenberg): On the Trail of the Space Pirates
Free Audiobook (LibriVox): On The Trail of the Space Pirates
Available to Purchase: AbeBooks, Biblio, Thriftbooks
