Christopher Anvil Books In Order

Publication Order of Intersellar Patrol/Federation Of Humanity Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Anthologies

The American science-fiction writer Harry Christopher Crosby was well regarded during his lifetime for his many extensive contributions to the genre, whether it be short-form stories or longer novels; he was always well received thanks to his mastery of the form, along with the scope of his imagination and his handling of characters, as well as dealing with a vast array of deeper themes. This would develop throughout the entire course of his writing career, as he developed one of the most highly and uniquely distinctive voices of his generation.

Providing plenty of long-form books for himself, along with a variety of shorter stories for a number of extremely prestigious publications, such as ‘Astounding Magazine’, he would become one of the most prolific authors of his generation. The breadth of his imagination was unrivaled by many others within his field, creating vast expanses within his stories that would incorporate a great number of different themes, both philosophical and relevant to contemporary modern society. Taking a look at where mankind was heading, he would be lauded by both critics and the general public alike, creating one of the most sought after styles within his art-form. Moving the genre forwards he would favor particular themes and ideas, many of which would help him to become the favorite of publishers, particularly that of John W. Campbell who would select his work for the ‘Astounding Magazine’ publication.

One such theme was that of the alien invasion, as he would typically feature a story that involved aliens attacking Earth with superior firepower, only to stopped in their tracks by the ingenuity and intelligence of the human race. It was this highly addictive style that would go on to shape the genre for many years to come, both in print as well as in the cinema, as he made highly compelling and fun filled adventures. Writing under the pen-name of Christopher Anvil for many years as well, a pseudonym which he would use mostly for his science-fiction short stories, although he would print novels under it too. Regardless of this he would still produce a whole variety of novels under this particular pen-name, thus broadening his overall profile, making for one of the most compelling careers of the twentieth century. With more and more discovering his work as years go by, his legacy will continue to live on for years to come, something which will carry on into the foreseeable future.

Early and Personal Life

Born in 1925 and living a full career until 2009, the author to be Harry Christopher Crosby would embark on a long, fulfilling and highly successful writing career. With a strong passion for both reading and writing from an early age, he would put a lot of his ideas into his work, successfully incorporating much of his philosophy and outlook on life into his novels. Showing a penchant for short stories he would hone and refine this passion throughout the years, as he would later come to create the name and brand of Christopher Anvil, a name which lives on.

Writing Career

First published in December 1952, Crosby would bring out his debut short-story under the name of Christopher Anvil, as it would be featured in the ‘Astounding Magazine’ publication. Influencing many throughout the entirety of his career, he would go on to become one of the most prominent voices of his genre and generation, focusing largely on alien invasion stories. This is a legacy that is set to continue in the years to follow, as the name of Christopher Anvil lives on, conjuring up timeless tales of adventure and human spirit for generations to come.

The Day the Machines Stopped

Originally published in 1964 through the Monarch publishing label, this would mark one of the first full stand-alone novels Crosby would publish as Christopher Anvil. Working by itself it is not a part of any series, setting up its own self-contained story, working essentially as a piece of speculative fiction working on the premise of humanity losing all its electrical power. This would also show a major development in the career of Crosby, as it would see him take a new approach to his writing through this new pseudonym used.

Set in a possible near future, this takes a look at the possibilities behind all electricity essentially disappearing overnight inexplicably, thus plunging the human race into darkness. Looking at the aftermath of such an event, it charts the chaos that follows, as everyone finds themselves in a new Dark Ages essentially, with humans everywhere scrambling to survive. Emerging from the ashes are a selection of highly ruthless leaders, all of whom are looking to make the most of situation and exploit those most in need. Who will emerge victorious? Can humanity survive this ordeal? What happened the day the machines stopped?

Warlord’s World

Initially published through the ‘DAW’ publishing outlet, this would mark the third stand-alone title published under the Christopher Anvil pen-name. Working essentially as a stand-alone title, it was still incorporated loosely into a series titled the ‘Federation of Humanity’ franchise, many of the books being set in the same universe, whilst also involving the ‘Interstellar Patrol’. It can be picked up by itself though, as it works on its own terms, allowing the reader to follow the action easily at their own pace, making it a quality, fun and casual read, something which would find Anvil a whole host of fans with this 1975 release.

Whilst riding a roller coaster Vaughan Roberts suddenly gets a call from none other than a damsel-in-distress, and immediately jumps at the challenge. Working for the Interstellar Patrol, Roberts undertakes the task of rescuing the princess of Festhold, a military planet involved in a large scale war filled with many of its own large chested heroes fighting their own battles. The only problem for Roberts is that this might be a little more complicated than initially expected, as he’s thrust into the middle of an entirely new type of roller coaster, and one that he may never get off. Will he find out what’s going on? Can he survive this ordeal? Who will emerge victorious from Warlord’s World?