핸리 커터너의 공허의 전쟁신들

War-Gods of the Void by Henry Kuttner

핸리 커터너(Henry Kuttner ) 지음

디즈비즈북스 2025년 06월 12일 출간

작품소개

책소개

영어로 읽는 고전 _ 핸리 커터너의 공허의 전쟁신들
Henry Kuttner의 "공허의 전쟁신들"은 20세기 초에 쓰인 공상과학 소설입니다. 이야기는 지구 수사관 제리 배닝이 거주하기 힘든 금성에서 도망자 돈 캘러한을 추적하는 과정을 따라갑니다. 배닝의 수색은 그로 하여금 인간을 광기와 죽음으로 몰아넣는 신비한 북방열에 맞닥뜨리게 하고, 결국 행성을 지배하고 주민들을 노예로 만드는 고대 외계 종족인 스왐자에 대한 어둠의 비밀을 밝혀내게 됩니다. 이야기는 처음에 캘러한으로부터 위험한 비밀 조약을 회수하라는 임무를 받은 배닝이 북방열에 의해 금성의 늪지대 북쪽으로 여행하도록 강요받는 위험한 세계에 갇히게 되면서 전개됩니다. 그는 나중에 스왐자가 인간과 원주민들을 모두 함정에 빠뜨리고 노예로 만들기 위해 이 열병을 조작했다는 것을 발견합니다. 배닝이 이 위험한 풍경을 헤쳐나가면서, 그는 동료 지구인 여성 리슬라를 포함한 다른 포로들과 힘을 합칩니다. 그들은 함께 외계 압제자들로부터 탈출을 시도하면서도 배닝은 캘러한을 체포하겠다는 의지를 굽히지 않습니다. 궁극적으로 이 이야기는 생존, 폭정에 대한 반란, 그리고 압도적인 역경에 맞선 자유를 위한 탐구라는 주제들을 탐구합니다.

Classics Read in English _ War-Gods of the Void by Henry Kuttner
Henry Kuttner's "War-Gods of the Void" is a science fiction novel from the early 20th century that follows Earth investigator Jerry Vanning as he pursues the fugitive Don Callahan across the hostile terrain of Venus. Vanning's relentless search leads him to encounter the enigmatic North-Fever, a mysterious affliction that drives men to madness and death, ultimately revealing dark secrets about the Swamja—an ancient alien race that rules the planet and enslaves its inhabitants.
The narrative unfolds as Vanning, initially assigned to retrieve a dangerous secret treaty from Callahan, becomes trapped in a perilous world where the North-Fever compels him to journey northward into Venus's treacherous swamplands. His investigation takes a sinister turn when he discovers that the Swamja have deliberately engineered this fever as a psychological weapon designed to trap and enslave both humans and native Venusians alike.
As Vanning navigates this hazardous landscape filled with both natural dangers and alien manipulation, he forms an unlikely alliance with other captives, including Lysla, a fellow Earthwoman who becomes both companion and crucial ally in their struggle for survival. Despite the overwhelming challenges they face, Vanning remains steadfastly determined to complete his original mission of capturing Callahan, even as the scope of the alien threat becomes increasingly apparent.
The story weaves together multiple narrative threads exploring themes of survival against impossible odds, rebellion against tyrannical oppression, and the fundamental human quest for freedom when confronted with forces that seek to strip away both dignity and autonomy. Through Vanning's journey, Kuttner examines how individuals can maintain their humanity and purpose even when faced with cosmic-scale threats that challenge the very foundations of human agency.

목차

Contents
CHAPTER I. Jerry Vanning, earth state investigator
CHAPTER II. Dying is an uncomfortable business
CHAPTER III. On impulse, Vanning took out the make-up kit
CHAPTER IV. Vanning sped after the others
CHAPTER V. He looked up into Zeeth's eyes

책 속으로

Earth Consul, Goodenow, tossed a packet of microfilms to Vanning, and said, "You're crazy. The man you're after isn't here. Only damn fools ever come to Venus—and don't ask me why I'm here. You're crazy to think you'll find a fugitive hiding on this planet."
Jerry Vanning, earth state investigator, moved his stocky body uneasily. He had a headache. He had had it ever since the precarious landing through the tremendous wind-maelstroms of the pea-soup Venusian atmosphere. With an effort he focused his vision on the micro-projector Goodenow handed him, and turned the tiny key. Inside the box, a face sprang into view. He sighed and slid another of the passport-films into place. He had never seen the man before.
"Routine check-up," he said patiently. "I got a tip Callahan was heading here, and we can't afford to take chances."
The consul mopped his sweating, beefy face and cursed Venusian air-conditioning units. "Who is this guy Callahan, anyway?" he asked.

출판사 서평

서평(Book Review)
Henry Kuttner의 "공허의 전쟁신들"은 20세기 초 행성 로맨스 장르의 전형적 특징을 보여주는 모험 소설이다. 금성을 배경으로 한 추격전이 외계인의 정신 조작과 노예제라는 더 큰 음모로 확장되는 구성은 흥미롭지만, 당시 펄프 SF의 관습적 요소들이 강하게 드러난다. 북방열이라는 심리적 무기 설정은 독창적이며, 외계인이 인간의 정신을 조작해 통제한다는 아이디어는 시대를 앞선 발상이다. 제리 배닝의 캐릭터는 전형적인 강인한 주인공의 모습을 보이지만, 리슬라와의 관계를 통해 동료애와 생존 의지를 효과적으로 드러낸다. 스왐자라는 고대 외계 종족의 설정은 흥미롭지만 충분히 발전되지 못했고, 개인적 임무와 더 큰 해방 투쟁 사이의 갈등도 깊이 있게 탐구되지 않는다. 비록 예측 가능한 플롯과 단순한 캐릭터화라는 한계가 있지만, 자유와 저항이라는 보편적 주제와 모험적 재미를 제공하는 오락성 높은 작품이다. 초기 SF가 사회적 메시지를 어떻게 모험 서사에 녹여냈는지를 보여주는 역사적 의미를 지닌다.

Henry Kuttner's "War-Gods of the Void" exemplifies the characteristic features of early 20th century planetary romance, presenting an adventure novel that showcases both the strengths and limitations of the genre. The expansion of a Venus-based pursuit story into a larger conspiracy involving alien mental manipulation and enslavement proves engaging, though the work relies heavily on conventional pulp science fiction elements of its era. The concept of North-Fever as a psychological weapon demonstrates originality, with the idea of aliens manipulating human minds for control representing forward-thinking speculation. Jerry Vanning embodies the archetypal tough protagonist, but his relationship with Lysla effectively reveals themes of camaraderie and survival instinct. While the ancient alien race known as the Swamja presents an intriguing concept, it remains underdeveloped, and the conflict between personal mission and larger liberation struggle lacks deeper exploration. Despite limitations including predictable plotting and simplified characterization, the work provides entertaining adventure while addressing universal themes of freedom and resistance. The novel holds historical significance in demonstrating how early science fiction incorporated social messages within adventure narratives, making it valuable for understanding the genre's development even if it falls short of Kuttner's later, more sophisticated achievements.

작가정보

저자(글) 핸리 커터너(Henry Kuttner )

Henry Kuttner(1915-1958)는 미국의 공상과학 소설가이자 판타지, 호러 작가로, 20세기 중반 펄프 픽션의 황금기를 대표하는 인물 중 한 명입니다. 그는 캘리포니아 로스앤젤레스에서 태어나 비교적 짧은 생애 동안 놀라울 정도로 다작의 작품 활동을 펼쳤습니다.
Kuttner는 1936년 "The Graveyard Rats"라는 호러 단편으로 문단에 데뷔했으며, 초기에는 주로 호러와 괴기 소설을 썼습니다. 그의 작품들은 H.P. 러브크래프트의 크툴루 신화에서 영감을 받은 것들이 많았고, 실제로 러브크래프트와 서신을 주고받기도 했습니다. 특히 "The Salem Horror"나 "The Secret of Kralitz" 같은 작품들은 코스믹 호러 장르의 뛰어난 예시로 평가받고 있습니다.
1940년 동료 작가인 Catherine Lucille Moore와 결혼한 후, 두 사람은 Lewis Padgett, Lawrence O'Donnell 등의 공동 필명으로 수많은 협작 작품을 발표했습니다. 이 시기 그들의 작품들은 더욱 정교한 과학적 설정과 심리학적 깊이를 보여주었으며, "Mimsy Were the Borogoves"나 "The Twonky" 같은 작품들은 공상과학 소설의 고전으로 여겨집니다.
Kuttner의 작품 세계는 매우 다양했습니다. 그는 하드 SF부터 판타지, 호러, 탐정 소설에 이르기까지 거의 모든 장르를 넘나들며 글을 썼고, 각각의 장르에서 독특한 개성을 발휘했습니다. 그의 문체는 유머와 진지함을 적절히 조화시키는 것으로 유명했으며, 복잡한 과학적 개념을 대중들이 이해하기 쉽게 풀어내는 재능이 뛰어났습니다.
안타깝게도 Kuttner는 1958년 심장마비로 43세의 젊은 나이에 세상을 떠났습니다. 비록 짧은 생애였지만 그가 남긴 문학적 유산은 후대의 많은 SF 작가들에게 큰 영향을 미쳤으며, 특히 Philip K. Dick, Ray Bradbury 등이 그의 영향을 받았다고 알려져 있습니다. 오늘날에도 그의 작품들은 장르 소설의 고전으로 읽히고 있으며, 그의 상상력과 문학적 기교는 여전히 많은 독자들과 작가들에게 영감을 주고 있습니다.

Henry Kuttner (1915-1958) was an American science fiction, fantasy, and horror writer who stands as one of the most prolific and influential figures of the pulp fiction golden age in the mid-20th century. Born in Los Angeles, California, he accomplished an extraordinary body of work during his relatively brief lifetime.
Kuttner made his literary debut in 1936 with the horror short story "The Graveyard Rats," and his early career was primarily focused on horror and weird fiction. Many of his works drew inspiration from H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos, and he actually corresponded with Lovecraft himself. Stories like "The Salem Horror" and "The Secret of Kralitz" are considered excellent examples of cosmic horror fiction.
After marrying fellow writer Catherine Lucille Moore in 1940, the couple collaborated extensively under joint pseudonyms such as Lewis Padgett and Lawrence O'Donnell. Their collaborative works from this period demonstrated more sophisticated scientific concepts and psychological depth. Stories like "Mimsy Were the Borogoves" and "The Twonky" are now regarded as classics of science fiction literature.
Kuttner's literary universe was remarkably diverse. He wrote across virtually every genre, from hard science fiction to fantasy, horror, and detective fiction, bringing a unique voice to each. His writing style was renowned for skillfully balancing humor with serious themes, and he possessed an exceptional talent for making complex scientific concepts accessible to general readers.
His influence extended far beyond his own writing. Kuttner was known for his mentorship of younger writers and his contributions to the development of science fiction as a legitimate literary genre. He helped elevate the standards of pulp fiction writing and demonstrated that genre fiction could achieve both popular appeal and literary merit.
Tragically, Kuttner died of a heart attack in 1958 at the young age of 43. Despite his short life, his literary legacy profoundly influenced subsequent generations of science fiction writers, including Philip K. Dick and Ray Bradbury, both of whom acknowledged his impact on their work. His innovative storytelling techniques, particularly his exploration of parallel dimensions, time travel, and psychological themes, helped shape the modern science fiction genre.
Today, Kuttner's works continue to be read as classics of genre fiction. His imagination, literary craftsmanship, and ability to blend entertainment with intellectual depth continue to inspire readers and writers alike. He remains a testament to the creative possibilities within popular fiction and the enduring power of speculative storytelling.