The Alien: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
The Alien: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

The Alien is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Jones, Raymond F. (1915–1994).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Alien" by Raymond F. Jones is a science fiction novel written in the early 1950s. This gripping narrative explores themes of discovery and the profound implications of encountering an ancient alien civilization, as scientists find remnants of a race that existed half a million years ago, possessing knowledge potentially beyond their own. The main character, Dr. Delmar Underwood, grapples with personal and philosophical dilemmas as he navigates his relationships with fellow scientists and the challenges posed by the artifact that holds the key to resurrecting a member of that extinct civilization. At the start of the novel, the Smithson Asteroidal Expedition is diligently working in asteroid fields when Dr. Underwood connects with Dr. Illia Morov, illustrating their contrasting attitudes toward Earth’s disintegrating social structure. Underwood expresses his desire for escape, while Illia stresses the importance of contributing to society. Tension arises as they discover an artifact—an enigmatic object that defies description and analytical procedures—hinting at the advanced civilization of the Stroids. As scientists attempt to uncover the truths of this artifact and the extraterrestrial knowledge it may contain, they must consider the broader implications of their work and the threat of an ancient, possibly vengeful entity that may awaken.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Alien
- Author credits: Jones, Raymond F. (1915–1994)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Science fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Novels
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
- Science Fiction
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


