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

The Monster That Threatened the Universe is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Winterbotham, R. R. (Russell Robert) (1904–1971).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"The Monster That Threatened the Universe" by R. R. Winterbotham is a science fiction novella published in the early 1940s. The narrative explores themes surrounding the nature of progress and individuality through the confrontation between humanity and a colossal, monstrous creature named Limio that inhabits a dying star in a black hole. As the story unfolds, it reflects on the implications of progress, competition, and existence within the universe. The book follows Marmaduke Karns, a man facing execution due to his act of individualism in a world where a mind-controlling gland extract has eradicated criminality and individuality. After being instructed to confront Limio, who threatens space navigation and absorbs life forms, Marmaduke embarks on a dangerous mission accompanied by Commander General Adstrom and his daughter, Sandra. Through a series of tense encounters and philosophical discussions with Limio, Karns realizes that the antidote to the extract he possesses represents not just survival, but a return to individuality and progress. As he introduces chaos into Limio's mind—turning the creature into multiple intelligences—he ultimately challenges the concept of progress, highlighting the importance of diversity and conflict in fostering it. The story concludes with a transformative effect on both the human race and Limio as they begin to navigate their existential growths and conflicts.
Book and edition facts
- Title: The Monster That Threatened the Universe
- Author credits: Winterbotham, R. R. (Russell Robert) (1904–1971)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Criminals -- Fiction
- Extraterrestrial beings -- Fiction
- Human-alien encounters -- Fiction
- Science fiction
- Short stories
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Science-Fiction & Fantasy
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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.


