Secondhand Science Fiction Classics and Babylon 5 Bargain Book Box DSH1113

Secondhand Science Fiction Classics and Babylon 5 Bargain Book Box

Explore the vast reaches of space and time with this electrifying collection of science fiction, bridging foundational literary classics and complex televised sagas. Immerse yourself in the visionary worlds of H.G. Wells and Isaac Asimov, whose works established the genre's greatest themes—from time travel and alien invasion to galactic empires and political intrigue. Complementing these are eleven novels and a guide book from the epic Babylon 5 universe, offering deep dives into the character arcs and monumental conflicts of the celebrated space station. Each book is secondhand and may show signs of wear.

1. The Babylon File by Andy Lane
   This is the definitive unauthorized guide and companion book to the first three seasons of the critically acclaimed science fiction series, Babylon 5. It meticulously chronicles the intricate storyline, analyzes the complex alien politics, and delves into the mythological underpinning of the universe created by J. Michael Straczynski. Essential reading for fans looking to deepen their understanding of the characters, conflicts, and culture of the great space station.

2. Babylon 5: In the Beginning by Peter David
   This novelization expands upon the celebrated television movie, charting the cataclysmic events that led to the devastating Earth-Minbari War. It vividly details the tragedy and misunderstanding that shaped the future politics of the galaxy and provides critical backstory for key characters like Commander Sinclair and Ambassador Delenn. This is a crucial prequel that sets the stage for the five-year mission of the Babylon 5 station.

3. Babylon 5: Dark Genesis: The Birth of the Psi Corps by J. Michael Straczynski
   Explore the shadowy origins of the Psi Corps, the powerful and feared organization that polices and controls all human telepaths across the galaxy. This story delves into the early years of the Corps, tracing its transformation from a benevolent protective agency into a terrifying, authoritarian force. It provides essential context for the complex role of telepaths, like Alfred Bester, within the Babylon 5 universe and its deep-seated conflicts.

4. Foundation and Earth by Isaac Asimov
   In the concluding volume of the original Foundation saga, Golan Trevize, the man who chose the future of the galaxy, now seeks the long-lost, mythical origin planet: Earth. Accompanied by the human/Gaia entity Bliss and the mysterious historian Janov Pelorat, Trevize embarks on a desperate interstellar quest. This grand exploration ties together the threads of Asimov's two greatest series—Foundation and the Robot novels—in a monumental culmination of galactic history.

5. New Lensman by William B. Ellern
   Set in the iconic Lensman universe created by E.E. Doc Smith, this novel carries on the tradition of grand-scale space opera and cosmic warfare. It follows the newest generation of Lensmen, empowered individuals dedicated to protecting the galaxy from the insidious forces of evil and maintaining cosmic peace. The book continues the saga's exploration of powerful technologies, heroic destiny, and interstellar conflict on an epic scale.

6. Babylon 5: The Touch of Your Shadow, The Whisper of Your Name by Neal Barrett, Jr.
   Book 3 in the main novel series focuses on a deep-cover mission that forces Commander Sinclair to confront a terrifying threat that jeopardizes the delicate peace on the station. The story delves into the psychological toll of galactic politics and the hidden dangers lurking in the station's dark corners. This novel explores themes of deception and the personal costs of maintaining order in a volatile sector of space.

7. Babylon 5: Clark's Law by Jim Mortimore
   Set during the transition of power on Earth, this novel focuses on the escalating authoritarianism spreading from the home world and its chilling effects on the Babylon 5 station. The story charts the political maneuvering and back-room deals orchestrated by the ambitious and increasingly dangerous President Clark. It dramatically captures the station crew's struggle to maintain their independence and democratic ideals against a growing tyrannical threat.

8. Babylon 5: The Shadow Within by Jeanne Cavelos
   This novel delves into the complicated past and true motives of Susan Ivanova, the station's enigmatic second-in-command, and her deep-seated mistrust of the Psi Corps. The story uncovers dark secrets regarding her family history and the organization's relentless pursuit of telepaths. Cavelos crafts a revealing character study that adds depth to Ivanova's struggle with her own powerful, suppressed abilities.

9. Babylon 5: Personal Agendas by Al Sarrantonio
   As tensions mount across the galaxy, this installment explores the hidden motivations and secret plans of various high-ranking members of the station and the Earth Alliance. The plot focuses on the intricate political maneuvering and the personal sacrifices required to steer the station through a period of extreme instability. It serves as a political thriller within the sci-fi setting, revealing that every character holds a crucial, hidden card.

10. Babylon 5: To Dream in the City of Sorrows by Kathryn M. Drennan
    This poignant novel chronicles the life and tragic fate of Jeffrey Sinclair after his departure from Babylon 5 to take command of the legendary Minbari station, Minbar. The story explores his intense romance with Catherine Sakai and his eventual, destined transformation into the revered historical figure Valen. It is a critical piece of the Babylon 5 mythology, focusing on love, sacrifice, and the cyclical nature of history.

11. Babylon 5: Thirdspace by J. Michael Straczynski
    Based on the chilling movie of the same name, this story details the discovery of an ancient, alien artifact found floating near the station that soon begins to influence the minds of the crew. The artifact opens a gateway to "Thirdspace," unleashing a terrifying, psychic threat from an ancient, malignant species. This high-stakes thriller is a standalone adventure that brings cosmic horror to the sci-fi setting.

12. Babylon 5: Accusations by Lois Tilton
    Book 1 of the novel series thrusts the crew into a desperate investigation when a high-ranking Earth diplomat is murdered aboard the station, threatening to ignite a diplomatic crisis. Commander Sinclair must navigate hostile alien powers and internal Earthforce politics to find the killer before the fragile peace dissolves. Tilton sets the tone for the series, highlighting the station's role as a last, vulnerable bastion of hope.

13. The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells
    The defining narrative of alien invasion, this classic recounts the terrifying arrival of ruthless, technologically superior Martians who descend upon Victorian England in massive tripod machines. The story is told through the eyes of an ordinary man struggling to survive the catastrophic, one-sided conflict and the subsequent collapse of civilization. Wells’ seminal work is a chilling exploration of human fragility and the destructive nature of unchecked power.

14. The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells
    After a shipwreck, Edward Prendick finds himself on a remote South Pacific island ruled by the brilliant but monstrous Dr. Moreau, who conducts horrifying vivisection experiments on animals. Moreau attempts to surgically and psychologically transform animals into grotesque, semi-human 'Beast Folk,' forcing Prendick to confront the ethical limits of science and the thin line between humanity and bestiality. This classic remains a disturbing commentary on scientific hubris and biological ethics.

15. The Time Machine by H. G. Wells
    A Victorian scientist constructs a machine allowing him to travel through time, leading him far into the distant future where humanity has devolved into two distinct species: the gentle, yet simple, Eloi and the brutish, subterranean Morlocks. The Time Traveller’s journey is a grim meditation on social decay, industrialization's long-term cost, and the ultimate, dark destiny of mankind.

16. The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells
    Griffin, a brilliant but arrogant scientist, discovers the secret to making himself invisible but finds that his power comes at the cost of his sanity and morality. Driven mad by his own physical isolation and newfound unchecked power, he descends into a campaign of petty vandalism and terrifying violence. This novel is a suspenseful study of scientific genius corrupted by isolation and the intoxicating danger of anonymity.

17. The First Men in the Moon by H. G. Wells
    This early science fiction classic chronicles the adventures of eccentric scientist Mr. Cavor and businessman Mr. Bedford, who use Cavor's anti-gravity substance, Cavorite, to travel to the moon. They discover a vast, highly organized subterranean civilization of insect-like Selenites, whose alien culture and advanced society reveal a satirical critique of Earthly institutions and class structure.

18. Dune by Frank Herbert
    Set on the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the vital spice mélange, this epic saga blends political intrigue, ecological prophecy, and messianic ambition. Young Paul Atreides is thrust into a struggle for survival and power against rival Houses and the harsh demands of the planet, leading him to fulfill a destiny among the mysterious Fremen. Herbert’s masterpiece is a profound exploration of religion, ecology, and the nature of leadership.