02464cam a22003853u 4500 61013 UtSlPG 20260610134415.0 m cr n 260607r2019||||utu|||||o|||||||||||||| d UtSlPG en iso639-1 PS Grow, Julian F. The Fastest Gun Dead Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg, 2019 1 online resource : multiple file formats text txt rdacontent computer c rdamedia online resource cr rdacarrier Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1961 Release date is 2019-12-24 Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net "The Fastest Gun Dead" by Julian F. Grow is a science fiction short story published in the early 1960s. The narrative revolves around a peculiar encounter with a fourth skeleton that houses an extraordinary weapon, blending elements of the Wild West with speculative fiction. The likely topic of the book encompasses themes of identity, retribution, and the uncanny intersection of human intent with advanced weaponry. The storyline follows Hiram Pertwee, a doctor, and Jacob Niedelmeier, a hapless ribbon clerk who transforms into the infamous gunslinger, Dirty Jake. Their adventure begins when they discover a skeletal remains of an alien-like creature and an umbrella-shaped weapon that seemingly can read minds and anticipate lethal actions. As Niedelmeier’s persona shifts into that of a notorious gunslinger, he gains respect and infamy in the wild, ultimately leading to his downfall when he faces a challenger who manages to defeat him without ever allowing him a chance to draw his weapon. Pertwee, meanwhile, reflects on this transformation, contemplating the power and chaos that arise when one is dependent on a weapon that acts unpredictably on their violent thoughts. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Original publication data not identified Science fiction Short stories Western stories Physicians -- Fiction Weapons -- Fiction Gunfighters -- Fiction Produced from Worlds of If Science Fiction, March 1961 https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/61013 101839 101839