প্রেমেন্দ্র মিত্র রচিত কল্পবিজ্ঞান সমগ্র

Science fiction literature is uniquely a genre of the twentieth century. In Bengali, this genre was pioneered by Premendra Mitra. Some of his valuable science fiction works are rare, some are scattered, and some are difficult to find. For the first time, all these have been brought together in one collection – this ‘Kalpabigyan Samagra’ (Complete Science Fiction Works).

Premendra Mitra’s science fiction literature is marked by a rare combination of extensive knowledge of various fields of science, an exceptional talent for conceiving and structuring events, and unparalleled mastery over the Bengali language. Perhaps science fiction is the ultimate test of a writer's creative abilities. Drawing upon the principles provided by scientists, imagining thrilling new worlds or realms, devising appropriate, breathtaking sequences of events for such worlds, and organizing them into coherent narratives require an extraordinary genius. This vibrant and living genius is evident in this ‘Kalpabigyan Samagra’.

These stories not only fulfill our imagination and curiosity but also expand our knowledge about the visible world around us and deepen our perception and awareness of the unseen dimensions of space and time. Let us consider a few examples: In ‘Shukre Jara Giyechhilo’ (Those Who Went to Venus), we see how Premendra’s imagination envisioned the use of rockets for space exploration long before they were practically employed, and how Venus’s description reflects the early history of Earth. In ‘Manu Dwadash’, the terrifying reality of the time is portrayed to show where war, revenge, and the processes of violence might lead humanity in the future. On the other hand, the vastness of space and the story of the farthest reaches of the galaxy come alive in ‘Surjya Jekhane Neel’ (Where the Sun is Blue), an unforgettable reading experience.

Contents

Short Stories

1. Kalapanir Atale (Granth: Premendra Mitrer Kishor Golpo – Shishu Sahitya Sansad – 2005)
2. Dushswapner Dwip (Granth: Dushswapner Dwip – New Age Publishers Private Limited – 1408)
3. Judhho Keno Thamlo (Granth: Dushswapner Dwip – New Age Publishers Private Limited – 1408)
4. Manusher Pratidwandi (Granth: Bigyan Nirbhar Golpo – Abhyuday Prakash Mandir – 1964)
5. Himaloyer Churay (Granth: Dushswapner Dwip – New Age Publishers Private Limited – 1408)
6. Akash-er Atanka (Granth: Chhotoder Omnibus – Orient Longman Limited – 1974)
7. Abishwasyo (Granth: Bigyan Nirbhar Golpo – Abhyuday Prakash Mandir – 1964)
8. Lighthouse-e (Granth: Dushswapner Dwip – New Age Publishers Private Limited – 1408)
9. Prithibir Shatru (Granth: Dushswapner Dwip – New Age Publishers Private Limited – 1408)
10. Mahakash-er Atithi (Granth: Ek Kuri Golpo – Basak Book Store – 1989)
11. Shamoner Rong Shada (Granth: Sera Ascharya! Sera Fantastic – Edited by Adrish Bardhan – 1963–1993)

Novellas and Novels

1. Piprey Puran (Granth: Chhotoder Omnibus – Orient Longman Limited – 1974)
2. Patale Panch Bochhor (Granth: Patale Panch Bochhor – Dey’s Publishing – 2007)
3. Moydanober Dwip (Granth: Chhotoder Omnibus – Orient Longman Limited – 1974)
4. Shukre Jara Giyechhilo (Granth: Shukre Jara Giyechhilo – Vidyoday Library Private Limited – 1964)
5. Manu Dwadash (Granth: Manu Dwadash – M. C. Sarkar & Sons Private Limited – 1371)
6. Surjya Jekhane Neel (Granth: Surjya Jekhane Neel – A. Mukherjee & Co. Private Limited – 1395)

Appendices

1. Shobuj Manush (Granth: Fantastic – Edited by Adrish Bardhan – 1981)
2. Sagar Rahasya (Granth: Chhotoder Omnibus – Orient Longman Limited – 1974)