by Raymond Z. Gallun
About this book
In Raymond Z. Gallun's classic science fiction tale Stamped Caution, an alien spacecraft crashes in Missouri, and a military recovery team makes an extraordinary discovery: a Martian infant among the wreckage. Faced with an unprecedented situation, the soldiers decide to raise the extraterrestrial child within their laboratory, hoping to bridge the gap between two worlds. But as the creature grows, fundamental questions emerge about the nature of connection, fear, and what truly makes someone a monster.
Originally published in the August 1953 issue of Galaxy magazine, this thought-provoking story explores the tensions between human curiosity and xenophobia during the height of the Cold War space race era. Gallun crafts a compelling narrative that challenges readers' assumptions about aliens and humanity alike, suggesting that monstrosity may lie not in appearance, but in perception and prejudice.
The novella's philosophical depth remains remarkably relevant, examining themes of prejudice, acceptance, and the possibility of understanding across seemingly impossible divides. Perfect for science fiction enthusiasts who appreciate vintage Golden Age storytelling with moral complexity, Stamped Caution offers a poignant meditation on what it means to be truly alien—and truly human.
