Pharaohs of the Future: Two Vintage Visionary Speculative Science Fiction Tales by Robert Bloch

by Robert Bloch

Overview

Step into a double-feature of golden-age wonder, danger, and cosmic mystery—now reborn for modern readers. Pharaohs of the Future unites two of Hugo-winner Robert Bloch's most sought-after novelettes in a single, beautifully produced volume complete with 10 custom retro-pulp illustrations that leap off the page.

This Crowded Earth

In the year 2230, megacities choke the planet and humanity resorts to drastic miniaturization to survive. Office worker Harry Collins supports the Leffingwell Plan—until he discovers its terrifying cost. Part dystopian thriller, part Kafka‑esque nightmare, Bloch's razor‑sharp satire feels eerily relevant in today's age of packed metros and climate anxiety.

Before Egypt

On a jungle world beneath twin moons, an archaeological team uncovers ruins that predate Earth itself. A shattered sarcophagus, a glowing scarab, and an alien royal guard hint at a secret that could rewrite human history—if greed and betrayal do not bury it forever. Think Indiana Jones by way of Forbidden Planet.



Why you'll love Pharaohs of the Future:

• Timeless pulp action - Fast‑paced pulp action with jet-pack rockets, labyrinthine pyramids, ancient tombs among the stars, and twisting endings worthy of The Twilight Zone
• Collector-grade visuals - brand-new, custom illustrations in bold chiaroscuro, inspired by vintage pulp sci-fi but rendered with modern clarity that capture the look of 1950s magazine art.
• Two complete classics - celebrating Bloch's legendary career (the creator of Psycho), perfect for fans of Philip K. Dick, Ray Bradbury, and The Outer Limits.

Pick up Pharaohs of the Future today and experience the razor‑sharp satire, cosmic wonder, and thrilling ideas that made Robert Bloch a cornerstone of classic science fiction.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940184415727
Publisher:	Castanea Classics
Publication date:	05/13/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	3 MB

About the Author

Robert Albert Bloch (April 5, 1917 – September 23, 1994) was an American fiction writer, primarily of crime, psychological horror and fantasy, much of which has been dramatized for radio, cinema and television. He also wrote a relatively small amount of science fiction. His writing career lasted 60 years, including more than 30 years in television and film. He began his professional writing career immediately after graduation from high school, aged 17. Best known as the writer of Psycho (1959), the basis for the film of the same name by Alfred Hitchcock, Bloch wrote hundreds of short stories and over 30 novels. He was a protégé of H. P. Lovecraft, who was the first to seriously encourage his talent. However, while he started emulating Lovecraft and his brand of cosmic horror, he later specialized in crime and horror stories working with a more psychological approach.