The Heads of Cerberus

Published only once in book form a half-century ago in a collector's edition of 1500 copies, this great science-fantasy sells for more than $100 today. Written by the woman whose pseudonym was Francis Stevens, it has been hailed as the first alternate history novel. Fantasy master H. P. Lovecraft hailed Francis Stevens as among "the top grade of writers." "The Heads of Cerberus" tells of "an alternate-world Philadelphia, reached by a handful of this-world people. This Philadelphia is one in which the political corruptors have become ruthless autocrats, ruling through phony "civic service" competitions which result in cynically brutal enslavement of the people. The name of William Penn has become, under the organizational label of "Penn Service," the very fountainhead of viciously depraved, dictatorial government. Definitely a classic and fun to read."

From the Back Cover

Capped by a silver figure of Cerberus, the three-headed hound that guards the gates of Hell, an ancient glass vial contains ordinary-looking dust. Once inhaled, however, the dust exhibits extraordinary powers, transporting a trio of adventurers from the early twentieth century to the year 2118. The time-travelers emerge into Philadelphia's brutal totalitarian state, where the city hall is a temple, a statue of William Penn is worshipped as an idol, and the citizens are crushed under the religious tyranny of the Penn Service and its Superlatives.This 1919 classic was the first alternate-world fantasy. Loaded with action and humor, the imaginative extravaganza anticipates the work of Philip K. Dick. Author Francis Stevens--actually Gertrude Bennett, a pioneer of science fiction and fantasy--was praised by H. P. Lovecraft as ranking among "the top grade of writers," and her dystopian political and social satire continues to captivate modern readers.Dover (2014) republication of the edition published by Polaris Press, Reading, Pennsylvania, 1952.See every Dover book in print atwww.doverpublications.com

About the Author

Gertrude Barrows Bennett (1883-1948), writing under the pseudonym of Francis Stevens, was the first woman author of science fiction/fantasy to be widely published in the United States. Regarded as the creator of dark fantasy, she wrote pioneering short stories, novellas, and novels in the developing field of science fiction.

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