The Mathematicians

"The Mathematicians" by Arthur Feldman is a science fiction story that taps into themes of invasion and intelligence, written in the early to mid-20th century. The narrative revolves around an extraterrestrial race known as the An-vils, who invade Earth, showcasing their mathematic prowess and superior intellect; they ultimately enslave the human population. The tale is framed as a children's story told by a father to his daughter, which adds a layer of innocence and curiosity to the high-stakes backdrop of cosmic conflict. In this engaging story, the father, Drake Hawkins, narrates the tale of the An-vils to his daughter, Zoe, starting with their invasion of Earth from the Dog-star Sirius. As the An-vils, who look mostly like humans but have wings and tails, dominate the planet, humans initially resist in vain, using weapons and germs that prove ineffective against these superior beings. However, the narrative shifts with the introduction of Knowall, a human psychiatrist who devises a plan to end the oppression by instilling human emotions and nostalgia within the An-vils. This ultimately leads to their civil strife and an eventual exodus back to their home planet, with the exception of two child An-vils who choose to remain on Earth, highlighting themes of belonging and identity.