The Conquest of Gola

The Conquest of Gola is a 1931 short story by Leslie F. Stone.

Publications

• Wonder Stories (1931)
• The Best of Science Fiction, ed. Groff Conklin (1946)
• New Eves: Science Fiction About the Extraordinary Women of Today and Tomorrow, ed. Frank, Stine & Ackerman (1994)

References to 'The Conquest of Gola'

• Batya Weinbaum, "Sex-Role Reversal in the Thirties: Leslie F. Stone's 'The Conquest of Gola'", Science-Fiction Studies, Vol. 24, No. 3 (Nov., 1997), pp. 471-482.

Abstract: Leslie F. Stone is a little-known woman writer from the early days of science fiction. In the story examined here, "The Conquest of Gola," she posits a matriarchal planet in which men are kept by women as houseboys and playthings. This planet is invaded by men from another planet who want to colonize it for their own purposes. The women of Gola don't take these invaders seriously. A war is fought, in which the women use superior technology and thought-forms to defend themselves and to battle the men. In this reversal, Stone spoofs not only sex roles, but also imperialism and colonialism. Her story predicts certain inventions such as laser beams, and demonstrates the strong influence of H.G. Wells. Her work seems to reflect intellectual currents of the times, including the popularity of psychoanalysis and the call for more egalitarian inclusion of women in the cultural arena.

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