Bertrand R. Brinley (1917–1994)

When I was a Boy Scout lo these many (many, many) years ago I was first introduced to Brinley's Mad Scientists' Club through installment stories in "Boys' Life" magazine and I loved them. Here the original stories have been bound into a single collection. While they are a bit dated in technology they are still wonderful stories especially for teens and young adults. I don't know what that says about me since I still love them! The gang of boys uses science and technology to haunt a house, show more rescue a downed Air Force pilot and cause a general uproar in their sleepy little town of Mammoth Falls. But it's all in good fun and it is all about serving others. Now so many years later I am enjoying them again in this volume. Still a great read! show less

I used to read the adventures of the Mad Scientists' Club as a young boy in Boys' Life - the magazine of Scouting. As a youth and a Scout I loved the stories and the mix of science and adventure. I have read some of the stories in the first volume and one of the stories in this one as serial stories in Boys' Life, so I confess to a certain nostalgia. The stories are dated because of the changes in culture and technology but they are still entertaining and they take me back to another time show more when life was a bit more carefree. They are, of course, targeted for young adults, but they are quick read and for many adults of today I believe they would harken back to a time when youth was a wonderful adventure. show less

The Mad Scientists' Club by Bertrand Brinley is a winner for many reasons. First, Mr. Brinley was a scientist so many of his descriptions and details are fairly accurate. Second, the dynamics of the the boys themselves are true and real to life. Someone is trying to be the leader, someone is trying to usurp power, and there is always that kid that gets stuck with the bad job! The boys argue and fight a bit, but in the end...it is all for one and one for all. They are constantly trying to show more outsmart adults or play innocent pranks on people. What is also neat about this book is that it is divided into chapters that read like stand alone stories. You can set it down and come back to it and if you have forgotten what happened last it doesn't really matter! A must read and I'm glad it is finally back in print! show less

Fun boys' adventure story with some thoughtful elements. I liked that the brainy kid was valued for the clever things he would think up. I look forward to discussing this with the Vintage Book Circle.