No Man Friday

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No Man Friday is the original title of a British science fiction novel written by Rex Gordon in 1956, also known in the USA as First on Mars. Although the story is set mainly in Mars, it was heavily influenced by Robinson Crusoe.

[edit] Plot

A British rocket lifts off from Woomera Launchpad heading for Mars. During the voyage, an accident in the decompression chamber kills most of the crew and the only survivor falls on Mars. There, he learns how to produce oxygen and water, also discovering more about Martian species and nourishment. Eventually, he starts cooperating with the titanic inhabitants of that planet to survive. After fifteen years living in an alien planet, he contacts an American mission that rescues him.

[edit] Martian creatures

In his book, Rex Gordon describes Mars as a planet inhabited by different kinds of life forms.

Minerals 

Highly energetic flower-shaped mineral formations that grow in Martian valleys. Humidity disintegrates them.

Plants 

Photosynthetic organisms growing throughout Martian surface. They bloom and produce hard fruits.

"Ants" 

Social insect-like bugs that pollinate the plants' flowers.

"Humans" 

Humanoid creatures are not the dominant species in Mars. These animals eat the plants' fruits, live in groups and have limited intelligence.

Dominant Beings 

Gigantic nocturnal living beings that eat Martian humanoids. They use their body lights for communication. The book also suggests they have the capacity to distort spacetime.