Book Review: The Weird Ones by Frederik Pohl, Poul Anderson, Milton Lesser, Eando Binder, Mack Reynolds, Sam Sackett & L. Sprague de Camp
This is an anthology of 1950s science fiction published in 1962. In the Fifties, SF became more “thinky” than in the pulp era, with an emphasis on the soft sciences like psychology and sociology. While still rather staid in certain areas, which would be radically updated with the New Wave in the 1960s, Fifties SF came closer to literature. This was the first book printing for these stories, which is why the cover calls them rare.
A preface by H.L. Gold discusses the need for neologism in science fiction, and how it compares to real world neologism.
“Small Lords” by Frederik Pohl has a first contact situation go horribly wrong. Can the Earthmen somehow communicate their peaceful intentions before they all die?
“Sentiment, Inc.” by Poul Anderson concerns a scientist who’s developed a way to influence people’s emotions and is determined to use it to make the world a better place. Even if it means what some people would consider treason…or worse. Period sexism is evident in the use of women as “rewards” rather than as people with agency in their own right.
“Name Your Tiger” by Milton Lesser is about a Mars colony threatened by a killer that can become your worst fear. The thinky bit here is what exactly constitutes a greatest fear. The man who says “goldfish” is lying.
“Iron Man” by Eando Binder is even heavier on the psychological aspects. A downtrodden man develops the delusion that he’s a robot. A psychiatrist attempts to help him, but is it too late?
“The Hunted Ones” by Mack Reynolds is set in a future where humanity has decided that Zaroff was the hero of “The Most Dangerous Game.” Their alien prey finds a way to remind them that “alien” doesn’t just mean odd-looking.
“Hail to the Chief” by Sam Sackett has a professor who believes that the government should be run by smart people discover that this is actually true of the American government. Be careful what you wish for.
And “Impractical Joke” by L. Sprague de Camp involves an expedition to an alien planet disrupted by a bully’s trick on a mentally ill man. A story where the joke isn’t one bit funny.
A good selection of stories, though rather dated. Worth looking for.
