The compleat traveller in black (1986)

The philosopher's stone

Colin Wilson

1969 · 315 pages · 2 reviews

Others: Mixed

Wilson probably has earned a reputation more as a scholar & biographer than as a novelist; but this novel, originally published in 1969, proves that he possesses significant skills in the area of fiction as well. He weaves a great deal of speculation into the meaning of existence & the future of the species into the plot; so much so that the book at times seems as much a work of philosophy as of fiction. The story centers on the experiences of Howard Lester, an enterprising young intellectual whose work with fellow researcher Henry Littleway leads to the discovery that implanting a minute bit of a metallic alloy into the prefrontal cortex can introduce a higher state of conciousness. (As in the case with Carlos Castaneda in his thematically-similar Don Juan chronicles, the researchers later discover that the artificial catalyst is unnecessary, but rather a convenient means to overcome years of conditioning). Lester & Littleway perform the operation upon themselves & proceed to refine their new skills until they are able to employ a sort of time vision that allows them to tap into racial memories. With this knowledge comes the realization that there are shadowy periods in our species' past that have been kept hidden from us by more powerful beings. Lester relates his moment of insight: "I knew with certainty that there is something in the world's prehistory that cannot be found in any of the books on the past. & it was obscurely connected with [a] sense of evil..." In the course of discovering how the Earth & humankind truly evolved, this tale touches upon everything from Mayan civilization to Abraham Maslow to H.P. Lovecraft's elder Gods.--From Independent Publisher (edited)

Babel-17

Samuel R. Delany

1966 · 192 pages · 6 reviews

Others: Mostly positive

During an interstellar war one side develops a language, Babel-17, that can be used as a weapon. Learning it turns one into an unwilling traitor as it alters perception and thought. This is discovered by the starship captain Rydra Wong. She is recruited to discover how the enemy are infiltrating and sabotaging strategic sites.

Northwest Smith

C. L. Moore

1982 · 387 pages · 2 reviews

Others: Leaning positive

His eyes flash like steel in his weathered face. His worn spacer's leathers tell a tale of challenge met, hardship endured. Engraved on his memory are the secrets of a hundred ancient alien races. Here is the mystery and glory of the universe. Here is a legend come to life. Here is Northwest Smith. Contents: Shambleau. Black Thirst. The Tree of Life. Scarlet Dream. Dust of the Gods. Lost Paradise. Julhi. The Cold Gray God. Yvala. Song in a Minor Key.

The Chrysalids

John Wyndham

1955 · 204 pages · 6 reviews

Others: Mostly positive

This book is about a post apocalyptic world returned back to the times of the horse and carriage seen through the eyes of a young boy. Deviations are punished or destroyed and what few books remained govern the way people think about change and the differences from the norm. The twists and turns in this rather short book as bought me back to it many times over the years, which is very unusual for me. It would make a great Spielberg movie with the authors descriptions of the scarred landscape and the characters being fantastic. you could really picture the trials and tribulations of these people. When the young boy David finds his closest friend has a sixth toe on each foot and is asked to keep it a secret from his god fearing tyrant of a father, he comes to question his own secrets and what would happen to him if anyone found out. I wont tell you the twist, but definitely recommend this read to anyone, young or old.

The pastel city

M. John Harrison

1972 · 157 pages · 4 reviews

Others: Leaning positive

Via The first book The Pastel City, presents a civilization in decline where medieval social patterns clash with the advanced technology and superscience energy weapons that the citizens of the city know how to use but have forgotten how to engineer. Harrison's leading character, Lord tegeus-Cromis, fancies himself a better poet than swordsman; yet he leads the battle to save Viriconium, the Pastel City, from the brain-stealing automatons known as the geteit chemosit from Earth's past.

17 X infinity

Groff Conklin

1963 · 272 pages · 2 reviews

Others: Mixed