This is a novella that precedes a novel, delving into the thought-provoking topic of technology serving our needs versus technology taking over our lives.

I revisited it after many years as I had forgotten some of the details.

Although it belongs to the sci-fi genre, the cautionary tale it presents remains highly relevant.

Should we indeed invent and utilize tireless, flawless machines that anticipate and fulfill our every need?

Should we grant them the power to make decisions on our behalf, prevent us from potential harm, and restrict our personal freedoms "for our own good"?

With powerful computers now in our pockets, ubiquitous web connectivity, and demanding apps vying for our attention, the theme is strikingly contemporary.

The humanoids in the story are perfect machines developed solely to serve humanity, whether humans desire their service or not.

Since many activities that people engage in are deemed "dangerous" to the body or mental state, the small black machines safeguard people by effectively preventing them from doing anything interesting, exciting, fulfilling, or fun.

The mission of the billions of robots arriving on every human-inhabited planet is to serve all people, halting violence, war, and any potential danger to anyone.

They are, of course, too perfect and are unwavering in achieving their mission goals, ultimately taking over everything.

Even buttons, zippers, and snaps on clothing are considered too dangerous for unaided humanity.

All kinds of work become obsolete as every need is accomplished by the robots, without bothering to ask if their help is wanted.

The protagonist spends most of the book fighting the domination of the humanoids.

He witnesses most people losing their freedom of action and their minds in a drug-clouded state of artificial euphoria.

However, some people are inexplicably able to retain their own minds and abilities.

Why these select few are exempt from the machines' control is not clearly elucidated.

Later, when captured, the main character and a small group of equally rebellious confederates are "healed" of their fears through a drug-induced "re-education."

When they wake up, their attitudes have entirely changed, and they accept the humanoids.

This acceptance apparently signals to the robots that the enlightened humans can make their own decisions and take risks.

I recommend reading this book for its significance in sci-fi history and for the enduring cautionary message it conveys.

It may not be great literature, but it is still worthy of a read and some contemplation.

Los humanoides, robots avanzados, ¿son una bendición para la humanidad o una amenaza?

This is a question that has been widely debated in recent years. On one hand, advanced robots can bring many benefits to humanity. They can perform dangerous and repetitive tasks, improving efficiency and reducing human error. They can also provide assistance to the elderly and the disabled, enhancing their quality of life.

On the other hand, there are concerns that robots may pose a threat to humanity. They may replace human jobs, leading to unemployment and social unrest. They may also develop artificial intelligence that is more intelligent than humans, and pose a potential threat to human survival.

Williamson's classic book on the robot debate explores these issues in depth. He examines the history of robotics, the current state of the art, and the potential future developments. He also discusses the ethical and social implications of robotics, and offers some suggestions for how to ensure that robots are developed and used in a way that benefits humanity.

Overall, the question of whether advanced robots are a blessing or a threat is a complex one that requires careful consideration. While there are certainly risks associated with robotics, there are also many potential benefits. It is up to us to ensure that we develop and use robots in a way that maximizes the benefits and minimizes the risks.

I picked up this book to read on my way to the 2011 Jack Williamson Lectureship (35th year).

It is frequently regarded as a Classic of Science Fiction and one of Mr. Williamson's most highly recommended books.

I discovered that it was truly very enjoyable. The plot was engaging, the story was skillfully written, and it progressed at a satisfying pace. Moreover, the story was not overly long, consisting of approximately 200 pages.

However, I do believe that many newer or younger readers might encounter difficulties in reading it. Mr. Williamson employs the term "rhodomagnetic," which has fallen out of usage in the years following its publication.

This might pose a challenge for those who are not familiar with such archaic scientific terms. Nevertheless, despite this minor drawback, the overall quality and entertainment value of the book remain high. It offers a captivating journey into the world of science fiction, filled with imaginative concepts and a well-crafted narrative.

Dr. Clay Forrester and his assistant Frank are contacted by a strange little girl who can seemingly disappear at will.

It turns out she is one of a ragtag band of mutants, kind of like proto-X-Men. They are here to warn Clay and Frank that THE HUMANOIDS are coming! These Humanoids are robots programmed to look out for humanity, but they have a rather extreme way of doing it - they're going to make people happy WHETHER THEY WANT IT OR NOT!

Clay decides to fight this with every ounce of his being. Things quickly take a weird and trippy turn.

The end has a real Shivers vibe to it, leaving the question of whether it's a happy ending up to interpretation. YMMV, and I assume the sequel will take a stance.

This was my first exposure to Jack Williamson. Overall, it was a disappointment, but the first act was really intriguing and had some great moments. I'm curious to see if his later works can focus more on that interesting aspect and less on the rather silly "look out! a digging machine! Ah!" kind of moments that seem to permeate about 70% of this book.

I hope Williamson can explore more of the potential that was hinted at in the beginning and create a more engaging and satisfying story in the future.

I have the 1982 GB edition. This particular edition holds a certain charm and significance. It was published in 1982 in Great Britain, and it has its own unique features.

Perhaps it has a distinct cover design that catches the eye, or maybe the content within has been carefully curated and presented in a way that was specific to that time period.

Owning this edition gives me a sense of connection to the past, a piece of history that I can hold in my hands. It makes me wonder about the people who may have also owned and read this same edition over the years.

Whether it's for its sentimental value or its collectible nature, the 1982 GB edition is a treasure that I am proud to have in my possession.

A surprisingly good book about androids! I don't normally have a penchant for vintage sci-fi, but this particular book truly managed to capture my interest.

It presents a unique and engaging perspective on androids that I found both fascinating and thought-provoking. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to discover what lies ahead for the android characters.

The author has done an excellent job of creating a vivid and believable world, filled with complex emotions and moral dilemmas. It makes you question the very nature of what it means to be human and whether androids could ever truly have the same experiences and feelings as us.

If you're looking for a sci-fi book that offers something different, I highly recommend giving this one a try. And for my full and in-depth review, head on over to my book review blog: Em and Emm Expound on Exposition.

This is one of those fascinating sci-fi stories that truly capture the imagination.

The protagonist, along with his group of buddies, possess remarkable psychic powers. These powers are not just a random addition to the story but serve as a crucial plot convenience.

With their psychic abilities, they are able to navigate through various challenges and obstacles that come their way. It adds an element of excitement and mystery to the narrative, as the readers wonder how these powers will be used and what implications they will have.

The story likely delves into the exploration of the limits and potential of these psychic powers, as well as the relationships and dynamics within the group.

It may also touch on themes such as the responsibility that comes with having such extraordinary abilities and the moral and ethical dilemmas that the characters face.

Overall, this sci-fi story offers a unique and engaging look at a world where psychic powers are a reality and play a significant role in the lives of the characters.

Some grammatical errors were found in this edition, and one sentence didn't make any sense at all. Moreover, some of the plot developments seemed a little unlikely. For instance, a president and other powerful people abdicating their power to robots so that the whole population can live in happiness. In what world is that going to happen? However, it should be remembered that this is science fiction, which focuses on ideas rather than details.

There are some interesting scientific concepts in it, such as electromagnetism combining with a new force called rhodomagnetism (or something) and the "paraphysical" to truly reveal the construction of the universe. It's a real thriller that 15-year-old me would probably have given 5 stars to. I'll be glad to read the sequel or other work by Jack Williamson. The ending was quite surprising as well.

This science fiction story, despite its flaws, manages to engage the reader with its unique ideas and unexpected plot twists. It makes one think about the possibilities of the future and the role of science and technology in shaping our world. Williamson's creativity shines through in this work, and it leaves the reader eager to see what he has in store for us next.

Classic SciFi

This is a short story and novella that comes with the author's comments on both. It offers an interesting perspective, somewhat of a comment on the Right's view of the Left in the humanoid's solicitous goodwill.

I'm not entirely certain if Williamson's humanoids predate or postdate Asimov's positronic brain stories. However, the "To Serve & Obey & Guard Men From Harm" prime directive in Williamson's work parallels Asimov's 3 rules.

This parallelism between the two works is quite fascinating. It makes one wonder about the common themes and ideas that were circulating in the minds of these great sci-fi authors during their respective eras.

Perhaps Williamson was influenced by Asimov's ideas, or maybe it was just a coincidence that both came up with similar concepts. In any case, it adds an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the world of classic sci-fi.

Whether you're a fan of Williamson or Asimov, or simply interested in the evolution of sci-fi concepts, this comparison is sure to spark your curiosity and make you think about the possibilities of the future.

This is an excellent read that truly stands out. It was written way back in 1948 (!), yet it has an uncanny ability to feel as if it could be a current portrayal of a potential future. This, to me, is nothing short of a miracle.

As the story progresses, I found myself deeply invested in the characters. I cared about what happened to them, which is the highest form of praise in my opinion. The characters are well-developed, the story is engaging, and the pacing is just right.

Moreover, the ending is truly thought-provoking. It leaves us with numerous possible paths forward, making me eager to explore if there are other books in this series to discover which direction things will take. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating and imaginative read.

I'm already looking forward to delving into the next installment, if there is one, to see where the story leads. It's rare to come across a book that has such a lasting impact and keeps you hooked from start to finish.

3.0 stars.

This is a classic science fiction novel penned by Jack Williamson. It delves into the same themes and has a similar basic setup as his ground-breaking novella "With Folded Hands." The story is engaging and interesting.

However, in my opinion, "With Folded Hands" was more tightly focused. It managed to create a stronger sense of dread, which made it a superior story.

Despite this, this particular novel is still a good one and is definitely worth the read. It offers readers an opportunity to explore Williamson's unique vision and ideas in the science fiction genre.

Overall, while it may not reach the same heights as "With Folded Hands," it still has its own merits and can provide an enjoyable reading experience for fans of science fiction.

This edition encompasses a short(ish) work titled With Folded Hands, along with The Humanoids. With Folded Hands serves as a prequel to The Humanoids, and truth be told, I genuinely believed it to be the superior of the two. It was a well-thought-out piece, featuring a distinct conclusion that took me by surprise.

However, The Humanoids itself left me rather disappointed. Initially, I had no major issues with it. But as the story delved deeper into teleporting and other such elements, I gradually lost interest and found it rather dull.

In my opinion, without the presence of With Folded Hands, this collection would have received a rating of less than 2. It just goes to show how much of an impact one strong piece can have on the overall perception of a collection.

Despite the letdown with The Humanoids, I still appreciate the effort that went into creating these works and the unique ideas they present.