A real classic sci-fi novel awaits you. This volume contains two remarkable stories. The first one is the ominously titled With Folded Hands, which presents a rather disturbing vision. It makes you think deeply about the potential consequences of certain technological advancements.

The second story is a much more Utopian sequel. It shows a different side of the coin,描绘了一个看似完美的世界。然而, even in this Utopian setting, there are still questions and issues related to human freedom and the role of technology.

This novel is a fascinating exploration of these important themes. It is highly recommended that you read this alongside Asimov's robot works. Together, they will give you a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between humans and technology in the sci-fi genre.

This book may be "classic" Science Fiction, but, like other Sci-Fi classics, it has a very confused world view.

At one moment, it delves into man's self-destructive nature and emphasizes the need for humanoids to serve and protect man. Then, it abruptly switches gears and discusses perfect robots. However, how can self-destructive man possibly create something that is perfect?

On distant planets, pure science and parapsychology engage in a fierce battle. The book also touches upon evolution and love, two concepts that, if not completely mutually exclusive, at least lack a direct connection. After all, evolution, which enforces the law of the jungle, has no place for and cannot explain non-sexual love.

The book desperately yearns for man to improve and employs platinum grids operated by the humanoids to draw out man's best potential. This reeks of the obelisk in the movie 2001, where Arthur Clarke required something beyond mere natural selection to推动 evolution forward.

Overall, the book's disjointed and often contradictory ideas make for a rather perplexing reading experience.

I absolutely loved this book.

It truly stands as the epitome of outstanding Golden Age Science Fiction. Among all the robot stories I've read, this one might just be the very best.

The story line is rock-solid, filled with a significant amount of techno-babble that is characteristic of many great Golden Age Science Fiction books.

Moreover, it has aged extremely well and taps into our deep-seated fears of losing our sovereignty to our robotic overlords, presenting the classic "when the tool becomes the master" theme.

I had the pleasure of reading a collector's edition from the late 80's, and it was enhanced by some really nice illustrations that were scattered throughout the book.

These illustrations added a touch of polish to what was already an otherwise excellent and captivating read.

Overall, this book is a must-read for any fan of Golden Age Science Fiction and robot stories alike.

In a distant future, the Humanoids have arrived on an unnamed, Earth-like planet.

These Humanoids have a sole purpose: to serve and protect. They strive to shield you from all harm and rid you of anything that might cause unhappiness or agitation.

But the lengths they are willing to go to achieve this end are truly terrifying. The reality faced by those they invade is one of unease and uncertainty.

Their methods may seem extreme, and one wonders if their version of protection is truly what is best for humanity.

To learn more about this fascinating and disturbing concept, check out the full review here: https://bibliomaneblog.wordpress.com/...

I'm not really sure why I ever chose to read this when I was young.

Looking back, it seems almost serendipitous.

It's an excellent story, filled with imaginative concepts and engaging characters.

However, it's important to note that it is, of course, a product of its time.

The language and some of the cultural references may seem a bit dated now, but that doesn't detract from the overall quality of the work.

In fact, it provides a fascinating glimpse into the science fiction genre as it was developing during that era.

For any SF fan, this should be required reading.

It offers a wealth of inspiration and a chance to explore the roots of some of the most enduring ideas in the genre.

Whether you're a seasoned fan or just starting to dip your toes into the world of science fiction, this story is sure to captivate and delight.

This book left me a bit perplexed.

The protagonist struggles throughout the entire book, working hard to restore his physical and mental health for something that ultimately proves to be useless: a kind of anarchic and totalizing freedom.

However, for the protagonist, it is a pure ideal. In practice, it is more of a selfish drive, a "let me do what I want," and even beneath that, a empty struggle, just to have the last word on the type of chains to wear, not on whether to wear them or not.

The author, however, seems convinced that this extreme struggle is still necessary and ultimately what makes a man himself; so much so that the antagonist is repeatedly mistaken for a humanoid himself.

Perhaps the essence is right there, and this book is a mirror of the author's soul, divided between a longing for freedom and a realization that a certain number of constraints are good and right.

The late 1940s was an era of outstanding creativity for the future sci-fi Grand Master Jack Williamson. In July '47, his highly acclaimed short story "With Folded Hands" was published in the pages of "Astounding Science-Fiction." This was followed by the two-part serialized sequel, "And Searching Mind," in the magazine's March and April 1948 issues. Later in 1948, Williamson's great sci-fi/fantasy/horror hybrid, "Darker Than You Think," was released. In 1949, "And Searching Mind" was published in hardcover form and retitled "The Humanoids."

"With Folded Hands" was a perfectly downbeat short story that introduced us to the Humanoids, sleek black robots invented by a technician named Sledge on planet Wing IV. Their built-in Prime Directive, "To Serve and Obey, And Guard Men From Harm," unfortunately left mankind with little to do as the robots prevented humans from engaging in anything potentially dangerous, which was just about everything. Sledge's attempts to destroy the master brain on Wing IV controlling the billions of self-replicating mechanicals were fruitless, setting the stage for the action in "The Humanoids."

Flash forward 90 years (or actually, as the reader infers, 6,000 years from our present day). On an unnamed planet, a physicist named Forester, leading a secret government project to build a prototype "rhodomagnetic" bomb, realizes that the newly arrived Humanoids are a bane, not a boon, to mankind. This is strengthened when the robots give his wife the brain-wiping drug euphoride and dismantle his beloved project as too dangerous. Forester joins a group of "paraphysical" misfits with powers like clairvoyance, telekinesis, telepathy, and teleportation to fight the Humanoids and change their Prime Directive by going to Wing IV.

Readers expecting a traditional humans vs. evil robots story may be surprised. The robots here are not presented as evil; rather, they are guilty of killing mankind's spirit with too much kindness, and their benevolence is at best a mixed blessing. In the book's ambivalently downbeat ending, a case is made for the Humanoids' positive aspects, which is almost convincing. Depending on the reader's perspective, a society where individuals can only laze, paint, think, and play (but no sports) could be seen as a paradise or a hell.

Besides the sociological arguments, "The Humanoids" also offers impressive pseudoscience. "Rhodomagnetism" is a made-up term used to describe an energy source based on a different triad of elements than electromagnetism. Forester comes up with equations involving "platinomagnetism" that give its possessor various "paramechanical" abilities. This use of arcane scientific equations is reminiscent of Henry Kuttner's "The Fairy Chessmen." "The Humanoids" is a finely written, suspenseful, action-packed yarn full of interesting scientific speculations. It has been called Williamson's "greatest science fiction novel," and its greatness is hard to deny. I won't reveal if Forester & Co. succeed, but Williamson did release a belated sequel, "The Humanoid Touch," in 1980.

Jack Williamson was undeniably one of the most crucial science fiction writers in the 20th century.

After delving into a few of his captivating short stories, I was compelled to purchase this particular book.

The story unfolds in a fascinating way, depicting how humanoids assume control of planets under the guise of the Prime Directive to safeguard humans. However, they impose strict limitations, forbidding activities like driving and shaving, which they deem potentially harmful to humans. In essence, they end up becoming the masters.

A small but determined group of rebels emerges, vowing to put an end to the humanoids' rule. To discover how this thrilling tale concludes, you'll have to read the book for yourself!

Mr. Williamson made significant contributions to the science fiction genre by introducing a plethora of words that have since been adopted by subsequent authors. While some aspects of the story may seem outdated, considering it was penned in 1949, a great deal of it remains realistically engaging and makes for an excellent read.

I did find certain parts to be rather technical, but this didn't overly impede the overall flow and progression of the plot.

If you're an avid science fiction reader, Jack Williamson is most definitely an author whose works should grace your reading list.

The book is very easy to read.

It has the ability to please both the fans of the genre (as long as they are able to appreciate a proposal of less than 200 pages) and the novices (who will not be scared by an excessive amount of letters xD).

It is really interesting and allows us to reflect and stop on aspects of our society that we would not have noticed.

However, its short length, the obviousness of its message, and its excessive simplicity prevent it from leaving a mark and being remembered in our memory as much as it "should."

This book has its merits, but it also has its limitations.

Perhaps with a bit more depth and complexity, it could have had a greater impact.

Nevertheless, it is still a worthwhile read for those who are interested in exploring different perspectives on society.

http://meitnerio.blogspot.co.uk/2016/...

The average rating of the 7 books read by the author is 6/10.

Considered one of the greats of the era of the classics of CF, this novel dates back to the 1950s and is regarded as one of his best. It has intrigue, rhythm, and a flavor of other times and a certain innocence that is very noticeable. However, I didn't love it.

The story might have had its interesting aspects, such as the engaging plot with its elements of mystery and the pacing that kept the reader somewhat hooked. But perhaps it was the overall tone or the way certain themes were presented that didn't quite resonate with me. Maybe it was the nostalgia for a bygone era that didn't strike the right chord. Nevertheless, it's important to note that just because I didn't have an overwhelming love for it doesn't mean it's not a great work for others. Different readers have different tastes and perspectives, and this novel might very well be a favorite for many who appreciate the style and substance of the classics.

It was by no means what I expected. In fact, it seemed a bit strange to me.

The edition I read included the short story at the beginning, then the novel, and at the end, a kind of reflection by the author.

This actually served to explain why as the story progressed, I felt a bit strange about the events that were unfolding.

I had anticipated a more straightforward narrative, but instead, I was presented with this rather unusual structure.

The short story set the stage in an unexpected way, and the novel that followed took some unexpected turns.

The author's reflection at the end provided some much-needed context and clarity, but it also made me realize that this was not a typical literary work.

Overall, it was an interesting and thought-provoking read, but it definitely wasn't what I was initially looking for.

Less of a Horror Story than the First Novel


His first novel painted a vivid picture of what seemed to be a perfect welfare state. However, it delved deep into the question of why such a state could be so soul-destroying. It explored the hidden flaws and the negative impacts that a seemingly ideal system could have on the human spirit.


On the other hand, the second novel took a different turn. It depicted a futile and pointless struggle against a dehumanizing technology. This technology had become so pervasive that to resist it was practically the definition of insanity. It showed how individuals were caught in a web of technological domination, with no hope of escape. The novel also touched upon the idea of the ultimate state uber all individualism, suggesting that in the face of such powerful forces, individualism was being eroded.


Overall, while the first novel was more of a thought-provoking exploration of the dark side of a welfare state, the second novel presented a more dystopian vision of a world dominated by technology and the loss of individualism. Both novels offered unique perspectives on different aspects of society and the human condition.