Tar Daddoo
5/19/2013
What is the Science Fiction Premise?
The Demolished Man presents a future in which many, but not all, people possess telepathic skills.
Is the science of the premise explored?
I do not recall any particular explanation of where the telepathic powers came from. They appear to be latent human capabilities that have finally become apparent. While there is little attention to the origin of these powers, there is much attention to their limits and their uneven distribution within society.
Is the impact of the premise on an individual explored?
The Demolished Man offers numerous glimpses of how the presence of telepathy affects those who have it, those who do not, and those who have only a weak form of it.
Is the impact of the premise on society explored?
The essence of The Demolished Man is to reveal how society has adapted to the presence of a sub-population that can read minds. We see this from many sides:
The treatment is quite thorough.
How well written is the story?
I found this story a pleasure to read. The story is told as a mystery and is quite engaging. Today, we might call it a "police procedural". After the basic mystery is established, the focus shifts to the police efforts to solve the mystery. All this plays out in a society blessed with both detectives and criminals with mind-reading skills.
Can I recommend the book?
The Demolished Man was written in 1953. It is a true classic Science Fiction story from "the golden age" that is still entertaining. Definitely read this book.
If you are familiar with Babylon 5, you might remember the Psi Cop, Alfred Bester, played by Walter Koenig. That character is undoubtedly named for the author of The Demolished Man as a tribute to his depiction of the adaptation of telepathic skills into the fabric of society. Having said that, do not assume that knowledge of Babylon 5's Bester tells you all you need to know about The Demolished Man. They offer very different views of some similar ideas.