The Whole Man

by John Brunner

Paperback, 1964-08

Status

Available

Call number

PR6052 .R8

Publication

Ballantine Books (New York, 1964). 1st edition, 1st printing. 188 pages. $0.50.

Description

In A Whole Man, a baby boy is born in a hospital surrounded by the chaos of battle and civil unrest. The birth is unremarkable and little noted, but the child, Gerald Howson, turns out to be very special. He is afflicted by infirmities and bodily flaws, but his mind becomes a miraculous device, capable of telepathic marvels that can, and do, change the world. But the power fantasies that sometimes tempt him are deadly to those near him and can ultimately threaten the whole of the world. And a man in a physical envelope that inspires pity and fright turns out to be the embodiment of a superman. This ebook was originally published in the United Kingdom under the title Telepathist.  For each generation, there is a writer meant to bend the rules of what we know. Hugo Award winner (Best Novel, Stand on Zanzibar) and British science fiction master John Brunner remains one of the most influential and respected authors of all time, and now many of his classic works are being reintroduced. For readers familiar with his vision, it is a chance to reexamine his thoughtful worlds and words, while for new readers, Brunner's work proves itself the very definition of timeless. … (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member Black_samvara
Must read more of his books. Telepathist was charming. Am choosing to overlook scientific problems and enjoy vision of the future where the UN is an effective force for peace and telepathists work for the good of mankind.
LibraryThing member ari.joki
What is it with the U.S.A:tians wanting to see the United Nations as a world government, instead of a coordination organ? Nevertheless, the descriptions of Otherness feel true
LibraryThing member ikeman100
This is my third book by Brunner and the fist one I really like. I have more of his books on the shelf and reading this one gives me hope that there are more good stories to come.
LibraryThing member Sunyidean
#shortreview for Instagram:

I finished reading the Telepathist this morning. It was a sad and rather brutal novel, about a man whose physical deformities enable him to develop powerful mental capabilities (telepathy, in this case). There's some dystopian-esque spy stuff going on in the background
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but the story is heavily character centric, with an unflinching examination of the ways in which society simultaneously exploits and abandons disabled individuals. Some of the language would likely be considered a trifle insensitive in modern standards but even disregarding the time period, Brunner has some wonderful and nuanced character portraits of people beaten down by poverty and circumstance, and the inherent danger of hope. Poor Gerald!
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Awards

Hugo Award (Nominee — Novel — 1965)

Language

Original language

English

Original publication date

1964

Physical description

188 p.
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