A Mirror for Observers - Edgar Pangborn - cover artist Stanislaw Fernandes
Another one of the SF Rediscovery 27 book set published by Avon-Equinox in trade paperbacks during 1974-77. This volume printed during August 1975 - copyright by author 1954. Comments by CR:
"A Mirror for Observers" by Edgar Pangborn [554 July 8, 2014 - novel - science-fiction]
The idea of aliens from outer space clandestinely living among us, and carefully observing mankind has been a staple of science fiction stories and films for many years. When employed in a believable and logical manner it can be the foundation of an entertaining and thoughtful story. In this novel, first published in 1954, the author's aliens are humanoid refugees from a dying Mars who left that planet thousands of years ago. Living in cities under the sea, underground and under the artic ice they secretly move among us as Observers. Unfortunately the author never gives a clear explanation of just what the purposes of the Observers are. Just what have they been doing for those thousands of years - just "observing" I suppose.
I have read a number of science-fiction novels and acknowledge that 'suspension of disbelief" is essential when reading these stories, but to a point - the point being when the "idea" challenges out basic understanding of science. Even in 1954 Mars was considered to be out of the habitable zone for life and essentially a dead world. We are asked to accept human-like Martians who had a superior technology that included interplanetary flight and the transportation of sufficient machines able to tunnel and construct underground cities completely undetected by mankind. I came to this book with high expectations and unfortunately was ultimately disappointed. Even in 1954 when this novel was published I was surprised author Pangborn used such a bogus concept. Some may say get over it after all its only science fiction - I don't buy that.
The story was modestly interesting. We have one Martian Observer sympathetic to the aspirations of mankind and another a renegade hell bent of proving that earthlings are self destructive and inferior to Martians. The first part of the story when "Mr. Miles" befriends a young girl with musical ambitions and the landlord's son is quite charming. The balance of the story is an unconvincing political drama combined with a plague that wipes out most of mankind.
I would only recommend this book to students of 1950's science fiction novels and dedicated fans of the multi talented Mr. Pangborn (1909-76). Both communities would profit by reading this book. For others I would suggest you pass of this one.
A Mirror for Observers - Edgar Pangborn - cover artist Stanislaw Fernandes
Another one of the SF Rediscovery 27 book set published by Avon-Equinox in trade paperbacks during 1974-77. This volume printed during August 1975 - copyright by author 1954. Comments by CR:
"A Mirror for Observers" by Edgar Pangborn [554 July 8, 2014 - novel - science-fiction]
The idea of aliens from outer space clandestinely living among us, and carefully observing mankind has been a staple of science fiction stories and films for many years. When employed in a believable and logical manner it can be the foundation of an entertaining and thoughtful story. In this novel, first published in 1954, the author's aliens are humanoid refugees from a dying Mars who left that planet thousands of years ago. Living in cities under the sea, underground and under the artic ice they secretly move among us as Observers. Unfortunately the author never gives a clear explanation of just what the purposes of the Observers are. Just what have they been doing for those thousands of years - just "observing" I suppose.
I have read a number of science-fiction novels and acknowledge that 'suspension of disbelief" is essential when reading these stories, but to a point - the point being when the "idea" challenges out basic understanding of science. Even in 1954 Mars was considered to be out of the habitable zone for life and essentially a dead world. We are asked to accept human-like Martians who had a superior technology that included interplanetary flight and the transportation of sufficient machines able to tunnel and construct underground cities completely undetected by mankind. I came to this book with high expectations and unfortunately was ultimately disappointed. Even in 1954 when this novel was published I was surprised author Pangborn used such a bogus concept. Some may say get over it after all its only science fiction - I don't buy that.
The story was modestly interesting. We have one Martian Observer sympathetic to the aspirations of mankind and another a renegade hell bent of proving that earthlings are self destructive and inferior to Martians. The first part of the story when "Mr. Miles" befriends a young girl with musical ambitions and the landlord's son is quite charming. The balance of the story is an unconvincing political drama combined with a plague that wipes out most of mankind.
I would only recommend this book to students of 1950's science fiction novels and dedicated fans of the multi talented Mr. Pangborn (1909-76). Both communities would profit by reading this book. For others I would suggest you pass of this one.