Odd John

2021 Facsimile of the 1935 Edition. This 1935 science fiction novel explores the theme of the Übermensch (superman) in the character of John Wainwright, whose supernormal human mentality inevitably leads to conflict with normal human society and to the destruction of the utopian colony founded by John and other superhumans. The novel resonates with the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche and the work of English writer J. D. Beresford, with an allusion to Beresford's superhuman child character of Victor Stott in The Hampdenshire Wonder (1911). As the devoted narrator remarks, John does not feel obliged to observe the restricted morality of Homo sapiens. Stapledon's recurrent vision of cosmic angst - that the universe may be indifferent to intelligence, no matter how spiritually refined - also gives the story added depth. Later explorations of the theme of the superhuman and of the incompatibility of the normal with the supernormal occur in the works of Stanislaw Lem, Frank Herbert, Wilmar Shiras, Robert Heinlein and Vernor Vinge, among others.

"1001444775"
Odd John

2021 Facsimile of the 1935 Edition. This 1935 science fiction novel explores the theme of the Übermensch (superman) in the character of John Wainwright, whose supernormal human mentality inevitably leads to conflict with normal human society and to the destruction of the utopian colony founded by John and other superhumans. The novel resonates with the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche and the work of English writer J. D. Beresford, with an allusion to Beresford's superhuman child character of Victor Stott in The Hampdenshire Wonder (1911). As the devoted narrator remarks, John does not feel obliged to observe the restricted morality of Homo sapiens. Stapledon's recurrent vision of cosmic angst - that the universe may be indifferent to intelligence, no matter how spiritually refined - also gives the story added depth. Later explorations of the theme of the superhuman and of the incompatibility of the normal with the supernormal occur in the works of Stanislaw Lem, Frank Herbert, Wilmar Shiras, Robert Heinlein and Vernor Vinge, among others.

9.95 In Stock
Odd John

Odd John

by Olaf Stapledon
Odd John

Odd John

by Olaf Stapledon

Paperback

$9.95 
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Overview

2021 Facsimile of the 1935 Edition. This 1935 science fiction novel explores the theme of the Übermensch (superman) in the character of John Wainwright, whose supernormal human mentality inevitably leads to conflict with normal human society and to the destruction of the utopian colony founded by John and other superhumans. The novel resonates with the ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche and the work of English writer J. D. Beresford, with an allusion to Beresford's superhuman child character of Victor Stott in The Hampdenshire Wonder (1911). As the devoted narrator remarks, John does not feel obliged to observe the restricted morality of Homo sapiens. Stapledon's recurrent vision of cosmic angst - that the universe may be indifferent to intelligence, no matter how spiritually refined - also gives the story added depth. Later explorations of the theme of the superhuman and of the incompatibility of the normal with the supernormal occur in the works of Stanislaw Lem, Frank Herbert, Wilmar Shiras, Robert Heinlein and Vernor Vinge, among others.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781946963499
Publisher: Albatross Publishers
Publication date: 01/14/2021
Pages: 212
Sales rank: 941,572
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.53(d)

About the Author

About The Author

William Olaf Stapledon (1886¿1950) was an English novelist and philosopher whose "histories of the future" are a major influence on contemporary science fiction. He received a Ph.D. in philosophy and psychology. In 1929, he published A Modern Theory of Ethics and seemed destined for an academic career. However, after the success of his novel Last and First Men, he turned to fiction. His popular books include The Last Men in London, Odd John, Philosophy and Living, Star Maker, and Sirius.

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