The Ego Machine

Description

Henry Kuttner is considered among the top five most prolific and skilled authors of science fiction of the 1940s. While many of his stories and novels were written with the assistance of his wife, C.L. Moore, the two had tremendous success in publishing short stories and novels under Kuttner’s name, and being among the most successful authors of humorous sci-fi tales.

The Ego Machine is not necessarily Kuttner’s most successful story, but it’s definitely among the best. This funny little novelette has an interesting twist in its introduction of a robot that tries to help the already accomplished playwright Nicholas Martin to improve his skills and get better results with his Hollywood screenplays. Although a conceited director seems to be the one to basically take over Nicholas’ life for the next few years, things soon change when his trusted little robot begins getting “high” on AC electricity jolts, and gives him the unique qualities of two imposing historical personalities: former Prime Minister of England, Benjamin Disraeli, and former tsar of Russia, Ivan the Terrible.

The Ego Machine is definitely one of the works that Kuttner has put a lot of work into making as likable and colorful as possible. Quite unique, both in its premise and delivery, it creates situations that are not only humorous and entertaining, but also guide readers in asking a few important ethical questions.

The book is quite easy to read, and you will not have to go into the story too deeply to get to the core of the issue it’s trying to present. Kuttner makes it interesting, as well as easy to read, and spares no effort in introducing droll and fascinating characters, unique plot twists and unpredictable developments.

If you want to enjoy the work of one of Sci-Fi’s greatest early contributors, Henry Kuttner’s Ego Machine will undoubtedly be one of the books you’ll truly enjoy reading.
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