Starburst

Bester’s stories demonstrate that he was among the first who made the definition of science fiction possible — what Barry Malzberg described in Breakfast in the Ruins as “a dangerous literature, born to snarl at the heart of all intellectual and technological advance.”

The highlights are plentiful. “Disappearing Act” offers a sharp sociological critique of post-WWII America that remains as alive as ever. “Adam and No Eve” follows a scientist who selfishly launches his malformed rocket into space and destroys all life on Earth. We follow his final moments as he crawls through the wreckage and confronts his demons. “Oddy and Id” and “The Starcomber” — perhaps the finest Faustian tale I have encountered in science fiction — showcase Bester’s breadth across literature and ancient history.

But the crown of the collection belongs to “Fondly Fahrenheit”. Bester madly oscillates between the first and third person, telling the tale of a maddening protagonist and his psychotic android — a projection of his alter ego — as they embark on a killing spree across the galaxy. In an era of automation and machine advances unknown, it has aged like a Bordeaux. It is a masterpiece, and belongs among the greatest literary achievements the genre has produced.

I enjoyed the collection and there is nothing amiss here.