Customer Reviews

Dawn

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S. Fowler Wright is an intriguing author and I looked forward to this book immensely. I haven't finished it, but I am already prepared to criticize this particular edition. Wildside Press is a pretty no-frills publisher and their books don't exactly stand out on the shelf, but they do bring some cool obscuriana into ready availability. However, whoever edited this made a big mistake. For one thing, the subtitle "A Novel Of Global Warming" was added. How awful. The idea of global warming, as we know it, didn't exist when this book was written, and the text has nothing to do with global warming. Is this political correctness? Or a weird stab at gaining interest for an outdated novel?
The author begins with a quote "No abstract doctrine is more false and mischievous than that of the natural equality of men." But in this edition, one word is changed: "equality" to "quality." Read it that way: it makes no sense. Perhaps this is more political correctness? But as I read the book, so far at least, no racism is intended. But even if it turns out to be a racist book, would concealing the author's culpability by changing his words help anybody? Altering books to fit our current standards and beliefs is foolish and self-defeating. It is a form of censorship, and it never fails to surprise me that some people feel praiseworthy for doing it.
But read the book, if you like old-fashioned science fiction and disaster novels. Then compare to No Blade of Grass or Wrinkle in the Skin by John Christopher, I Am Legend by Richard Matheson, Junk Day by Arthur Sellings, or Earth Abides by George Stewart. Or The Lost Continent by C.J. Cutcliffe Hyne. Remember: authors of 50 or 100 years ago didn't write for people who have been programmed by TV to receive a jolt every thirty seconds. They built stories slowly, developing character and atmosphere. They also, less effectively, delivered indigestible chunks of "theme" in the form of outmoded political and social ideas. It takes patience and a larger view to enjoy some of these books, but give it a try. And, editors, please, have some respect for us. Quit protecting us from dead guys who didn't agree with you.