Bantam Books issued this paperback edition in 1977. This satirical science fiction novel was first published in 1955. Whereas in the authors' earlier novel "The Space Merchants" the world was ruled by advertising agencies, in this novel corporate lawyers have gained a stranglehold on the world.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
America's Dark Future According to Kornbluth.,
By
This review is from: Gladiator-at-Law (Mass Market Paperback)
Unfortunately for sci-fi fans, Cyril M. Kornbluth had a very short life (1923-1958). Nevertheless he was able to deliver several very good novels.
"Gladiator-at-law" (1954) in collaboration with his friend Frederik Pohl is one of them. First of all what an enticing title! You simply can't let it pass by unnoticed! The story describes a dystopia with many traits in common with their previous successful novel "The Space Merchants" (1952). I think these similarities conspired against "Gladiator-at-law" relegating it to a more obscure place than it deserves. The plot is as follows: this future world is ruled by Corporations that control economic and political power. Population is roughly divided in three segments. Top level is the Titans (industrial and/or financial). Middle class (professionals, administrators, technicians) bonded to the Corporations by a contract. They live in permanent danger to loose their job AND housing. Being the housing the key issue of this nearly servitude status. Finally at the bottom of the pyramid a huge mass of dispossessed are nourished and entertained by the state and lives into pauper neighborhoods without law. A lawyer that is barely able to keep into the second class is contacted by a mysterious couple of siblings. From there on action rage without respite allowing the reader to get in touch with a nightmarish world. This book is a wonderful example of a turning point in sci-fi literature from traditional technological spaces operas to a more humanistic and sociological subjects. Enjoy this somehow underrated sci-fi classic! Reviewed by Max Yofre
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Not Free SF Reader,
By Blue Tyson "- Research Finished" (Legion clubhouse) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Gladiator-at-Law (Mass Market Paperback)
An American corporate satire, mostly. Fairly well executed.
A younger lawyer, without all the right collections, is struggling to make enough to eat. Some former well connected people, with a lot of knowledge and a right to wrong come to him for help. To do this, they have to involve a man with no memory, a broken down corporate wizard and some others in a plot to bring some justice to town.
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