More Than Human

What is the Science Fiction Premise?

In More Than Human, Theodore Sturgeon offers a world in which some individuals possess extraordinary psychological powers, including telepathy, telekinesis, and mind-control. The books title derives from what they are able to achieve when they act in concert rather than individually.

Is the science of the premise explored?

Sturgeon does not offer much insight into where these extraordinary powers come from. Throughout the book we observe the powers through the eyes of the children who possess them; they accept their existence, but do not really understand their source. We are offered a little more insight about the limitations on the powers.

Is the impact of the premise on an individual explored?

More Than Human is all about how these powers affect those who possess the powers and those with whom they come in contact.

Is the impact of the premise on society explored?

Sturgeon is ultimately interested in the implications of these capabilities on society as a whole, but most of the book does not reveal this. The action plays out in rural areas with little contact with the larger society. For the most part, the pack of children who work together try to avoid the attention of society.

How well written is the story?

I enjoyed this book, which surprised me a bit, since I remembered Sturgeon as a very good short story writer, but not especially good with novels. Looking into it a bit in Moskowitz's Seekers of Tomorrow -- a book about Science Fiction authors -- I learned that More Than Human was first a short story and then made into a book by writing two more short stories: one to open with and one to close with. This structure shows. Indeed, the middle story is especially engaging; I could not put the book down until I had completed this section.

Can I recommend the book?

More Than Human was published in 1953 and is a classic Science Fiction tale from the "Golden Age" of Science Fiction. It is probably the best novel written by Sturgeon, who was an incredibly creative and productive author, but primarily in the short story form. Any student of Science Fiction should read this novel.

For those who look for adventure stories in Science Fiction, More Than Human is likely to seem a bit slow moving. It is moody and philosophical. It is especially concerned with morality and the basis of morality for extraordinary individuals. This all plays out in the detailed interactions of individuals, not in the sweeping rise and fall of galactic civilizations.

Tar Daddoo