Science Fiction · TenseIn the 24th century, a wealthy businessman commits murder in a society where telepaths read minds
The Demolished Man
A murder mystery in a world where telepaths police the crime
Galaxy Science Fiction serialized the novel in three parts beginning with the January 1952 issue, and Shasta Publishers issued the first book edition in 1953. The setting is the 24th century, where Espers, telepaths, are integrated into society. It is an inverted detective story and a science fiction police procedural. A telepathic detective investigates a murder committed by a wealthy businessman. The first edition runs to 250 pages.
More about this book
Who
Ben Reich, Lincoln Powell, Barbara D'Courtney, Craye D'Courtney and Augustus Tate.
World
The 24th century, with telepaths known as Espers part of everyday society.
What makes it different
It won the first Hugo Award ever given, in 1953. Bester dedicated it to Galaxy's editor H. L. Gold, and he originally titled it Demolition!. Some character names use typographic symbols, such as "Wyg&" for "Wygand".
Feel
Fast and inventive.
Page count and cover shown for: Selected edition
Further reading
- The Demolished ManWikipedia