By Proxy By: Randall Garrett (1927-1987)
In Randall Garrett’s mesmerizing novel, readers are transported to a riveting world that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. By Proxy is an utterly compelling tale that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, mystery, and political intrigue to deliver an unforgettable reading experience. At its core, By Proxy explores the consequences of a society that has perfected the technology of proxy bodies — artificial bodies designed to be inhabited by someone else’s consciousness. This concept allows individuals to experience life through another person's senses, immersing themselves in different physical bodies, and leading to a myriad of ethical and existential questions. The narrative is driven by our protagonist, Dr. Seymour Durfort, a brilliant and enigmatic character whose passion for unraveling mysteries is palpable from the first pages. As a renowned scientist, Durfort becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy when he is hired by a wealthy widow to uncover the truth behind her husband’s suspicious death. Throughout the story, readers accompany Durfort on a thrilling journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep us on the edge of our seats. Garrett’s writing style is masterful, effortlessly blending rich detail with intricate plotting. He crafts a future society that feels both futuristic and eerily relatable. The world-building is phenomenal, painting a vivid picture of the social, political, and psychological dynamics at play in this not-so-distant future. The author's attention to detail and intricate plot development ensure that readers are fully immersed in this dystopian world, where the implications of technology unfold before our eyes. The characters are complex and multifaceted, their motivations driving the story forward with emotional depth. Durfort himself is a fascinating study in contrasts — a brilliant scientist with a troubled past, haunted by personal demons. His relentless pursuit of the truth makes him an engaging and sympathetic protagonist, and readers will undoubtedly find themselves cheering for him as he faces numerous obstacles. One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its exploration of ethical dilemmas and the concept of identity. Garrett expertly delves into profound questions surrounding the ethics of proxy bodies, the nature of personal identity, and the consequences of tampering with the human experience. By Proxy is a thought-provoking novel that invites readers to contemplate the boundaries of science, technology, and personal agency. Although By Proxy is undeniably a page-turner, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues that may slow down the narrative flow. Some parts of the story feel slightly protracted, but these moments are easily forgiven given the overall strength of the plot and the compelling themes being explored. In conclusion, By Proxy is a captivating novel that offers readers a mesmerizing blend of science fiction, mystery, and philosophical ponderings. Randall Garrett’s impeccable writing and well-crafted world-building come together to create an immersive experience that will leave readers questioning the very essence of human existence. As the pages turn, the readers will find themselves entangled in the web of intrigue and moral choices, unable to put the book down until the final unexpected twist. First Page: [Illustration] BY PROXY By DAVID GORDON It's been said that the act of creation is a solitary thing that teams never create; only individuals. But sometimes a team may be needed to make creation effective.... Illustrated by Van Dongen Mr. Terrence Elshawe did not conform to the mental picture that pops into the average person's mind when he hears the words "news reporter." Automatically, one thinks of the general run of earnest, handsome, firm jawed, level eyed, smooth voiced gentlemen one sees on one's TV screen. No matter which news service one subscribes to, the reporters are all pretty much of a type. And Terrence Elshawe simply wasn't the type. The confusion arises because thirty odd years of television has resulted in specialization. If you run up much Magnum Telenews time on your meter, you're familiar with the cultured voice and rugged good looks of Brett Maxon, "your Magnum reporter," but Maxon is a reporter only in the very literal sense of the word. He's an actor, whose sole job is to make Magnum news sound more interesting than some other telenews service, even though he's giving you exactly the same facts. But he doesn't go out and dig up those stories. The actual leg work of getting the news into Maxon's hands so that he can report it to you is done by research reporters men like Terrence Elshawe... Continue reading book >>

By Proxy By: Randall Garrett (1927-1987)

In Randall Garrett’s mesmerizing novel, readers are transported to a riveting world that is both thrilling and thought-provoking. By Proxy is an utterly compelling tale that seamlessly blends elements of science fiction, mystery, and political intrigue to deliver an unforgettable reading experience.

At its core, By Proxy explores the consequences of a society that has perfected the technology of proxy bodies — artificial bodies designed to be inhabited by someone else’s consciousness. This concept allows individuals to experience life through another person's senses, immersing themselves in different physical bodies, and leading to a myriad of ethical and existential questions.

The narrative is driven by our protagonist, Dr. Seymour Durfort, a brilliant and enigmatic character whose passion for unraveling mysteries is palpable from the first pages. As a renowned scientist, Durfort becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy when he is hired by a wealthy widow to uncover the truth behind her husband’s suspicious death. Throughout the story, readers accompany Durfort on a thrilling journey, filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep us on the edge of our seats.

Garrett’s writing style is masterful, effortlessly blending rich detail with intricate plotting. He crafts a future society that feels both futuristic and eerily relatable. The world-building is phenomenal, painting a vivid picture of the social, political, and psychological dynamics at play in this not-so-distant future. The author's attention to detail and intricate plot development ensure that readers are fully immersed in this dystopian world, where the implications of technology unfold before our eyes.

The characters are complex and multifaceted, their motivations driving the story forward with emotional depth. Durfort himself is a fascinating study in contrasts — a brilliant scientist with a troubled past, haunted by personal demons. His relentless pursuit of the truth makes him an engaging and sympathetic protagonist, and readers will undoubtedly find themselves cheering for him as he faces numerous obstacles.

One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its exploration of ethical dilemmas and the concept of identity. Garrett expertly delves into profound questions surrounding the ethics of proxy bodies, the nature of personal identity, and the consequences of tampering with the human experience. By Proxy is a thought-provoking novel that invites readers to contemplate the boundaries of science, technology, and personal agency.

Although By Proxy is undeniably a page-turner, it occasionally suffers from pacing issues that may slow down the narrative flow. Some parts of the story feel slightly protracted, but these moments are easily forgiven given the overall strength of the plot and the compelling themes being explored.

In conclusion, By Proxy is a captivating novel that offers readers a mesmerizing blend of science fiction, mystery, and philosophical ponderings. Randall Garrett’s impeccable writing and well-crafted world-building come together to create an immersive experience that will leave readers questioning the very essence of human existence. As the pages turn, the readers will find themselves entangled in the web of intrigue and moral choices, unable to put the book down until the final unexpected twist.

First Page:

[Illustration]

BY PROXY

By DAVID GORDON

It's been said that the act of creation is a solitary thing that teams never create; only individuals. But sometimes a team may be needed to make creation effective....

Illustrated by Van Dongen

Mr. Terrence Elshawe did not conform to the mental picture that pops into the average person's mind when he hears the words "news reporter." Automatically, one thinks of the general run of earnest, handsome, firm jawed, level eyed, smooth voiced gentlemen one sees on one's TV screen. No matter which news service one subscribes to, the reporters are all pretty much of a type. And Terrence Elshawe simply wasn't the type.

The confusion arises because thirty odd years of television has resulted in specialization. If you run up much Magnum Telenews time on your meter, you're familiar with the cultured voice and rugged good looks of Brett Maxon, "your Magnum reporter," but Maxon is a reporter only in the very literal sense of the word. He's an actor, whose sole job is to make Magnum news sound more interesting than some other telenews service, even though he's giving you exactly the same facts. But he doesn't go out and dig up those stories.

The actual leg work of getting the news into Maxon's hands so that he can report it to you is done by research reporters men like Terrence Elshawe... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Science

eBook links
Wikipedia – Randall Garrett
Wikipedia – By Proxy

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