In 1960, Phillip K. Dick published a novel, Vulcan’s Hammer, which is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago, and probably will be 500 years from now. But, this is the way it is with most of Dick’s writings; timeless classics.

The Vulcan series of computers have been hailed as the grand protectors of human values and are allowed to create policy to guide mankind to a peaceful existence. Constructed as a replacement to Vulcan 2, Vulcan 3 is a self sustaining machine (to a point)that has gained the confidence of the entire human race in the matters of governing.

Of course, not all of mankind is so trusting of the machine; enter the Healers. The Healers are a rebellious group of religious zealots who believe that Vulcan 3 has “unseated God” and they aim to destroy the vileness it represents.

Thrust unwittingly in the middle of the struggle between the near police state of Unity and the cult is Unity Director of the North America Region, William Barris. The Director finds himself torn between the two factions and eventually must make a choice that will determine the fate of mankind.

That’s just the surface of the tale.

If you take your finger nail and barely scratch that suspenseful surface, you will uncover the real grit of the story; the meat that Dick wants us to eat. This is how Phillip K. Dick operated. He only used science-fiction as a vehicle to other, more complex destinations and Vulcan’s Hammer is one the finest vehicles he ever loaded us all into.

Paranoia driven motives and assumptions that carve out our individual perceptions of reality is one of the subjects covered as nearly every character in the book is touched by the fear of being watched, or how the government perceived them as employees. These fears lead to assumptions about the world around them; consequently, those assumptions and fears make up a large portion of the individual’s perception of reality.

Throw in a healthy debate about what constitutes a sentient being and you have a classic Phillip K. Dick vehicle; a story that unfolds with many deep thought provoking layers.

I highly recommend Vulcan’s Hammer, as I would any of Phillip K. Dick’s writings. This one had me riveted to my Nook for two days, until I finished it. Besides, you are guaranteed more than what you paid for, even if only what you get is a look in the mirror.

© 2010, Alex Crabtree. All rights reserved.

Years ago I started writing Flash Fiction for just the sheer enjoyment of writing, and now it has turned into a full blown addiction. I can't quit the horse, man! Another dirty little secret about me is my ability to write all kinds of web content. SEO content, articles, blog posts, manifests; you name it, I'll write it. Looking for some help? My gun hangs at r.alex.crabtree@gmail.com

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Tags: book review, phillip k dick, vulcans hammer

This entry was posted on August 20, 2010 at 4:48 pm and is filed under Books, Writing Reviews. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.