The Ego Machine

This is both a delightful and immensely humorous science fiction spoof with a twist. When a robot and a movie screen writer begin to overindulge in libation sparks are sure to fly. Lacking a suitable personality, the writer tries two on for both size and effect. The two forenamed personalities are that of the two-time British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) and the one time Tsar of All the Russia’s Ivan Vasilyvich, better known as Ivan the Terrible (1530-1585). Ivan even outdid Henry VIII in having eight wives (maybe adding additional food for his reported insecurities and depressions) which, in turn caused him to be over reactionary and not such a nice guy. This is a short story well worth the time and effort and is bound to add color, insight and lasting pleasure to the reader. Henry Kuttner (with or without his wife, C.L. Moore) is considered one of the four greatest sci-fi writers of the 40’s. If one reads this novella, it is easy to believe and will soon be scouring the market for other prints and reprints of his other works. I highly recommend this short yarn to science fiction lovers and anyone looking for amusement.