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scottjp's review
3.0
This dystopian fable, originally published in three parts from 1956-1972, examines the cultural rift between the common people ("lowbrows") and the highly educated, specifically scientists ("eggheads").
In "Witches Must Burn," the conflict between the two classes boils over, universities are burned to the ground, and academics are killed. One scientist, John Wilson, escapes the immediate carnage and finds himself an outlaw.
In "Trial By Fire," science has been deemed equivalent to witchcraft, and Wilson is tried for the very crimes to which his colleagues have become victim.
"Witch Hunt" takes place some time later. Society has been thrown back to an almost medieval state. Neo-scientists are beginning to re-achieve the progress that has been lost or suppressed, but roaming bands of Luddites destroy any technology they come across. And a lone, unnamed pilgrim journeys the world in search of truth.
Polemic at times, this novel is best read for its philosophy than adventure. It discusses extensively, mostly through dialogue, the concerns of science and knowledge, as well as numerous social issues.
In some ways the story is dated. Scientists no longer work secretly in ivory towers; Carl Sagan and others who followed have made great efforts to make science accessible to everyone, and today, even interact directly with the public via the internet. Yet there is still a large part of the population that fears, mistrusts, or outright disbelieves scientists and chooses to remain under superstitious beliefs. So the central matter of the book hasn't really changed, and is still relevant.
In "Witches Must Burn," the conflict between the two classes boils over, universities are burned to the ground, and academics are killed. One scientist, John Wilson, escapes the immediate carnage and finds himself an outlaw.
In "Trial By Fire," science has been deemed equivalent to witchcraft, and Wilson is tried for the very crimes to which his colleagues have become victim.
"Witch Hunt" takes place some time later. Society has been thrown back to an almost medieval state. Neo-scientists are beginning to re-achieve the progress that has been lost or suppressed, but roaming bands of Luddites destroy any technology they come across. And a lone, unnamed pilgrim journeys the world in search of truth.
Polemic at times, this novel is best read for its philosophy than adventure. It discusses extensively, mostly through dialogue, the concerns of science and knowledge, as well as numerous social issues.
In some ways the story is dated. Scientists no longer work secretly in ivory towers; Carl Sagan and others who followed have made great efforts to make science accessible to everyone, and today, even interact directly with the public via the internet. Yet there is still a large part of the population that fears, mistrusts, or outright disbelieves scientists and chooses to remain under superstitious beliefs. So the central matter of the book hasn't really changed, and is still relevant.
raincorbyn's review
3.0
Fun enough, very didactic, asking complicated questions about ivory towers, anti-science movements, mob rule, and human nature; sadly answering those questions in the least interesting way available. A product of its time, especially wrt writing women, but still interestingly prescient regarding modern conspiracy theories and punitive social models.
bmatzke's review
3.0
Not as good as Gunn's other writing that I've read, and certainly dated in some respects, but as a broad satire of anti-intellectualism the novel still works. I appreciated that while it took a dystopian view of the anti-science, it also saw ways in which scientific culture could/should adapt to take itself out of the ivory tower and be more open. It reminded me a little of Sinclair Lewis's It Can't Happen Here.