The Humanoids

Why does Jack Williamson's The Humanoids take fourth place on our list? Only because he was named a Grand Master of Science Fiction by the Science Fiction Writers of America in the mid 1970s, being the second person to receive this honor. This novel has lasted over half a century as one of the seminal, classic robot novels.  A genius scientist on planet Wing IV creates a race of androids programmed to service humanity - their prime objective to prevent harm to all of humanity. Slowly the robots populate the galaxy, threatening human existence as we know it, taking an extremely paternalistic approach to their objective, imposing restrictions on humans whether they like it or not. Harmful physical and mental activities are prohibited, and should the humans complain, they are given drugs to sedate them (is it just me, or does this sound like proscription medication crazy America as it currently is? Are large pharmaceuticals our robits?) A group of hidden rebels plans to quash the robot invasion. This novel explores themes that are familiar to everyone in our world, particularly in contemporary America with their discussion on their constitutional rights to arm themselves - the dichotomy between safety and liberty. It raises the question of whether these concepts are mutually exclusive, or can we exist in a world where the two concepts can be reconciled? If you love action packed novels with intriguing pseudo-science and themes of liberty versus safety, you'll love The Humanoids.