George Orwell and Aldous Huxley were two writers who
initially established themselves not only in the world of realist fiction, but
also in the hearts and minds of readers as effective observers on society. As a result, their later novels Nineteen Eighty-four and Brave New World are heralded as two of the greatest science fiction
novels ever written, literary purists even willing to make allowances despite
the sci-fi leanings. Depending on perspective,
it is John Brunner’s misfortune that his career was established in the world of
science fiction. When in 1968 Stand on Zanzibar was published, only
those within the genre took notice of its qualities. Poignant literature that transcends genre, it too
comments with profound relevance on the human condition.
