The Humanoids and With Folded Hands

By: Jack Williamson

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

On the far planet Wing IV, a brilliant scientist creates the humanoids, sleek black androids programmed to serve humanity. But are they perfect servants or perfect masters? Gradually the humanoids spread throughout the galaxy, threatening to stifle all human endeavor. Only a hidden group of rebels can stem the humanoid tide, if it’s not already too late.

First published in Astounding Science Fiction during the magazine’s heyday, The Humanoids, science fiction grand master Jack Williamson’s finest novel, has endured for fifty years as a classic on the theme of natural versus artificial life. With Folded Hands continues the story.

©1948, 1949, 1975 Jack Williamson (P)2002 Blackstone Publishing

A novella and the expanded novel version

Jack Williamson’s concept for The Humanoids novel began a decade earlier as a novella entitled With Folded Hands. The basic premise is the development of intelligent robots that have been hardwired with a ‘prime directive’ that is to protect humans. This gets carried to its logical extreme and nearly every activity of humans is prohibited by robots. In both plots, one man attempts to circumvent this situation, but is hindered at every step. In the novella, the main character is an engineer/businessman whose company make inferior robots, while in the novel, the central figure is associated with the Earth’s defense establishment preparing for an upcoming invasion.

Williamson was light years ahead of his time in his vision for unintended consequences from autonomous intelligent machines. Both stories, while sharing the same concepts, have distinct plots that make them independent reads. The theme of technology advancing well beyond man’s capacity to foresee long term development as well as outpace man’ ability to even keep up intellectually come through in both.

The narration is exceptional with excellent character distinction. Pacing is smooth and well aligned with the plots.