A Mirror for Observers by Edgar Pangborn
A Mirror For Observers by Edgar Pangborn, © 1954 hardback, Doubleday
This is the 7th in my series of Forgotten Books
There is a story about Edgar Pangborn that says Theodore Sturgeon was helping H. L. Gold out on night reading the slush pile for Galaxy magazine. He read a story called “Angel’s Egg” that brought him to tears with the beauty and poignancy of the story. He read it at about 2 in the morning. He made Gold read it immediately. The story had the same effect on Gold. They wanted to call the author up and speak with him immediately, but they waited until the sun rose. They woke Pangborn up and discussed the story at length and bought it and asked for more.
In 1954 Edgar Pangborn produced one of the classic novels of all science fiction with A Mirror For Observers. It won the International Fantasy Award, the same award that Clifford Simak won for City and J. R. R. Tolkien won for The Lord of the Rings. This book belongs in that prestigious company. Pangborn was later nominated for a Hugo for Best Novel for Davy and a couple of Nebulas for short fiction, but he did not win. Both Davy and A Mirror For Observers were in the top 50 all time novels in a Locus poll in 1987 and 1975, respectively. To say he is forgotten is a little bit of a misnomer as Old Earth Books has been putting out a nice matched set of Pangborn’s work in hardback editions.
The first time I read this book had to be in the 1960’s. I was fascinated with the story of a young Earth boy, Angelo Pontevecchio, growing up in New York City who is watched by two Martians with different goals in mind. The Observer Elmis is intent on letting the boy genius develop into a potential leader of the Earth. The Abdicator Namir feels that Earth must be destroyed. He cannot initiate it directly so he tries to guide this same potential genius into areas that will lead him to destroy Mankind.
A Mirror for Observers by Edgar Pangborn (Old Earth Books)
Neither can interfere directly though they are observed themselves on one or two occasions. But, they push and prod and let him develop in his own way. Obviously we want to root for Elmis. He has Observed man for centuries and he seems to understand part of what humanity is. The boy is amazing and multi-faceted as all ten year old boys are, insatiable in his curiosity, talented, not sure if he is an equal or a superior to those he meets in every day life. Namir offers temptations and he succumbs. Elmis offers forgiveness and Angelo takes it, rejects it, and takes it, much as we all do.
I have provided two cover scans. One the paperback I first read in the 60’s (above). The other is the current hardback copy available from Old Earth Books (left).
Mirror is not a fast moving book. It lets the events develop slowly, much as the Observers do. There are few action chase scenes, shootouts with the Feds, or giant rolling stones intent on crushing the reader. Yet, I found it profoundly moving and I re-read it every decade or so. This is considered one of the first humanist science fiction novels.
I never met Pangborn. He died in 1976. I wish I had because I think he showed me just what science fiction could be, moving literature that is the equal of anything the mainstream ever produced. If you have never read this book or Pangborn, do yourself a favor and enjoy,
Series organizer Patti Abbott hosts more Friday Forgotten Book reviews at her own blog, and posts a complete list of participating blogs.
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I read this one and “Angel’s Egg” way back when. I remember both fondly.
Doesn’t that name sound like one of W.C. Field’s aliases?
I loved “Angel’s Egg” and A MIRROR FOR OBSERVERS when I first read them long ago. After reading your fine review, I should reread them. These are works that should NOT be forgotten!
And apparently some impressive crime fiction, as well, which I’ve been meaning to get to. And he came from a talented family.
I have not read the crime fiction, Todd. I had The Trial of callistsa Blake but never read it. I have never even see the historical he did called Wilderness of Spring (I believe).
And, yes, George, there are certain writers who are never the big name but who should never be forgotten. Like Pangborn, T. L. Sherred, Robert Stallman.
I read this about the same time you did, and though I was impressed, I wish for a little more action and less philosophy. A very good book, no question.