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Testament of Man #4
Adam and the Serpent
Fourth volume of Fisher's "Testament of Man" series.The saga continues and mankind becomes more enlightened. Logical thought starts to evolve and man battles to gain supremacy over woman once again. Fisher had to do a lot research to accomplish these novels and they each give us something to ponder and debate.
254 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1947
22 people want to read
About the author
Vardis Fisher
93 books36 followersVardis Alvero Fisher was a writer best known for his popular historical novels of the Old West. He also wrote the monumental 12-volume Testament of Man (1943–1960) series of novels, depicting the history of humans from cave to civilization. It was considered controversial because of his portrayal of religion, especially the Judeo-Christian tradition, emphasis on sexuality, and conclusions about anthropology.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 17, 2026
1 and a half stars.
This is the fourth novel in Fisher's "Testament of Man" series; it is also the weakest of the first four. Fisher's protagonist, Dove, lives under the subjugation of the the matriarchal society that has become stronger over the eons, and strives "to find for men a position comparable with that of woman." In this struggle "he would contribute to the greatest social revolution in the history of the human race." Maybe so, but I don't think the novel is the best way to consider this revolution.
Because Dove's struggles are piecemeal at best and do not lend themselves to any physical action this revolution is as exciting as watching paint dry. To create some action, Fisher treats the reader to descriptions of various rites (which include lots of sex and nudity), and what can only be called a prehistoric panty raid as rival suitors connive to steal the pubic aprons of desirable females.
To this point in his "Testament of Man" Fisher has treated the intellectual development of humans from the time 0f early Neanderthals through that of Cro-Magnum until the early dawning of written history. The stage is now set for the ascendancy of a patriarchal society and the belittlement of women, a condition which still continues.
So far Fisher's huge effort has only been somewhat successful, but I will continue reading. Such an effort deserves attention.
This is the fourth novel in Fisher's "Testament of Man" series; it is also the weakest of the first four. Fisher's protagonist, Dove, lives under the subjugation of the the matriarchal society that has become stronger over the eons, and strives "to find for men a position comparable with that of woman." In this struggle "he would contribute to the greatest social revolution in the history of the human race." Maybe so, but I don't think the novel is the best way to consider this revolution.
Because Dove's struggles are piecemeal at best and do not lend themselves to any physical action this revolution is as exciting as watching paint dry. To create some action, Fisher treats the reader to descriptions of various rites (which include lots of sex and nudity), and what can only be called a prehistoric panty raid as rival suitors connive to steal the pubic aprons of desirable females.
To this point in his "Testament of Man" Fisher has treated the intellectual development of humans from the time 0f early Neanderthals through that of Cro-Magnum until the early dawning of written history. The stage is now set for the ascendancy of a patriarchal society and the belittlement of women, a condition which still continues.
So far Fisher's huge effort has only been somewhat successful, but I will continue reading. Such an effort deserves attention.
October 2, 2013
The saga continues and mankind becomes more enlightened. Logical thought starts to evolve and man battles to gain supremacy over woman once again. Fisher had to do a lot research to accomplish these novels and they each give us something to ponder and debate.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews