Anvil of the Heart

by Bruce T. Holmes

It is the year 2057 and John Cunningham’s generation is the last of its kind. Cunningham is a Homo sapiens, a member of the old race. 

At the turn of the century, the genetic engineers were able to create a new version of humankind, a new race of highly intelligent, unemotional, non-violent, rational beings. Half a century later an amendment to the Constitution was passed safeguarding the rights of each child to this full potential. No longer could parents doom their own children to second-class citizenship just because the results seemed strange and unfamiliar. 

The future belongs to the new people. 

It is not a proud time to be alive. With the factories automated there are millions of the old race unemployed and living on the dole. Housing is overcrowded; travel restricted; and the police exist only to protect the new people and their enclaves. Entertainment deemed appropriate for the vulgar passions of the old race ranges from the orgy channel to the Roaster Toaster Hour. There are those who might rebel, yet it is hard rebelling against one’s own children. 

John Cunningham has two genetically altered children, both far more intelligent than he, and a wife addicted to bobcap orgasms and asperum. He is an encyclopedist working on a summation of the old race history which the new people will file away and probably forget. He is an anachronism, a relative moron in a world of genius. 

So how does on pass the time while waiting for extinction?
Anvil of the Heart is the story of one man testing the limits of human potential. It tells of Winslow Rafferty, and the training. Like all human stories it is about love and violence, the shaping of courage, the anvil of the heart.

Genres: Science Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

First published October 5, 1984

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first read this book back in the Eighties (it was published in 1983) and was very impressed. Bruce T. Holmes wrote only two books, and maybe I'll look for his other book. The story is a good one. Genetically enhanced people rule society and the older generations can just sit back and wait for their extinction. but some of the "true men" are taking action, forming bands of renegades, preparing to fight back...

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Any interesting take on the dystopian future.

I was suggested to read this book by an army vet. He was a interesting person to know. He always wanted me to recognize that the words we chose to use are nothing but common ideas and symbols for large part of society. I first read this in my late teens / early twenties. I understand now that the conversation between Win and John in this book was the type of dialog that he wanted with me. So, what is this long preamble for this book. I wanted to be clear about my bias when I say it is a good book to comeback at different stages of life to see which side of the conversation that you are now on. This story talks about the stupidity of the human race to rush towards the next big thing without a guiding principle. The idea of the hubris that we can create the next evolutionary step, but not put ourselves endanger. I suggest reading through this book once just for a good story, and reading it a second time to find deeper meaning for yourself. Everyone may come away with different meanings, but it could be a great topic started for what we want our words and action to say to the next generation. I at least hope it will help focus on being careful on the structure of symbolism and how it is in every day language, no matter which language we speak.

[Warren Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far one of the best books I have read in a long time. A deeply philosophical story about a man who discovers his inner self and changes the world in ways he never imagined possible.

[Greg Tatum · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the first sci-fi books that I read back in the mid 80's. I really liked it back then. I re-read it last year and it was still almost as good. I think it has held up pretty well against the test of time. It is a great story and I loved the parts about the main character learning to master Aikido, and his own emotions. Good read.

[Michael Herrman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book throws an epic character arc. It explores the human psyche in ways that actually advance the plot rather than stall the action. As a bonus, it amplifies an empowering ethic.

This story proves that revolutionaries can rock.

[Philippe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published 1983. An old story discussing the perils of genetics and creating a new race. Interesting concepts and writing style.

[James]

It is the year 2057 and John Cunningham’s generation is the last of its kind. Cunningham is a Homo sapiens, a member of the old race. At the turn of the century, the genetic engineers were able to create a new version of humankind, a new race of highly intelligent, unemotional, non-violent, rational beings. Half a century later an amendment to the Constitution was passed safeguarding the rights of each child to this full potential. No longer could parents doom their own children to second-class citizenship just because the results seemed strange and unfamiliar. The future belongs to the new people. It is not a proud time to be alive. With the factories automated there are millions of the old race unemployed and living on the dole. Housing is overcrowded; travel restricted; and the police exist only to protect the new people and their enclaves. Entertainment deemed appropriate for the vulgar passions of the old race ranges from the orgy channel to the Roaster Toaster Hour. There are those who might rebel, yet it is hard rebelling against one’s own children. John Cunningham has two genetically altered children, both far more intelligent than he, and a wife addicted to bobcap orgasms and asperum. He is an encyclopedist working on a summation of the old race history which the new people will file away and probably forget. He is an anachronism, a relative moron in a world of genius. So how does on pass the time while waiting for extinction? Anvil of the Heart is the story of one man testing the limits of human potential. It tells of Winslow Rafferty, and the training. Like all human stories it is about love and violence, the shaping of courage, the anvil of the heart.

[Russell · Rating 2 out of 5]

First of all, the cover art is totally ridiculous and I love it. As for the actual book, there's a whole lot of fun going on in this pulpy near-future hero's journey. Its 80s sci-fi roots are campy and there are some surprisingly insightful ideas being explored about interpersonal relationships, the value of having a mentor, the possibilities afforded by certain physical and mental practices, and the value of physical and mental discipline in general. But ultimately this is just kind of a throbbing boner of a story only a notch above mindless he-man chest-beating. The main character shows growth, but it is universally in the direction of reclaiming his manliness by becoming a martial arts expert, revolutionary humanity savior and, naturally, ladykiller. I enjoyed it for what it is with an eye towards the time and place of its publication but this isn't exactly required reading.

[Dan Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in the early 80s and it had a profound effect on me. The writing wasn't incredibly polished but the ideas behind it were amazingly compelling. I loved the book from page 1.

Despite everything, when we try to remove the humanity from something as a way to protect ourselves FROM ourselves, we create monsters worse than we could do deliberately. Humans without humanity aren't human.

On the cusp of genetic breakthroughs and with AI ready to take the place of people, from artists to knowledge workers, we are on the precipice of some of the events described in this book.

A great, and one of the few I will always keep a physical copy of in addition to any digital version I can get my hands on.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Truthfully, not my kind of book. It was recommended by a friend, who said it was his favorite book. The premise is interesting - rather than a sci fi book with aliens or created monsters - the monsters are genetically enhanced humans who are highly intelligent but lacking any real emotion. The New Humans have taken over and are trying to figure out how to quell the older race while it dies out. The main character ends up involved with a group a renegades who teach him. Much of the book centers on his use and learning of Aikdo and how it helps him.

[Marko]

I have the german edition: Die letzte eneration