The Nth Man: The Controversial SF Classic: A Novel of the Transhuman

by Homer Eon Flint

Homer Eon Flint was a highly regarded writer of mystery-and-suspense-filled science fiction during the earliest years of the 20th century. Analog hails Flint as one of the field’s “lost masters.” Science fiction historian and critic, Sam Moskowitz, concurs, describing Flint’s work as “filled with cosmic concept and brilliant imagination,” which “readers of a philosophic turn of mind will.” And The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction praises “his deep interest in the emergence of behavioral and historical patterns from various political and social philosophies.” While sf historian Mike Ashley describes his work as "Remarkable [with] a depth of unbridled imagination … teeming with super-scientific concepts." Flint’s bravura novel, The Nth Man, showcases all these elements—suspenseful mystery, sociological themes, and brilliant imagination—plus a humanistic compassion almost unprecedented for its era. The story piles mystery upon mystery, ensuring that readers are carried along on momentum alone until the end. In just the first few mind-boggling pages, Flint establishes The Great Wall of China is torn down in a single night; The head of the Sphinx is missing and then found on top of one of the Great Pyramids; A ship bound for Australia is lifted up bodily, carried thousands of miles away and left; An entire building is relocated without harm; A little girl who is drowning, unnoticed, in the ocean is lifted to a cliff and saved; An incredible being emerges from the depths of the ocean.... And that is only the introduction of a science fiction novel so far ahead of its time that except for the background trappings it appears torn from today’s headlines. Amazing Stories Classics is proud to represent it with all the fabulous Frank R. Paul illustrations!

127 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2015

About the author

Born Homer Eon Flindt.

Reviews

[MR MICHAEL · Rating 3 out of 5]

Over half of the book is strange events happening. Then the giant walks across America in just a few hours to confront the President. Then six months later returns and does battle. Then finally an explanation. It is an imaginative book well written, but not much happens.

[Aaron Capes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A goofy but fun old-school sci-fi novella.