The Hampdenshire Wonder

I initially picked up this book because I'd seen it mentioned as an aside in a couple of threads here on LT. I hesitated to review it because it's difficult to do so without discussing things that are better discovered in the reading of it.

It was recommended as an early work that would qualify as science fiction (it was published first in 1911), and if the umbrella's stretched far enough, then I suppose it would be considered so. After all, Asimov's "psychohistory" falls in the field, and there's about the same theoretical basis for either. It's safe to actually skim over the bits on Cricket (I loathe sports, and discussion of them), although at least a cursory reading helps with the later events.

One of the best things about this slim show more book for me was the use of language. It was pleasant to encounter a rich vocabulary, something that seems lost in our modern times. The only other non-technical book I've read in the last decade that used language to its fullest extent was The Elegance of the Hedgehog. It may be that the richness of language puts some off, but it added a great deal for me.

There are strong philosophical points being made in this book, having little to do with the curiosity of an advanced intellect, and the interactions with others. The "Wonder" is used as much as a vehicle to convey the author's theories, and (deliberately) is the least developed character in this tale.

I recommend it, with reservations. It's as much an interesting pastiche of the understanding of intellect and genetics of that day as it is a discussion of the philosophy of the author. show less

see http://www.sfsite.com/04a/won78.htm