The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester
"The Demolished Man" is a science fiction novel set in the year 2301, blending elements of detective fiction with psychological intrigue. The story revolves around Ben Reich, a wealthy businessman who seeks to eliminate his rival, Craye D'Courtney, in a world where murder has been nearly eradicated due to the existence of Espers—individuals skilled in extrasensory perception (ESP). These Espers, classified by their abilities, can read thoughts, making it exceedingly difficult to commit crimes without being detected.
The narrative follows Lincoln Powell, an accomplished detective and an Esper 1, who faces the challenge of proving Reich's guilt despite the latter's substantial resources and connections that allow him to manipulate investigations. Powell's quest for justice is complicated by his developing feelings for Barbara D'Courtney, the victim's traumatized daughter, who requires extensive psychological support to recover. As Powell navigates the intricacies of the case, he must delve into the depths of Reich's subconscious to uncover the true motives behind the murder.
The novel explores themes of morality, the nature of guilt, and the complexities of human psychology, ultimately culminating in a confrontation that seeks to "demolish" Reich's psyche to reveal his better nature. The interplay of personal and societal challenges in a futuristic context offers a rich tapestry for readers interested in the intersections of crime, ethics, and human emotion.
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Subject Terms
The Demolished Man
First published: 1953 (serial form, 1952)
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Science fiction—extrasensory powers
Time of work: 2301
Locale: New York City
The Plot
On the surface, The Demolished Man is a slick, futuristic detective novel, but the book is much more complex than such a surface description implies. Ben Reich, a wealthy and powerful man, has planned a merger with the D’Courtney Cartel. When that merger is apparently thwarted by Craye D’Courtney, Reich plans to murder his rival. The difficulty confronting Reich is that in the year 2301, murder has been virtually eliminated because of the emergence of Espers, people gifted with and trained in the use of extrasensory perception. Espers are classified according to their levels of ability; an Esper 1 is the most gifted and best-trained of the Esper Guild members. Because Espers can “peep” accused suspects, or look into their thoughts, hiding guilt from them is virtually impossible. The Esper Guild, however, maintains strict rules for its members. Even though Lincoln Powell, a police prefect and an Esper 1, determines very early that Reich is guilty of D’Courtney’s murder, he is unable to make use of the knowledge without supporting evidence. He must present enough evidence to the police computer, “Old Man Mose,” to ensure a conviction; otherwise, Reich will go free.
Reich has powerful means of thwarting the police investigation. He can hire the best Espers to help him, he can afford massive bribes and incentives, and he has friends in high places in the police department. Powell, however, is not without resources of his own. He is a superb detective in addition to being an incredibly gifted Esper. He manages to locate a witness to the crime, Barbara D’Courtney, the daughter of the victim. She is so traumatized by the murder, however, that she must undergo considerable psychotherapy to counteract her state of shock. She must be regressed to a state of birthlike innocence and carefully brought through normal growth stages in order to preserve her mental functions. As she goes though these stages under Powell’s observation, he comes to realize that he is in love with her.
Meanwhile, Old Man Mose has rejected Powell’s plan for prosecution, and Powell has no idea why. He discovers that the motive for the murder is so complex and so deeply hidden in Reich’s subconscious that he must combat Reich in ways that play upon his psychological makeup. Only in that way is he able to accomplish his objective of having Reich “demolished,” or psychologically broken down and rebuilt into the man his better nature will allow. Powell also is able to find a satisfactory outcome for his love of Barbara D’Courtney.