The Hercules Text

"First contact" is a very old trope in science fiction, but this is one of the better recent riffs on it. More realistic, too, in that a signal is picked up by the Goddard Space Center in Maryland from a pulsar a million and a half light years away -- in fact, the pulsar is the signal -- so there's no chance whatever of a two-way conversation, much less a face-to-face meeting. McDevitt astutely explores the problem of a more advanced civilization coming into contact with a less developed one, the human race being the "South Sea Islanders" in this case. Virtually free energy could solve many of the world's most pressing problems -- or destroy the world's economy. After-the-fact gene-tailoring could wipe out disease, genetic defects, even postpone death indefinitely -- but who gets to benefit from immortality? (Just the politicians?) One of the cosmologists involved in the translation team is a Catholic priest, which gives the author the opportunity to examine the shaky interface between religion and the real world. But the main POV character is an administrator, not a scientist, with a much more practical perspective. McDevitt's characters and descriptions are excellent, as always. There are several subplots involving personal relationships, too. In fact, the only problem with this book is that the political background -- which is essential to the plot -- presupposes continued tension between the U.S. and the USSR into the early 21st century. And we know that didn't happen. When I first read this book, back around the end of the Reagan years, I thought it was a fantastic piece of work. In theory, I still think that, but present political realities make it a little strange to read.

This book is definitely worth searching for, even if it is out of print. The plot involves mankind's receipt of the first communication from an alien intelligent species, a common SF topic, but McDevitt's handling of the story is far above the common. The author does an excellent job of portraying the various characters' reactions to the event, e.g, the priest-astronomer's speculations on the implications for religion, the psychologist's theorizing about the aliens' psyches, the scientists' consideration of the implications of the new knowledge for their own specialties, the President's concern for the implications for national defense. However, the central conflict in the book develops from profound disagreements about the degree to which the new knowledge should be shared. What could have deteriorated into a pure "idea" book, however, kept me guessing until the very last chapter as the various factions vie for control. Although the plot is flavored by the attitudes of the Cold War, the questions are timeless, and the conclusion is satisfying. It is very difficult to believe this was McDevitt's first novel. It deserves to be brought back into print.

I first read this book in college and enjoyed it at the time as a refreshing break from the traditional sci-fi literature. I've moved seven times in the intervening years, and this book is one of only a dozen or so that have been worth hauling city to city, state to state.As with other reviewers, I enjoyed the fresh spin on the first contact storyline, and the inclusion of a psychologist and a cosmologist in the group of main characters. But having just re-read the book for the first time so far this decade, I have to say that my favorite part of the book is the idea of a bureacrat as the protaganist.In most sci-fi stories the hero is a military person, or a brilliant scientist. That's great, and there are many soldiers and scientists that read sci-fi, but I'd guess there are far more sci-fi readers that have paperwork-intensive desk jobs, organizing meetings or creating reports. Carmichael's ordinariness creates a connection with the typical reader that is not found in many books.McDevitt wrote an outstanding book. This is great stuff, and you should read it if you get a chance.

This is one of the first efforts of Jack McDevitt and surely one of his best. The story of the dull bureaucrat who struggles to balance politics, great minds and personal crises is an old one but here it is given a new twist - he emerges the reluctant hero. Yes, I loved CONTACT which was a great book and an even better movie in my opinion. But the relationship between cultures, especially the effects on humanity and how we define ourselves was better in HERCULES. Particularly interesting was the inclusion of a psychologist who provided excellent comments and insight.I am surprised that no one recognized or commented on the almost poetical nature of some of the translations. These are simply beautiful renditions of "alien" thought made understandable to humans. They lifted the novel from the very good to the great. The "group" consciousness idea was yet another good addition and makes sense considering the ant and the honey bee. All in all, a terrific read.

The Hercules Text was Jack McDevitt's first novel and probably his best. It follows the same theme as the better known novel Contact by Carl Sagan--alien transmissions from outer space being received by humans and their subsequent reactions to the knowledge that "we are not alone"--but I believe McDevitt's novel is much better. It also must be noted that McDevitt wrote and published The Hercules Text before Sagan published his book. The thing I liked about McDevitt's book is that he seemed to have a clearer grasp than Sagan of the contrasts between science and religion and how the different disciplines affect people's lives. McDevitt seems to understand that just because someone is a theist doesn't automatically make them a buffoon (I believe this was one of Sagan's shortcomings). The characterizations in both novels, though, are excellent, and I must admit that Sagan did have a better grasp of the science aspect of the theme. I recommend The Hercules Text wholeheartedly. A good read, well worth the time.