Tag: The Programmed People by Jack Sharkey

Jack Sharkey’s two-part novella, “The Programmed People”, from the June and July of ’63 issues of Amazing Stories, while a strong example of world-building, envisions a future – the result of an odd confluence of social and technological developments – that for all the tale’s intricacy and complexity is simply not that engaging.  The plot is based upon a rebellion within self-contained, subterranean civilization Earth, the society a cross between the worlds Brave New World and 1984, and even resembling (and perhaps inspiring?!) Logan’s Run.

The protagonist – a young woman; Grace Horton – and secondary characters are all clearly “drawn” in terms of their roles within the story, but they’re neither too deeply individuated nor that compelling in terms of emotion or personality, as people.  To be fair, it’s a worthwhile one-time read, but not at all the kind of tale – unlike, for example, anything in the oeuvre of Cordwainer Smith – that would draw your attention for a second (or third (or fourth?)) reading, let alone contemplation.  It’s not been anthologized, either.

Withal, Edmund Emshwiller’s cover art for the June issue – below – and interior illustrations are great; perhaps the best parts of the story.  Aside from their spandexy outfits, the most notable aspect of the painting is the punch-card slots superimposed on the man and woman, a reminder of computer programming in the 1960s.  

The cover and interior art of the July issue can be viewed here.

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Lead illustration for “The Programmed People”, on pages 6 and 7.

Programming!…  A superb illustration from page 34, showing Grace Horton, a robot, and a bank of computers, encircled by a perforated computer tape.

7/12/19 – 216