Highways in Hiding

Highways in Hiding is a 1956 science fiction novel by George O. Smith, originally serialized in Imagination magazine before being published by Gnome Press. It was later released in an abridged form under the title Space Plague. The story takes place in a world where ESP abilities exist alongside a mysterious space-borne condition called Mekstrom's Disease, which gradually turns human tissue to stone-like material. A secret society operates an underground network of safe houses and hidden routes to protect and assist those affected by the disease. The narrative centers on the complex dynamics between telepaths, ESP-capable individuals (espers), and those involved with the mysterious Mekstrom's Disease network. The plot involves elements of chase, discovery, and hidden knowledge within this specialized world. The novel explores themes of social isolation, underground resistance, and the ethical implications of keeping life-saving knowledge hidden from society at large. Smith's work presents questions about the balance between individual survival and collective responsibility.

Most readers describe this as a standard 1950s science fiction novel centered on medical technology and telepathy. The book maintains a 3.5/5 rating on Goodreads based on about 50 ratings. Readers appreciated: - Fast-paced action sequences - The medical science concepts - Integration of telepathic abilities into the plot - Clear writing style Common criticisms: - Dated gender roles and social attitudes - Predictable plot developments - Characters lack depth - Scientific explanations can be lengthy Several reviewers noted the book is difficult to find in print. On Goodreads, reader Mark Terry commented that "the medical aspects are interesting but the story drags." A reviewer on Amazon praised Smith's "straightforward adventure storytelling" while noting the "simplistic characterization typical of the era." Additional ratings: Internet Speculative Fiction Database: 3/5 (12 ratings) LibraryThing: 3.3/5 (8 ratings)

This Immortal by Roger Zelazny The story follows a hidden society of mutants living among regular humans after a devastating plague, creating a parallel to the secret networks in Highways in Hiding.

Mindbridge by Joe Haldeman ESP-enabled humans navigate a complex future where their abilities create both opportunities and dangers for society.

The Chrysalids by John Wyndham A group with telepathic abilities must survive in secret from a hostile society that hunts genetic mutations.

The Stars My Destination by Alfred Bester The protagonist discovers hidden powers and navigates a secret underground network while being pursued by powerful forces.

Way Station by Clifford D. Simak A man operates a hidden way station for alien travelers while keeping his role secret from human society, reflecting similar themes of concealed networks and protected spaces.

🔸 The novel's central plot device, Mekstrom's Disease, turns human flesh to stone-like material - a concept that eerily parallels real medical conditions like Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP). 🔸 George O. Smith was initially an engineer who worked in radio broadcasting before becoming a science fiction writer, bringing technical authenticity to his work. 🔸 The serialization in Imagination magazine (nicknamed "Madge" by readers) ran from February to April 1955 before being published as a complete novel in 1956. 🔸 The book's treatment of ESP and telepathy reflected a broader cultural fascination with psychic phenomena in the 1950s, influenced by Cold War paranoia and government research into psychic abilities. 🔸 The concept of "hidden highways" in the novel predates similar themes in urban fantasy literature, where secret infrastructure exists parallel to the normal world.