The General Zapped an Angel

The General Zapped an Angel is a 1970 collection of nine science fiction and fantasy stories by Howard Fast. The collection ranges from the title story about a military encounter with a supernatural being to tales of future Wall Street and mysterious movie houses. The stories examine human nature through various science fiction and fantasy scenarios, mixing elements of military fiction, economic speculation, and supernatural encounters. Each narrative stands alone while contributing to the collection's broader exploration of human behavior and societal dynamics. This diverse anthology crosses genre boundaries between science fiction, fantasy, and social commentary. One of the stories, "The Mouse," first appeared in The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, while the others were original to this collection. The book presents Fast's critical view of humanity's resistance to growth and maturity, using speculative scenarios to highlight social and psychological patterns. The stories function as allegories that raise questions about progress, power, and human potential.

Readers note this 1970 short story collection explores themes of morality, faith, and technology through sci-fi scenarios. From review aggregation, most found the title story memorable but reactions to other stories vary. Readers appreciated: - Fast's blend of sci-fi concepts with social commentary - Direct, uncluttered writing style - Stories that prompt moral reflection - Dark humor elements Common criticisms: - Some stories feel dated in their social attitudes - Uneven quality across the collection - Several plots end abruptly - Religious themes too heavy-handed for some Ratings: Goodreads: 3.5/5 (42 ratings) Amazon: 3.8/5 (6 ratings) Notable reader quotes: "The title story is worth the price alone" - Goodreads reviewer "Fast tackles big ideas but keeps stories accessible" - Amazon review "Dated but still thought-provoking" - LibraryThing user The book remains in print but has limited current reader engagement online.

Dangerous Visions edited by Harlan Ellison The groundbreaking 1967 anthology combines social criticism with science fiction through stories that challenge societal norms and explore human nature.

The Crystal World by J. G. Ballard This novel merges military presence with supernatural phenomena in a jungle setting where reality transforms in unexplained ways.

The Year's Best Science Fiction: Ninth Annual Collection edited by Gardner Dozois This collection features stories that blend genres and examine human behavior through various science fiction scenarios and military encounters.

Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut The narrative combines military elements, scientific speculation, and supernatural aspects while examining human society through a critical lens.

Engine Summer by John Crowley The story crosses boundaries between science fiction and fantasy while exploring human nature through encounters with transformed realities.

🌟 The title story "The General Zapped an Angel" explores the paradox of military might confronting divine intervention - a theme that remains relevant in discussions of warfare and morality. 🌟 Howard Fast wrote this collection while being blacklisted during the McCarthy era, publishing it under the pseudonym E.V. Cunningham to continue his literary career. 🌟 The anthology was published in 1970, during the height of the Vietnam War, reflecting the era's growing skepticism toward military authority and technological advancement. 🌟 Fast's background as a historical fiction writer influenced his approach to science fiction, focusing more on human behavior and social dynamics than technical details. 🌟 The TV adaptation "Masters of Science Fiction" featured other renowned sci-fi authors alongside Fast, including Harlan Ellison and Robert Heinlein, bringing these classic stories to a new generation.