A for Anything

A for Anything is a science fiction novel that explores the societal impact of the "Gismo" - a device capable of duplicating any object, including itself. The story takes place in a world where material scarcity has been eliminated, yet human society has reorganized itself around new forms of inequality. The narrative centers on Dick Jones, a young man born into the privileged class of a post-Gismo America in the year 2149. As the son of a compound leader, he must navigate a complex social hierarchy where power dynamics have shifted dramatically from the pre-Gismo era. Set primarily between two fortified compounds - Buckhill in the Poconos and Eagles in the Rocky Mountains - the story follows Jones's transition from his sheltered home life to a broader understanding of his world. The strict social order and military training systems of this future society form the backdrop for his journey. The novel presents a striking examination of how technological abundance might paradoxically lead to social regression rather than progress, raising questions about human nature and the true sources of power and control in society.

Readers describe the book as a thought-provoking exploration of how free replication technology would impact society. The premise and social consequences drive most discussions in reviews. Readers appreciate: - The examination of human nature when scarcity disappears - Complex political and economic implications - Detailed world-building that follows the technology's effects - Fast pacing in the first half Common criticisms: - Weak character development - Slow second half - Dated gender roles and social attitudes - Underdeveloped ending that leaves questions unanswered Ratings: Goodreads: 3.6/5 (386 ratings) Amazon: 3.9/5 (31 ratings) "Makes you think about how technology changes everything about a society" - Goodreads reviewer "Started strong but fizzled in the latter chapters" - Amazon reviewer "The implications of the premise are more interesting than the actual story" - LibraryThing review "Characters feel like devices to explore the concept rather than real people" - Goodreads reviewer

The Status Civilization by Robert Sheckley A man awakens on a prison planet where social status determines everything, mirroring Knight's exploration of how technology reshapes society's power structures.

Stand on Zanzibar by John Brunner This novel examines the consequences of overpopulation and technological advancement on human society through multiple narrative threads.

The Space Merchants by Cyril M. Kornbluth In a world controlled by advertising agencies, a marketing executive discovers the truth about corporate power and social control.

Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny Technology becomes indistinguishable from magic as colonists on a distant planet use advanced devices to transform themselves into gods.

This Perfect Day by Ira Levin A computer controls humanity through chemical and psychological conditioning, creating a society where individuality has been eliminated.

🔹 The book was originally published in 1959 as "The People Maker," before being retitled to "A for Anything" in subsequent editions. 🔹 The concept of a universal replicator presented in the novel predates Star Trek's "replicator" technology by nearly a decade. 🔹 Damon Knight was not only an acclaimed author but also founded the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) and the Clarion Writers Workshop. 🔹 The novel's themes of post-scarcity economics influenced later works in science fiction, including Charles Stross's "Singularity Sky" and Cory Doctorow's "Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom." 🔹 During the same period he wrote this book, Knight was also known as an influential critic who coined the term "idiot plot" - a plot that only works because all the characters act like idiots.