Vulcan's Hammer
Vulcan's Hammer
Book Brief
Beta165
Novel • Fiction
Earth • Future
2004
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Vulcan's Hammer, individuals navigate a future society governed by a powerful, decision-making supercomputer, Vulcan 3. Amidst growing tensions and resistance, the story explores themes of control, free will, and the consequences of relying on technology to dictate human affairs.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
2,873 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick presents a thought-provoking exploration of AI and control. While appreciated for its imaginative vision, some readers find the plot underdeveloped and the characters flat. The novel's themes resonate, but the execution may feel outdated to modern audiences, reflecting both its innovative ideas and limitations.
Who Should Read Vulcan's Hammer?
Fans of dystopian science fiction and AI themes, similar to readers of George Orwell's 1984 or Isaac Asimov's I, Robot, will enjoy Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick. The novel explores the tension between humans and overpowering technology, appealing to those fascinated by the intersection of control, freedom, and machine-based governance.
2,873 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Vulcan's Hammer was originally expanded from a novella published in 1956, showcasing Philip K. Dick's ability to revisit and expand his shorter works into full novels.
The novel was released in 1960 as one of the last books published by the science fiction imprint Ace Books before they transitioned to primarily publishing paperbacks.
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Philip K. Dick wrote Vulcan's Hammer during a highly productive period in his career, around the same time he was working on well-known classics like The Man in the High Castle.
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165
Novel • Fiction
Earth • Future
2004
Adult
18+ years
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