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A Mirror for Observers
In their attitude towards the Planet Earth, the Martians had long been divided into two camps: the Observers, benevolent meddlers in human affairs; & the rebellious Abdicators, who sought the Earth's collapse. But it wasn't until the extraordinary matter of the Earth-Boy, Angelo Pontevecchio, that the enmity between these two factions came to a definite head.
It started as a contest of wills, waged between two opposing Martians for the soul of a single human child. Before the end, it threatened all life on both Earth & Mars.
It started as a contest of wills, waged between two opposing Martians for the soul of a single human child. Before the end, it threatened all life on both Earth & Mars.
223 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1954
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About the author
Edgar Pangborn
90Ìýbooks35ÌýfollowersEdgar Pangborn was an American mystery, historical, and science fiction author.
He published also under the pen-name of Bruce Harrison
He published also under the pen-name of Bruce Harrison
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
May 9, 2015
A Mirror for Observers: Aliens battle for the soul of a young man
Originally posted at
It's somewhat surprising that this 1954 International Fantasy Award winner has never found a very large audience in the SF genre. The writing style is reminiscent of Theodore Sturgeon or Ray Bradbury, very much focused on the characters and their inner thoughts and struggles, a big contrast with the more pulpy science and space-adventure tales featured in magazines like Galaxy and Astounding.
I knew about this book only because it was included in David Pringle's "Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels". Although it is ostensibly the story of two undercover Martian Observers who battle over the heart and soul of a promising young boy, it basically breaks down to 65% character study (quite well done), 35% observations of human nature in general (with some valuable ruminations), and 10% threadbare sci-fi framing story about the two Martian factions (one protective of humans, the other antagonistic) that have meddled secretly in human affairs over the last 30,000 years.
The story, for what it’s worth, follows Angelo Pontevecchio, a child prodigy unknowingly caught between two rival factions of Martians, the Observers and Abdicators. The novel is told from the point of view of Elmis, Angelo's Martian guardian, who must protect him from the malignant Abdicators.
There are dozens of very elegant passages that show Edgar Pangborn was a sensitive, intelligent, and above all humanistic writer (Ursula K. LeGuin considers his works to be her inspiration that SF could be focused on emotions and psychology, not just laser beams and bug-eyed monsters).
However, and this is a big however, the SF elements of the story are extremely flimsy and not at all important to the narrative. Instead, this book have just as easily been a contemporary fiction novel that studies a boy growing up in a small New England town, and then follows him later as a troubled young man torn in different directions by older people with greater influence (including the Martians).
So there was never any need to have a SF framing narrative about Martians in order to deliver insights about human nature from the outside. You can do that just fine in a standard novel. And the supposedly dramatic events of the final chapters simply didn't work for me at all. In addition, the period details feels extremely dated, although the word "bodaciously" was used once in a very unexpected way (I thought Bill & Ted invented that one).
Originally posted at
It's somewhat surprising that this 1954 International Fantasy Award winner has never found a very large audience in the SF genre. The writing style is reminiscent of Theodore Sturgeon or Ray Bradbury, very much focused on the characters and their inner thoughts and struggles, a big contrast with the more pulpy science and space-adventure tales featured in magazines like Galaxy and Astounding.
I knew about this book only because it was included in David Pringle's "Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels". Although it is ostensibly the story of two undercover Martian Observers who battle over the heart and soul of a promising young boy, it basically breaks down to 65% character study (quite well done), 35% observations of human nature in general (with some valuable ruminations), and 10% threadbare sci-fi framing story about the two Martian factions (one protective of humans, the other antagonistic) that have meddled secretly in human affairs over the last 30,000 years.
The story, for what it’s worth, follows Angelo Pontevecchio, a child prodigy unknowingly caught between two rival factions of Martians, the Observers and Abdicators. The novel is told from the point of view of Elmis, Angelo's Martian guardian, who must protect him from the malignant Abdicators.
There are dozens of very elegant passages that show Edgar Pangborn was a sensitive, intelligent, and above all humanistic writer (Ursula K. LeGuin considers his works to be her inspiration that SF could be focused on emotions and psychology, not just laser beams and bug-eyed monsters).
However, and this is a big however, the SF elements of the story are extremely flimsy and not at all important to the narrative. Instead, this book have just as easily been a contemporary fiction novel that studies a boy growing up in a small New England town, and then follows him later as a troubled young man torn in different directions by older people with greater influence (including the Martians).
So there was never any need to have a SF framing narrative about Martians in order to deliver insights about human nature from the outside. You can do that just fine in a standard novel. And the supposedly dramatic events of the final chapters simply didn't work for me at all. In addition, the period details feels extremely dated, although the word "bodaciously" was used once in a very unexpected way (I thought Bill & Ted invented that one).
May 10, 2020
A classic SF from 1954.
Obviously it must be read as a product of its time and I think it's pretty good for all that, but while I DO enjoy the whole conflict of Passive vs Active Martians living among us, trying to decide whether they are just observers or want to actively destroy us, it's very much a Hawk Vs Dove kind of story.
It's not bad but I did get a bit annoyed with the endless exposition-in-dialogue that was rather common for the day.
It IS, however, still a step up from the endless hokey perceived-pulp SF that was common for the time. Put it vaguely on par with early-early Philip K Dick without the paranoia. :)
I wouldn't seriously recommend this for modern readers unless you like to read things in context. America was on an expansionist footing, having fully realized their power after the end of WWII. The commentary is pretty spot-on.
Obviously it must be read as a product of its time and I think it's pretty good for all that, but while I DO enjoy the whole conflict of Passive vs Active Martians living among us, trying to decide whether they are just observers or want to actively destroy us, it's very much a Hawk Vs Dove kind of story.
It's not bad but I did get a bit annoyed with the endless exposition-in-dialogue that was rather common for the day.
It IS, however, still a step up from the endless hokey perceived-pulp SF that was common for the time. Put it vaguely on par with early-early Philip K Dick without the paranoia. :)
I wouldn't seriously recommend this for modern readers unless you like to read things in context. America was on an expansionist footing, having fully realized their power after the end of WWII. The commentary is pretty spot-on.
August 23, 2011
I originally picked this book up because it appears in David Pringle's overview book "Sci Fi: The 100 Best Books." Now that I've read it, I can see why it was included. This is a terrific, beautifully written, literate sci-fi novel, with dozens of passages so quotable that you may feel the need to underline or highlight them. In this book, Martians have been living on Earth for thousands of years in hidden underground cities. For the most part, they are benevolent observers of human affairs, but there are some, the so-called Abdicators, who seek to overthrow and do away with mankind. This novel deals with the attempt of one of these Abdicators to corrupt a gifted human boy, and the attempt of one of the other observers to prevent it. Before the novel ends, the earth has gone through a major disaster, but there is still hope for man's ultimate fate. The author, Edgar Pangborn, takes his time with the story, and the characters are well drawn and believable. There's lots of poetic imagery and quasi-religious symbolism, as well as a good number of startling surprises. Seek this book out...it's a winner!
March 3, 2025
A Mirror for Observers was Pangborn's second science fiction novel (following West of the Sun), but he had been writing and selling fiction professionally (primarily mysteries) since 1930. It won several awards and is regarded as a minor genre classic (as opposed to his post-apocalyptic Davy, which is a major genre classic.) It's a literary and very well written character study of two Martians who observe and try to influence a young and very special human boy, told from the viewpoint of one of the observers. It's not so much a science fiction novel as a character study with many observations of humanity from a sympathetic yet non-human viewpoint. The philosophy and technology are perhaps seventy years out of date, but the story and conclusions are timeless in context. As many people (like Peter S. Beagle and Ursula K. LeGuin) have pointed out, Pangborn was a major influence in introducing deep characterization and sensitivity to the field, in the tradition of Ray Bradbury or Theodore Sturgeon. It's a very good, thoughtful novel; Pangborn is due for a "rediscovery".
May 31, 2020
I certainly see why this won the 1955 International Fantasy Award from the British Science Fiction Convention -- this is a fine piece of literature first, and a science fantasy second.
Mr. Pangborn examines the human condition from the point of view of a Martian Observer among humanity. Martians, with a lifespan five or more times that of humans, have secretly shared the earth with humanity since they fled their dying planet thirty thousand years ago. With surgery and other aids to disguise, they can pass for human, although they are committed to avoid interference or discovery until humanity proves themselves ready.
But the Martians have discovered an Abdicator -- one of a few Martians who have rejected the long path to union with humanity -- and the Observer sent to prevent his interference and carry out justice finds he is observing the struggle for the soul of one young man and the potential fate of humanity.
Monopoly for "Aliens"; "B-ward" qualifier as Edgar Pangborn won the 2003 Cordwainer Smith Rediscovery Award.
Mr. Pangborn examines the human condition from the point of view of a Martian Observer among humanity. Martians, with a lifespan five or more times that of humans, have secretly shared the earth with humanity since they fled their dying planet thirty thousand years ago. With surgery and other aids to disguise, they can pass for human, although they are committed to avoid interference or discovery until humanity proves themselves ready.
But the Martians have discovered an Abdicator -- one of a few Martians who have rejected the long path to union with humanity -- and the Observer sent to prevent his interference and carry out justice finds he is observing the struggle for the soul of one young man and the potential fate of humanity.
Monopoly for "Aliens"; "B-ward" qualifier as Edgar Pangborn won the 2003 Cordwainer Smith Rediscovery Award.
October 1, 2018
I tried this years ago, didn't care for it, and gave up. Recycled long ago.
OTOH, Rich Horton likes it a lot:
"... having finally read the novel, I find myself really impressed, really moved. This is not to say it's a great novel exactly -- there are missteps and occasional clunky aspects. But its great moments transcend its weaker moments ..."
Maybe I should try again sometime? Library has a copy.
OK, I'll refer you to Stuart's nice review, /review/show...
Now I'm remembering more of the Pangborn, and why I didn't finish it way back then. So, probably not.
OTOH, Rich Horton likes it a lot:
"... having finally read the novel, I find myself really impressed, really moved. This is not to say it's a great novel exactly -- there are missteps and occasional clunky aspects. But its great moments transcend its weaker moments ..."
Maybe I should try again sometime? Library has a copy.
OK, I'll refer you to Stuart's nice review, /review/show...
Now I'm remembering more of the Pangborn, and why I didn't finish it way back then. So, probably not.
August 19, 2013
‘In a small Massachusetts town two Martians, disguised as human beings, are locked in a bitter struggle for the mind of a child genius.
There are other prizes too. The battle is long and bloody, and before its end all life on earth is threatened.
This is engrossing science fiction which displays a passionate respect for the human race.�
Blurb from the 1966 Penguin Paperback edition.
This very individual novel (in that it tends not to embrace the usual SF conventions) takes the premise that thirty thousand years ago Martians (or Salvayans as they call themselves) fled their dying planet and took refuge on Earth. They disguise themselves as human and indeed spend most of their time as Observers, having recorded anthropological data on human history from the time of their first arrival. The eventual objective towards which they are working is Union, a distant time when Salvayans and humans can live openly in harmony with each other, sharing the Earth.
Subsequently, Martian culture has schismed into Observers and Abdicators.
One of the renegades, Namir, has taken an interest in Angelo, a highly intelligent but crippled young boy. The Observers send one of their number, Elmis, to infiltrate the boy’s household, to study and if necessary, protect him.
Here, it is reminiscent of CS Lewis� Eldila trilogy, although it has to be said that Lewis went far further toward a religious/Christian connection than Pangborn, who makes it clear that his enlightened and socially advanced Martians have outgrown the idea of religious concepts.
‘With the prop of Jehovah removed, they still don’t want to learn how to stand on their own two feet; but I believe they will. I see twentieth century man as a rather nice fellow with weak legs, and a head in bad condition from banging against a stone wall. Perhaps fairly soon he will cut that out, get sense, and go on about his human business, relying on the godlike in himself and in his brother.� (p 83)�
It is Elmis himself who narrates the novel in a report to his superior and ‘second father� Drozma, attempting, as he tells us, the style of the human narrative.
It’s a very beautiful and literary work, poetic and descriptive, in part described by particular sections of classical music, which Pangborn uses neatly as a background to the novel. It is, however, let down in some cases by dialogue such as that of Sharon, Angelo’s nine year old girlfriend whose speech patterns seem to belong to someone far older.
The War of Ideologies is a staple subject in literature in general, and in SF is often engendered by aliens from advanced civilisations in which Humanity is usually a pawn in a greater game. EE Smith’s 'Lensman' series employed this device, with earth embroiled in a struggle, billions of years old, between the benign democratic Arisians and the evil dictatorial Eddorians. As discussed earlier, CS Lewis� ‘Eldila� trilogy (am unashamedly Christian allegory) features elemental pillars of light, engaged in a war with a ‘fallen� Eldil who has corrupted the earth. Moorcock’s Multiverse similarly is in eternal conflict between the powers of Law and Chaos
More recently, the concept has been used to great effect in the TV series ‘Babylon 5� where the Vorlons represent the power of Law, and the Shadows that of Chaos, although here the merits of each system are � to the credit of its creator, J Michael Straczynski, far more ambivalent.
Mythically, of course, these are archetypal forces; Law and Chaos; God and Satan; Good and Evil, Light and Dark. The concept of duality is rooted in our very natures as a bipedal, two-sexed species.
This is however, not a novel which concentrates exclusively on this battle. It is more a work which, like the mirror of the title, casts back a reflection of the human race seen objectively by Elmis.
Namir’s perception of Humanity is that of a violent self-destructive species which is best served by aiding it toward its own demise. Namir firstly involves young Angelo in gang culture and then introduces him to the Organic Unity Party, a thinly-veiled Nazi White Supremacy outfit. Elmis stands on the side of Ethics and Liberalism and eventually � once Angelo has decided which path to follow � kills Namir.
Of course, Elmis and Namir are merely metaphors for the Light and Dark side of the human soul. Pangborn is optimistic in his belief in the future of Humanity, but is restrained in his political sermonising, something which tends to overwhelm other US authors of the time, such as Heinlein. In comparison to other novels of the decade, this certainly stands out in other ways particularly in the fact that the female characters are not patronised, and there is a refreshing lack of macho heroics.
What Pangborn does have in common with Heinlein is his failure to anticipate social change. Like ‘The Puppet Masters� this novel (set in the mid Nineteen Eighties) has the surreal atmosphere of a Nineteen Fifties America with futuristic trappings.
The dialogue, characters and settings are very much identifiable as Fifties America, but there are automated robot taxis and ‘flying cars� are already in development.
The only real flaw in the novel is that Namir is deemed to be evil without qualification, and although Elmis questions the Martians� right to interfere with Humanity he concludes that he is right to do so. The book would have been stronger had the relevant ideological merits been not so polarised, and more cleverly argued.
To this extent, ‘A Mirror For Observers� is yet another US Nineteen Fifties novel which reflects a national paranoia regarding political movements within the population which are a threat to the integrity of American freedom.
There are other prizes too. The battle is long and bloody, and before its end all life on earth is threatened.
This is engrossing science fiction which displays a passionate respect for the human race.�
Blurb from the 1966 Penguin Paperback edition.
This very individual novel (in that it tends not to embrace the usual SF conventions) takes the premise that thirty thousand years ago Martians (or Salvayans as they call themselves) fled their dying planet and took refuge on Earth. They disguise themselves as human and indeed spend most of their time as Observers, having recorded anthropological data on human history from the time of their first arrival. The eventual objective towards which they are working is Union, a distant time when Salvayans and humans can live openly in harmony with each other, sharing the Earth.
Subsequently, Martian culture has schismed into Observers and Abdicators.
One of the renegades, Namir, has taken an interest in Angelo, a highly intelligent but crippled young boy. The Observers send one of their number, Elmis, to infiltrate the boy’s household, to study and if necessary, protect him.
Here, it is reminiscent of CS Lewis� Eldila trilogy, although it has to be said that Lewis went far further toward a religious/Christian connection than Pangborn, who makes it clear that his enlightened and socially advanced Martians have outgrown the idea of religious concepts.
‘With the prop of Jehovah removed, they still don’t want to learn how to stand on their own two feet; but I believe they will. I see twentieth century man as a rather nice fellow with weak legs, and a head in bad condition from banging against a stone wall. Perhaps fairly soon he will cut that out, get sense, and go on about his human business, relying on the godlike in himself and in his brother.� (p 83)�
It is Elmis himself who narrates the novel in a report to his superior and ‘second father� Drozma, attempting, as he tells us, the style of the human narrative.
It’s a very beautiful and literary work, poetic and descriptive, in part described by particular sections of classical music, which Pangborn uses neatly as a background to the novel. It is, however, let down in some cases by dialogue such as that of Sharon, Angelo’s nine year old girlfriend whose speech patterns seem to belong to someone far older.
The War of Ideologies is a staple subject in literature in general, and in SF is often engendered by aliens from advanced civilisations in which Humanity is usually a pawn in a greater game. EE Smith’s 'Lensman' series employed this device, with earth embroiled in a struggle, billions of years old, between the benign democratic Arisians and the evil dictatorial Eddorians. As discussed earlier, CS Lewis� ‘Eldila� trilogy (am unashamedly Christian allegory) features elemental pillars of light, engaged in a war with a ‘fallen� Eldil who has corrupted the earth. Moorcock’s Multiverse similarly is in eternal conflict between the powers of Law and Chaos
More recently, the concept has been used to great effect in the TV series ‘Babylon 5� where the Vorlons represent the power of Law, and the Shadows that of Chaos, although here the merits of each system are � to the credit of its creator, J Michael Straczynski, far more ambivalent.
Mythically, of course, these are archetypal forces; Law and Chaos; God and Satan; Good and Evil, Light and Dark. The concept of duality is rooted in our very natures as a bipedal, two-sexed species.
This is however, not a novel which concentrates exclusively on this battle. It is more a work which, like the mirror of the title, casts back a reflection of the human race seen objectively by Elmis.
Namir’s perception of Humanity is that of a violent self-destructive species which is best served by aiding it toward its own demise. Namir firstly involves young Angelo in gang culture and then introduces him to the Organic Unity Party, a thinly-veiled Nazi White Supremacy outfit. Elmis stands on the side of Ethics and Liberalism and eventually � once Angelo has decided which path to follow � kills Namir.
Of course, Elmis and Namir are merely metaphors for the Light and Dark side of the human soul. Pangborn is optimistic in his belief in the future of Humanity, but is restrained in his political sermonising, something which tends to overwhelm other US authors of the time, such as Heinlein. In comparison to other novels of the decade, this certainly stands out in other ways particularly in the fact that the female characters are not patronised, and there is a refreshing lack of macho heroics.
What Pangborn does have in common with Heinlein is his failure to anticipate social change. Like ‘The Puppet Masters� this novel (set in the mid Nineteen Eighties) has the surreal atmosphere of a Nineteen Fifties America with futuristic trappings.
The dialogue, characters and settings are very much identifiable as Fifties America, but there are automated robot taxis and ‘flying cars� are already in development.
The only real flaw in the novel is that Namir is deemed to be evil without qualification, and although Elmis questions the Martians� right to interfere with Humanity he concludes that he is right to do so. The book would have been stronger had the relevant ideological merits been not so polarised, and more cleverly argued.
To this extent, ‘A Mirror For Observers� is yet another US Nineteen Fifties novel which reflects a national paranoia regarding political movements within the population which are a threat to the integrity of American freedom.
Read
October 21, 2007[return][return]First published in 1954, set in 1963 and 1972, so as usual we can be slightly amused about predictions made about the future which is now the past. But actually this is a rather gripping book. There is a small group of Secret Guardians keeping watch over humanity's scientific and moral development (they happen to be from Mars but that is almost incidental). There is a renegade faction that wants to wipe out (most of) humanity to make Earth their own. For reasons not made completely clear, the conflict between the two focuses on a teenager in 1963 small-town Masachusetts and his piano-paying neighbour. There is a dramatic denouement halfway through the book, and we leap forward nine years, to the final struggle between the two in New York, against the background of unpleasant extremist US politics and biological warfare.[return][return]Yet the fundamental take of the book is very optimistic about human nature, and the message is a very moral one; not all fans are Slans. It almost reads like a 1950s reaction against today's libertarianism - perhaps I'm just not well enough read in the sf of the period - was this the height of van Vogt and Heinlein? I thought one peaked earlier and the other later. Interesting stuff, anyway.
March 19, 2015
Very well done and very low-key sf from the fifties. There is as much discussion of classical music as there is action, and yet the novel includes a cataclysmic world event. The Martian narrator is a believable character, a being that can't help but be affected by those he is here to observe. The "mirror" conceit that is supposed to play some central role in the imagery is probably the weakest aspect of the story. I never got a clear notion of what was revealed when the right person looked into it. The Martians here on earth have a 30,000 year history and individuals live several centuries. It's this different perspective on time that makes the novel work beyond its at times mechanical plotting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2017
This is probably one of my favourite books. It manages to be simultaneously depressing and gloriously uplifting both on the small and large scale. (And also contains one of the best ever comments: he 'was amused by the thin wind of fallacy that blew through the unsanitary beard of Marx.' I should read Pangborn more often.)
November 15, 2011
Edgar Pangborn was one of the better science fiction writers of the fifties and sixties, his works, like those of Theodore Sturgeon, being more humane, more heartfelt than most.
August 3, 2022
An interesting book, glad I read it but wouldn't highly recommend.
November 14, 2024
Gorgeously written warm and efficient prose. Love the unique premise, and kind and keen observations. Such a very "human" book Though the protagonist is not! Plot and Characters are developed without any delay or wasted ink. Only 64 pages in, and so far couldn't be happier I spotted this at the thrift store.
I'm about two-thirds into this little gem of a book, and I wanted to add a few more observations. Mainly to say the only reason I haven't finished it yet, is in order to savor the experience. Each line is impeccable AND un-packable. I recommend reading this with your full attention in order to not miss a nuance. It could be possible to cruise through this small book off handedly, but a thorough reader would note that each line is not only full of lovely words, but even more notable I think, is the shrewd way Pangborn uses the simple story to make many observations about human nature, and human society. This is a subtle book, and all the better for it.
Stayed up late last night to finish this book, this amazing book; both life affirming and heartbreakingly time-less. I have read a lot of books I have loved, and this is one of the very best. I want to recommend it, at the same time to everybody, and also I can't quite think of anybody to recommend it too. I am 41 now, and without these thoroughly lived decades behind me, I'm not sure I could possibly have fully appreciated it. Considering that, I am actually glad I didn't read this book sooner.
"...study all your life and talk a little when you think you have something to say"
"...the illusion that good and evil are neat opposites: one of the mental short cuts that turn out to be dead-end traps. Good is a far wider and more inclusive aspect of life."
"good is the drink, evil only a poison that is sometimes in the dregs"
I'm about two-thirds into this little gem of a book, and I wanted to add a few more observations. Mainly to say the only reason I haven't finished it yet, is in order to savor the experience. Each line is impeccable AND un-packable. I recommend reading this with your full attention in order to not miss a nuance. It could be possible to cruise through this small book off handedly, but a thorough reader would note that each line is not only full of lovely words, but even more notable I think, is the shrewd way Pangborn uses the simple story to make many observations about human nature, and human society. This is a subtle book, and all the better for it.
Stayed up late last night to finish this book, this amazing book; both life affirming and heartbreakingly time-less. I have read a lot of books I have loved, and this is one of the very best. I want to recommend it, at the same time to everybody, and also I can't quite think of anybody to recommend it too. I am 41 now, and without these thoroughly lived decades behind me, I'm not sure I could possibly have fully appreciated it. Considering that, I am actually glad I didn't read this book sooner.
"...study all your life and talk a little when you think you have something to say"
"...the illusion that good and evil are neat opposites: one of the mental short cuts that turn out to be dead-end traps. Good is a far wider and more inclusive aspect of life."
"good is the drink, evil only a poison that is sometimes in the dregs"
January 8, 2010
A beautifully written novel with a real love for people and the Earth. The plot even has some unexpected twists which I found pleasing. The problem for me, of course, is the politics. I know this novel emerges from a cold war culture of knee-jerk anti-communism. The narrator's blurring of political ideologies by the twice-repeated "communazis" can perhaps be read as a statement on the lack of defining differences between totalitarian tendencies of the left and of the right in the context of 30000 years of human and Martian history. In any case, obviously, I'm not interested in espousing totalitarianism. However, the linked treatment of Marx (complete with a comic mock-dismissal of him as a political figure) is puzzling, especially given Pangborn's obvious knowledge of the link between Hegel and Marx (Hegel not coming in for the thin disposal given to Marx). In other words, I find it hard to believe that Pangborn actually did not recognize the importance of Marx to Western philosophy. This is another case, like Heinlein's mention of Marx in _Starship Troopers_, where, apparently for ideological purpose, a writer of a certain political stripe (liberal humanist in the case of Pangborn, right-wing libertarian in the case of Heinlein) deliberately misreads or distorts their knowledge of Marx for political "safety" or for propaganda.
In any case, Pangborn's book is still worht reading for the beautiful prose and the particular vision of the future he held.
In any case, Pangborn's book is still worht reading for the beautiful prose and the particular vision of the future he held.
May 22, 2015
It's somewhat surprising that this 1954 International Fantasy Award winner has never found a very large audience in the SF genre. The writing style is reminiscent of Theodore Sturgeon or Ray Bradbury, very much focused on the characters and their inner thoughts and struggles, a big contrast with the more pulpy science and space-adventure tales featured in pulp magazines like Galaxy and Astounding.
I knew about A Mirror for Observers only because it was included in David Pringle's Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels. Although it is ostensibly the story of two undercover Martian Observers who battle over the heart and soul of a promising young boy, it basically breaks down to 65% characte... Read More:
I knew about A Mirror for Observers only because it was included in David Pringle's Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels. Although it is ostensibly the story of two undercover Martian Observers who battle over the heart and soul of a promising young boy, it basically breaks down to 65% characte... Read More:
August 6, 2011
Delicate, subtle, compassionate, thoughtful and thought-provoking - Pangborn uses his setting of Martian "observers" to explore various themes of humanity and its capacity for both positive and negative actions, and how the process of study itself generates change in both the the observer and subject. It was written in 1954, so the language and style might be a tad formal for a modern audience, but it is a true classic of science fiction.
July 29, 2016
An earnest, somewhat dated book. I’m not big on the elitist idea that creative people are more important, in the scheme of things, than non-creative, so that aspect rankled me a bit. Nice writing in places, though.
May 11, 2020
Pangborn, Edgar. A Mirror for Observers. 1954. Afterword by Peter S. Beagle. Bluejay, 1983.
Years before Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman collaborated on Good Omens, Edgar Pangborn, an almost forgotten master of fantasy and science fiction, gave the idea a more serious treatment. In A Mirror for Observers, two Martians meddle in human affairs, one intending benevolence and one hoping to hasten the collapse of civilization. In a small New England town, they observe a young boy who they suspect will have special qualities. The story is character-driven in the extreme, to the extent that some reviewers argue that the science fictional elements of the novel are unnecessary. Perhaps, but the ethical message at the heart of the novel goes down easier if it is enunciated by a caring Martian than it would be by a human character or an angel. Is the novel a creature of its time? Sure. Is it slow at times? Yup. Is it still worth a read? Definitely.
Years before Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman collaborated on Good Omens, Edgar Pangborn, an almost forgotten master of fantasy and science fiction, gave the idea a more serious treatment. In A Mirror for Observers, two Martians meddle in human affairs, one intending benevolence and one hoping to hasten the collapse of civilization. In a small New England town, they observe a young boy who they suspect will have special qualities. The story is character-driven in the extreme, to the extent that some reviewers argue that the science fictional elements of the novel are unnecessary. Perhaps, but the ethical message at the heart of the novel goes down easier if it is enunciated by a caring Martian than it would be by a human character or an angel. Is the novel a creature of its time? Sure. Is it slow at times? Yup. Is it still worth a read? Definitely.
January 22, 2019
Like most books in my random SF/F paperback grab-bag box () I have no idea when, where, or why I bought this old copy of A Mirror for Observers. This is the first book by Edgar Pangborn I've read. I have to admit that when it came out of the box I assumed it would be another fun, but throwaway mid-5os space opera adventure (which I love, by the way) but, especially going in cold like that, this book started to surprise me immediately and continued to surprise me throughout, showing a sensitivity and literary reach well beyond the work of the author's pulp contemporaries. This is an amazing, surprising, sad, and nuanced book and I just loved it.
January 14, 2025
There is something or other that seems like it may be a bit off about Pangborn's background thinking, but mostly I found this book - fine, call it sentimental if you must; I found it warmed the cockles of the old ticker. So many people who take a Big Picture overview of humanity appear disgusted by us - to the point of wanting to see us obliterated. I, on the other hand, will watch some stupid video on YouTube of an old performance of a song or whatever, and worry that in a hundred years it will never be seen again. And since Pangborn doesn't agree with the obliterators, I aim to read this again in the future.
March 21, 2020
The best of his non-apocalypse books, this one is about Martians who live on Earth and "observe" us. The lead character is as unlikely a creation as you're ever going to find, but he becomes intensely human, as do all of Pangborn's characters, as he follows and shelters two very special people. Beautiful writing and an ending that left a lump in my throat. He's simply one of the best SF writers I've ever come across.
April 23, 2023
A so-so novel from an obscure writer. Short and a quick read but not too satisfying.
Probably the greatest tragedy of this book is that it opens with a mystery (What are these ‘mirrors� from the title, and what is so special about those rare humans who can properly ‘look in a mirror�?) and then never actually reveals the answer. That alone was a solid 2 star hit for this fairly commonplace book about aliens masquerading on Earth and “observing� humans.
Probably the greatest tragedy of this book is that it opens with a mystery (What are these ‘mirrors� from the title, and what is so special about those rare humans who can properly ‘look in a mirror�?) and then never actually reveals the answer. That alone was a solid 2 star hit for this fairly commonplace book about aliens masquerading on Earth and “observing� humans.
April 15, 2018
Really didn’t like most of this. I had heard it was a lost classic, but for me there is way too much pontificating. The dialogue is really bad, not naturalistic at all. Plus the sci-fi elements are just distracting and do not add anything. It does end strongly though, I liked the message, but it was not enough to put up with all that stilted speech.
July 29, 2018
When I was much younger and read a lot of different sf writers, I somehow never got around to Pangborn. Glad I finally did. This is a wonderful novel, rich in ideas, emotions, characters, story, and even prophetic in a number of ways. Better than most of the SF I encounter today. Hard to believe it was first published in 1954
July 2, 2020
Alien visitors having been observing the human race for centuries, living in cities they have built on the sea floor. Then an undersea city is destroyed by an H-Bomb test. Prometheus Hall of Fame Award Nominee (2016), International Fantasy Award for Fiction (1955), a Science Fiction Book Club selection.
October 30, 2022
This is a classic story, written as if the protagonist is writing a letter to someone else, perhaps his boss? He is a Martian who is assigned to observe Earthlings. In the process, he learns a lot about himself and humanity. The writing style is different since the book was written long ago, but still an entertaining story.
May 30, 2024
Pangorn's sensitive and insightful view of humans through the eyes of the alien made me weep at times. Although released in 1955, the author foresaw a world wide pandemic and its aftermath. I first read this book in the 70's, and have gained new insight with each re-reading. One of my all time favorite science fiction books along with Mary Doria Russell's The Sparrow.
July 18, 2019
Top notch social commentary,mystery.
September 7, 2021
I can't help but love the idea of Martians among us!
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