The product of an amazing biological experiment, Hugo Danner was born and grew up free from the fears that inhibit other men... with an infinitely superior mind and a sex-drive that put insatiable women at his feet and turned men green with envy. Considered by many to be the inspiration for the character Superman.
e faced with it. He murmured: "A baby."
Faint annoyance moved her. "Yes. That's what one has. What are we going to do?"
"I don't know, Matilda. But I'm glad."
She softened. "So am I, Abednego."
Then a hissing, spattering sound issued from the kitchen. "The beans!" Mrs. Danner said. The second idyll of their lives was finished.
Alone in his bed, tossing on the humid muslin sheets, Danner struggled within himself. The hour that was at hand would be short. The logical step after the tadpoles and the kitten was to vaccinate the human mammal with his serum. To produce a super-child, an invulnerable man. As a scientist he was passionately intrigued by the idea. As a husband he was dubious. As a member of society he was terrified.
That his wife would submit to the plan or to the step it necessitated was beyond belief. She would never allow a sticky tube of foreign animal matter to be poured into her veins. She would not permit the will of God to be altered or her offspring t
An amazing story, I first read years ago and was pleased to find in ebook format.
Evokes striking images of the time the characters existed.
I had always wondered if this character was the inspiration for Superman who was first published in 1938, but according to Wikipedia, Siegel signed an affadavit that claimed Superman was not influenced by Gladiator.
In any event, a superb story and a much stronger character in my opinion than Superman.
An excellent book. The first two-thirds are especially excellent, though I felt the ending didn't live up to the beginning. Philip Wylie is a wonderfully gifted author.
This was an excellent book. The main character become more conflicted as the story moves on and the reader is drawn more and more into the plight of a person who would seem to have everything. Highly recommended!
Life with super abilities is different, not easier. Excellent story.
An excellent read and like the other reviewer, I'm surprised it's never been made into a movie.
In addition to character elements which could have inspired the creation of Superman, I find many elements here (eg,the serum that created Hugo's strength) that could have inspired Captain America as well as Spider-Man, given the emotional troubles Hugo endures throughout his life.
What a "SUPER" book! This book is excellent, the main character really makes you feel for him. Hard to put down. Surprised this was never made into a movie.
