New Worlds Profile: John Brunner

# New Worlds Science Fiction, April 1960, Issue 93

This issue of New Worlds (volume 31, no. 93) features four principal works of science fiction. John Brunner's novelette "The Fourth Power" explores the concept of the synthesist—interdisciplinary experts who bridge specialized scientific fields. The story centers on an experiment using induced parallel mental processes that allow simultaneous thinking on multiple levels. When tested on animals, the procedure produces disturbing behavioral changes; now scientists Wheelwell, Holiday, Norstein, and the synthesist Smith prepare to apply it to a human subject. Lan Wright contributes the novelette "The Jarnos Affair," while E.C. Tubb provides the short story "Man of War." Brian W. Aldiss's serial "X for Exploitation" appears in its second of three parts. The issue also includes Kenneth Johns's article "Outward Bound (7)" and features editorial commentary from editor John Carnell, including reader response to recent debates about the direction of science fiction.