PREDICTIONS, PREDICATIONS OR PROGNOSTICATIONS
EVER since I wrote and had THE EDGE OF MADNESS (Aignos 2020) by Raymond Gaynor released, I’ve been mulling over whether the actions inherent are predictions, predications or prognostications. It might not make much difference to most — “splitting hairs” — but there is an aspect of each of the above that makes it unique and singular, especially regarding the book.
For example, if the work contains many predictions (which it does), then, like Nostradamus’ Les Prophéties, the work is a mystical, spiritual, even occult religious work. Which it admittedly is. What’s surprising is that many of the predictions regarding education, work and morality have already come true. Go figure.
On the other hand, if it contains many predications (which it also does), then, like Einstein’s Entwurf einer verallgemeinerten Relativitätstheorie und eine Theorie der Gravitation, the work is a science-based, futures study (Sci-Fu). Which it admittedly also is. What’s unsettling is that many of the predications, while decidedly probable, have yet to come true. Don’t go figure. Just hold your breath.
Still, if the work contains many prognostications (which it does), then like Aldous Huxley’s BRAVE NEW WORLD or H. G. Wells’ THE TIME MACHINE, the work is one of science fiction/fantasy. Which it admittedly is. What’s downright spooky is that, acting as a mirror into various possible fantastic futures, contemporary readers can take action to sculpt the kind of future desired.
Finally, the work is multi-topical and mult-layered. That is, it’s a thrillingly adventurous, social, political, romantic, erotic, multi-gender (LGBTQ+ as well as “straight”) work that can be enjoyed from any perspective or combination of perspectives that demonstrates diversity, tolerance, and cooperation in thought as well as action.
Then again, there’s my friend, author Jim Currie’s review:
“Radically original while chilling and shocking. A dark vision of the future reminiscent of BRAVE NEW WORLD but on steroids. The title page should be plastered with a warning: ‘Not for the sentimental or faint of heart. This is not a game. Enter…at your own peril and keep a defibrillator handy. Medical power of attorney should be assigned to someone you know very, very well.’
“Right away the reader becomes observer of the pulsing, sensate world of the fetus, yet with dawning awareness [even within] the warm and comforting nurture of the amniotic sea. Somehow the newborn survives, only to proceed to the insults of a soulless education system and carefully calibrated culture vacant of significant choice or opportunity for deep human connection.
“THE EDGE OF MADNESS by Raymond Gaynor is one those realities that makes you instantly appreciative of nature walks, the aroma of good coffee and the cheer of a crackling fire. At the same time you aren’t sure that it’s a good idea to doze off and take the chance of a techno-nightmare that reprises the madness but without hope of return. Be very afraid.”
Go figure.
The Edge of Madness
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859
Soon to be an audiobook read by the incomparable Peter Pollock. Purchased by K. Simmons Productions for manga, animation and cinematic treatments.
For example, if the work contains many predictions (which it does), then, like Nostradamus’ Les Prophéties, the work is a mystical, spiritual, even occult religious work. Which it admittedly is. What’s surprising is that many of the predictions regarding education, work and morality have already come true. Go figure.
On the other hand, if it contains many predications (which it also does), then, like Einstein’s Entwurf einer verallgemeinerten Relativitätstheorie und eine Theorie der Gravitation, the work is a science-based, futures study (Sci-Fu). Which it admittedly also is. What’s unsettling is that many of the predications, while decidedly probable, have yet to come true. Don’t go figure. Just hold your breath.
Still, if the work contains many prognostications (which it does), then like Aldous Huxley’s BRAVE NEW WORLD or H. G. Wells’ THE TIME MACHINE, the work is one of science fiction/fantasy. Which it admittedly is. What’s downright spooky is that, acting as a mirror into various possible fantastic futures, contemporary readers can take action to sculpt the kind of future desired.
Finally, the work is multi-topical and mult-layered. That is, it’s a thrillingly adventurous, social, political, romantic, erotic, multi-gender (LGBTQ+ as well as “straight”) work that can be enjoyed from any perspective or combination of perspectives that demonstrates diversity, tolerance, and cooperation in thought as well as action.
Then again, there’s my friend, author Jim Currie’s review:
“Radically original while chilling and shocking. A dark vision of the future reminiscent of BRAVE NEW WORLD but on steroids. The title page should be plastered with a warning: ‘Not for the sentimental or faint of heart. This is not a game. Enter…at your own peril and keep a defibrillator handy. Medical power of attorney should be assigned to someone you know very, very well.’
“Right away the reader becomes observer of the pulsing, sensate world of the fetus, yet with dawning awareness [even within] the warm and comforting nurture of the amniotic sea. Somehow the newborn survives, only to proceed to the insults of a soulless education system and carefully calibrated culture vacant of significant choice or opportunity for deep human connection.
“THE EDGE OF MADNESS by Raymond Gaynor is one those realities that makes you instantly appreciative of nature walks, the aroma of good coffee and the cheer of a crackling fire. At the same time you aren’t sure that it’s a good idea to doze off and take the chance of a techno-nightmare that reprises the madness but without hope of return. Be very afraid.”
Go figure.
The Edge of Madness
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0999693859
Soon to be an audiobook read by the incomparable Peter Pollock. Purchased by K. Simmons Productions for manga, animation and cinematic treatments.
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