Hyperpilosity

by L. Sprague de Camp

Virologist Pat Weiss tells the story of how the Great Change started all those years ago when he was still a student ... the annual flu virus had come around with all the expected symptoms, but the hirsute side effect it had on its victims appeared permanent. If the cure he searched for had turned out the way he expected, he would have become a very rich man....

Genres: Science Fiction, Fiction, Short Stories

16 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 1, 1938

About the author

Lyon Sprague de Camp was an American author of science fiction, fantasy and non-fiction literature. In a career spanning 60 years, he wrote over 100 books, both novels and works of non-fiction, including biographies of other fantasy authors. He was a major figure in science fiction in the 1930s and 1940s.

Reviews

[Jeff Stockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love old school science fiction. It's always funny when the story takes place in the "far future" but it happens to mention the year. In this case, the story takes place in 1971, a full decade before I was born.

Nevertheless, it's a fun story. It's an idea I've never heard before. What if an epidemic caused us all to grow hair like gorillas?

It's short, funny, and even has a little bit of a surprise ending. It's a worthwhile read for sure.

[Norman Cook · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this story because it was nominated for the Retro-Hugo Award. This is literally a shaggy-dog story (well, shaggy-human, really). In 1971 (!) a virus causes all of humanity to develop thick pelts of fur. The story is mainly told for humor, especially the zinger at the end. However, the racist language is offputting in this day and age.

[Jon · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was nominated for the 1939 Retro-Hugo Award for Best Short Story.

It was a cheesy story about a "future" episode during which everyone started getting very hairy. It tried to be funny and clever, but fell flat. It wasn't helped by the outdated portrayals of women and Mexicans.

[Jon · Rating 3 out of 5]

1939 Retro Hugo Nominee for Best Short Story.

Published in Astounding Science-Fiction, April 1938