The Dueling Machine

Name: The Dueling Machine
Author: Ben Bova

By Ben Bova

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Science-Fiction & Fantasy

About This Book

The narrative follows a prime minister who submits to an advanced dueling apparatus that projects lifelike simulated environments where opponents can kill without bodily harm. Confronted with a professional assassin in a manufactured metropolis, he experiences escalating disorientation as convincing illusions, doubles, and shifting perspectives frustrate his hunt. When the session ends in the antiseptic control chamber, political stakes and human consequences surface. The story examines how technological means of venting aggression blur reality and responsibility, revealing unforeseen psychological, social, and ethical costs to sanitizing violent conflict.

About the Author

Ben Bova

Ben Bova was an American science fiction author and editor, known for his contributions to the genre over several decades. He explored themes of technology, space exploration, and human evolution in his works. Bova's notable titles include "The Towers of Titan," which delves into the complexities of human ambition and the challenges of interstellar travel. His writing often reflects a deep understanding of scientific principles, making his narratives both engaging and thought-provoking. In addition to his fiction, Bova served as an editor for various science fiction magazines, helping to shape the landscape of speculative literature.