Null-A Three
Null-A Three, alternatively titled Ā Three, is a science fiction work published in 1985 by Canadian-American writer A. E. van Vogt. The story incorporates ideas from General semantics as developed by Alfred Korzybski and delves into the principles of non-Aristotelian logic.
This book serves as a sequel to the adventures of Gilbert Gosseyn, continuing the narrative established in The World of Null-A (1945) and The Pawns of Null-A (1948).
Plot
Gilbert Gosseyn reemerges as Gosseyn Three, sharing a telepathic connection with Gosseyn Two. His spare body, part of his reincarnation process, is revived coinciding with the arrival of an immense space armada from a distant galaxy. This fleet is manned by humanity’s ancient forebears, engaged in a longstanding conflict against mutant adversaries. Commanding the fleet is a volatile young leader endowed with abilities akin to Gosseyn’s, including possession of a dual brain.
Gosseyn’s responsibilities include guiding this youth in the application of Null-A logic, defending Earth against criminal elements and corporate interests opposing the reinstatement of the Games Machine, uncovering concealed reasons behind the interstellar war, and counteracting Enro the Red’s attempts to reclaim dominance.
Reception
In White Dwarf issue #64, Dave Langford characterized Null-A Three as enjoyable primarily "as parody or with overwhelming nostalgia for the 'Golden Age'."
Reviews
- Jean-Pierre Andrevon reviewed the novel in 1984 for Fiction, issue #352
- Pascal J. Thomas provided a critique in the January 1985 edition (#288) of Locus
- Joseph Nicholas offered an assessment in Paperback Inferno, issue #53 (1985)
- Dan Chow reviewed it in the July 1985 (#294) issue of Locus
- Mary S. Weinkauf’s review appeared in the September 1985 issue of Fantasy Review
- Elton T. Elliott and Gene DeWeese contributed reviews in the Winter 1985 edition of Science Fiction Review
- George Hay critiqued it in Foundation, issue #35, Winter 1985/1986
- Tom Easton reviewed it for the February 1986 issue of Analog Science Fiction/Science Fact
- Don D'Ammassa’s review was featured in Science Fiction Chronicle, issue #79, April 1986
- Feyd Rautha provided commentary in the 2020 (#98) edition of Bifrost