A-Scanner-Darkly cover display.

Philip K. Dick: A Scanner Darkly

Spread the love
Listen to our review of Philip K. Dick’s A Scanner Darkly
The Young Philip K. Dick

Philip K. Dick was an American science fiction author, known for his thought-provoking and imaginative ideas. Born in 1928, Dick began his writing career in the 1950s and during his lifetime, published over 40 novels and several short stories. His work often dealt with themes of reality, consciousness and technology, and he is celebrated for his ability to explore these themes in a unique and thought-provoking way.

One of Dick’s most celebrated works is “A Scanner Darkly,” a novel that was first published in 1977. The novel is set in a dystopian future where America is ravaged by a powerful and highly addictive drug known as “Substance D.” The story follows the protagonist, Bob Arctor, as he struggles to navigate this world and uncover the truth behind the drug.

“A Scanner Darkly” is an important work for many reasons. One of the most striking things about the book is the way that it explores the concept of identity and self. The novel explores the idea that our sense of self is not fixed but rather constantly changing, and how this can be affected by external factors such as drugs and technology.

Another important aspect of “A Scanner Darkly” is the way that Dick uses science fiction as a tool to explore the darker side of human nature. Through the story of Arctor, we see the destructive effects of addiction and the lengths to which people will go to escape reality. The novel raises important questions about the dangers of addiction and the human desire to escape reality.

In addition to its exploration of identity, self and addiction, “A Scanner Darkly” is also an incredibly well-written book. Dick’s prose is evocative and his characters are complex and fully-realized. The book is both a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and a commentary on the darker side of human nature.

A Scanner Darkly

Dick’s work continues to be celebrated today, and “A Scanner Darkly” remains one of his most enduring and powerful works. It is a novel that will appeal to fans of science fiction and literature alike, and to anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human nature and the darker side of human nature. It is a must-read for anyone interested in science fiction and thought-provoking ideas.

In conclusion, Philip K. Dick is a master storyteller and “A Scanner Darkly” is one of his most powerful and enduring works. This book challenges readers to question the nature of identity and self, it explores the darker side of human nature, and it is masterfully written. It is a must-read for anyone interested in science fiction and thought-provoking ideas.


We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This means that if you click on a link to a book on Amazon from our site and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay for the book and it helps us to continue providing book reviews and recommendations on our website.

Please note that we only promote books that we have reviewed and believe in. We value transparency and honesty, and we will always disclose when a link is an affiliate link. We encourage you to use these links if you are interested in purchasing the books we have reviewed.

Philip K. Dick: A Scanner Darkly Kindle

Philip K. Dick: A Scanner Darkly Audible

Philip K. Dick: A Scanner Darkly Paperback


This is a promotional flyer for my 100 Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time project. It shows the text "100 Greatest Science Fiction Novels of All Time" In the Impact Font. It's set against a galactic background and has a 1950s style red rocket flying on the right hand side of the image.
Read or listen to our reviews of the 100 Greatest Science Fiction Novels of all Time!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *