Phase IV [Barry Malzberg]

[Classic] [Sci Fi] [GOAT]

Phase IV

Barry Malzberg

Pocket Books, NY. 1974. 5th printing paperback. A few minor dings and some rubbing to the boards, but book intact, text block clean, an excellent copy!

From the publisher:

"Triumphant from a fifteen thousand year battle in space, a bolt of energy reached the third planet of a Class B star. A new life force spawned seven grey towers in the Arizona desert. Now, from out of their dark mysteries march a new breed of killer ants to herald the dawn of Phase IV…
In their path wait two men, a frightened girl and the resources of modern science. Mankind’s first line of defence and its last… "

Phase IV is an insanely good film. Directed by Saul Bass, it defines "punching above it's weight" - imagine, a ant-based creature feature becomes a psychedelic unraveling of the meaning of human existence. Then, you get one of the greatest sci-fi authors of all time to do a novelization? What the hell. Anyway, check it out! and RIP Barry!