Bug Jack Barron (Magill’s Guide to Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature)
At a glance:
- Author: Norman Spinrad
- First Published: 1967
- Type of Work: Novel
- Type of Plot: Science fiction—extrapolatory
- Time of Work: The mid- or late 1980’s
- Setting: New York City
- Genres: Long fiction, Science fiction
- Subjects: New York, North America or North Americans, Northeast, U.S., United States or Americans, Journalism or journalists, Murder or homicide, Immortality, New York City, 1980’s, Television or television broadcasting, Talk shows
- Locales: New York, NY
The Plot
Jack Barron is a charismatic journalist trying to retain both his job and his integrity. Benedict Howards, owner of the Human Immortality Foundation, alternately bribes and threatens Barron, seeking his support. Ultimately, Howards makes an offer that Barron cannot refuse.
As the book opens, Barron seizes on a charge of racism as a hook to explore the Freezer Utility controversy. He makes on-air calls to the foundation; to Senator Hennering, who supports a monopoly bill Howards wants; and to Lucas Greene, the black governor of Mississippi and Jack’s longtime...
[The entire page is 994 words long]

