
Extracting Humanity And Other Stories
Stephen Oram(Author)
Nudge the Future Fiction (Publisher)
2nd Edition
Published on 11. September 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
216 pages
978-1-0685764-2-3 (ISBN)
Description
"Oram shows us the building blocks of what it takes to be human and how they hold or collapse against the force of progress" Ksenia Shcherbino, BSFA Review
In this remarkably perceptive collection, Stephen Oram blends cutting-edge science and tech with everyday emotions and values to create 20 thought experiments with heart.
Extracting Humanity is a skilful exploration of smart currencies, memorials, medical care, treatment of refugees, social networks, data monitoring, and justice systems. Always without prescription or reprimand, these stories are simply the beginning of the conversation.
From an eerie haptic suit that Tommy must call Father, to a protective, nutritious bubble that allows Feng Mian to survive on a colonised Moon; from tattoos that will earn their wearers a mini-break in a sensory chamber, to Harrie anxiously awaiting AI feedback on her unborn child... These startling, diverse narratives map all-too-real possibilities for our future and the things that might ultimately divide or unite us.
Praise
"This is science fiction doing its day job, and doing it well." Ken MacLeod, author of Intrusion.
"Manages to maintain humanity and humour, even when descending into post-human worlds where the boundaries are queasily blurred." Chris Beckett, author of the Dark Eden series.
"Stories to make you think about the next steps in our automated futures. Oram places you at the human heart of all things technological." Kate Devlin author of Turned On: Science, Sex and Robots.
"Oram's stories are short, sharp, physical, merciless, sometimes amusing, sometimes shocking, and deeply moving at all times." Ksenia Shcherbino, BSFA Review.
More details
Edition
2nd ed.
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 203 mm
Width: 127 mm
Thickness: 14 mm
Weight
265 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-0685764-2-3 (9781068576423)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Stephen Oram writes near-future fiction and works with scientists, and technologists to explore possible future outcomes of their research through short stories. He is published in several anthologies and magazines, including The Best of British Science Fiction (2020 and 2022), has two published novels, three collections of sci-fi shorts and has co-edited four anthologies. His work has been praised by publications as diverse as The Morning Star, Linux User & Developer magazine and The Financial Times.