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From: notes@ucbcad.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.sf-lovers
Subject: Re: Black Easter - (nf)
Message-ID: <833@ucbcad.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 25-Nov-83 01:05:48 EST
Article-I.D.: ucbcad.833
Posted: Fri Nov 25 01:05:48 1983
Date-Received: Tue, 22-Nov-83 01:29:23 EST
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#R:hogpd:-20600:ucbcad:23400006:000:1447
ucbcad!kalash    Nov 18 12:10:00 1983

	/***** ucbcad:net.sf-lovers / hogpd!jrrt / 12:52 am  Nov 18, 1983*/
	I disagree with the plot summary recently given concerning Black
	Easter.  The book is indeed by James Blish, and is certainly part
	of a three-book series examining Humanity and Religion.
	   Black Easter is Blish's attempt to show two things.  First, what
	form magic would really take in our "advanced" mechanistic society?
	The emphasis is on the mechanics of sorcery, the role of the
	Catholic Church, and the effect of hubris on powerful, if flawed,
	human beings.   The second purpose of the book is tell a good scary
	story.   Blish succeeds admirably, even if you are not fond of
	horror/supernatural fiction (and I'm not).
	   I won't spoil the ending, except to say I was surprised and
	impressed.  I would suggest, though, that glenn reread the last
	chapter or two; to claim the book ends with "Satan finds himself
	forced to be God" is wrong.
	   I *think* the first book in the series is called "The Island {?}
	of Dr. Mirabilis;"  I know the third is the classic "A Case of
	Conscience."   Sorry I don't have the exact title; I've lent my
	copies out...

	Rob Mitchell
	hogpd!jrrt
	/* ---------- */

Your right, "Black Easter" doesn't end up with Satan becoming God, "Day After
Judgement" ends with Satan becoming God (and complaining bitterly about it too).

The First book in the series is "Doctor Mirabilis", followed by "Case of
Conscience".

			Joe Kalash