Find short story where field inhibits mental energy

[NickP3]

Hi, I'm new to the forum. I'm trying to remember the title and author of a short story (I think) probably from the late 60s or early 70s, where the earth emerges from a field that had previously suppressed people's mental abilities. On emerging from this field, peoples' intelligence skyrocketed. Might anyone remember the story? Thanx in advance!!

 

[Ian Whates]

Not a short story, but this sounds to me like Poul Anderson's classic novel Brain Wave (1954).

 

[Pyan]

Yep, Brain Wave rings a bell with me, too, from waay back...*quick google*...

For millions of years, the part of the galaxy containing our solar system has been moving through a vast force field whose effect has been to inhibit "certain electromagnetic and electrochemical processes" and thus certain neurotic functions. When Earth escapes the inhibiting field, synapse speed immediately increases, causing a rise in intelligence, which results in a transfigured humanity reaching for the stars, leaving behind our earth to the less intelligent humans and animal lifeforms. A transcendent look at the possible effects of enhanced intelligence on our planet.

Sound familiar?

Amazon.com: Brain Wave (9780345325211): Poul Anderson: Books

 

[j d worthington]

That's also the one that sprang to mind with me. Despite some flaws, I'd still say it's quite a good novel overall....

 

[Ian Whates]

That's also the one that sprang to mind with me. Despite some flaws, I'd still say it's quite a good novel overall....

It might have the odd flaw, jd, but I think you have to bear in mind that it was written over 50 years ago and was one of the author's earliest novels. For all that, I loved this book when I read it (admittedly some time ago) and could fully understand why it was so highly regarded.

The underlying concept was (to my knowledge) original, and the developing situation was depicted skillfully and entertainingly.

 

[j d worthington]

I largely put in the caveat for the benefit of those less widely-read in sf, or whose preferences are more recent. In this case, it might also apply to the OP, as they've not read the book in a good while; hence to prepare them for any "disillusionment" concerning the book.

It's been a few years (probably about 7 or 8), but I'd agree with you that most of the flaws are minor, and I'd say it deserves its reputation as a classic. Still, worth noting for the reason given above....

 

[NickP3]

Thanks, folks!

Thanks to one and all. I'm sure it was "Brain Wave," and I remember the plot outline fondly. I agree, too, with the necessity of looking at a book in the context of its time and its author's career. If the ideas and twists stuck with my through the 30 or 35 years since I read this one, it must have had something going for it!