Sixteen stories trace humanity’s fascination with creating lifelike automatons, blending myth, history, and speculative fiction to explore the boundaries between the mechanical and the magical. From ancient legends like Pygmalion and Odin to modern phenomena such as deepfakes and spacefaring robots, these tales examine how our inventions reflect, challenge, and redefine what it means to be human.

Reader Review Summary

This collection features sixteen stories that delve into the concept of automatons and robots throughout history and myth, examining both magical and mechanical representations of humankind. The stories span a wide range of inspirations, from mythological figures like Odin carving humans from wood and Pygmalion's Galatea, to historical curiosities such as Julius Caesar's animated wax effigy and the chess-playing Mechanical Turk. The anthology also explores more modern and speculative themes, including the first humanoid robot on the International Space Station and the phenomenon of online deepfakes. Notably, the collection includes 'The Brazen Head of Westinghouse,' which won the British Fantasy Award for Best Short Fiction in 2024.

Readers appreciated the variety of stories, noting that the anthology explores robots in both ancient and contemporary contexts. The tales were described as having the ability to amuse, unsettle, and provoke thought, suggesting a range of emotional and intellectual engagement. The inclusion of both magical and mechanical interpretations of robots was highlighted as a strength, offering readers different perspectives on the theme.

Based on available reader feedback, there were no specific criticisms or dislikes mentioned regarding the book. The single full review provided was positive and did not identify any particular weaknesses or areas for improvement.

The book is classified under the science fiction genre and is authored by Tim Major. It is scheduled for publication on March 27, 2025. As of now, the book has received one reader rating, averaging 4.0 out of 5, and one full reader review. The marketing description emphasizes the historical and mythological breadth of the stories included in the collection.