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

"Great Robots of History" is a captivating and imaginative anthology that takes readers on a fascinating journey through the historical and mythological roots of humanoid automatons and robots. Tim Major has curated a remarkable collection of sixteen tales that explore the age-old human fascination with creating mechanical or magical representations of ourselves.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its incredible breadth and diversity. From the Norse god Odin carving humans from wood to Pygmalion's legendary living statue Galatea, from Julius Caesar's eerie wax effigy to the famous chess-playing Turk automaton, the stories span centuries and cultures. Major deftly weaves together elements of history, mythology, science fiction, and fantasy, creating a rich tapestry that celebrates humanity's enduring obsession with artifice and our own likeness.

The stories themselves are masterfully crafted, each one offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the theme of artificial humans. Major's writing is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant, inviting readers to ponder the implications of our creations while also connecting with the deeply human experiences portrayed.

Notably, the collection includes "The Brazen Head of Westinghouse," a standout story that won the prestigious British Fantasy Award for Best Short Fiction in 2024. This accolade speaks volumes about the caliber of Major's writing and the power of his imagination.

What truly sets "Great Robots of History" apart is its ability to blend historical and mythological elements with cutting-edge science fiction concepts. From the first humanoid robot on the International Space Station to the unsettling world of deepfakes, Major seamlessly transitions between past and present, inviting readers to contemplate the implications of artificial intelligence and our evolving relationship with technology.

Overall, "Great Robots of History" is a must-read for fans of speculative fiction, as well as anyone captivated by the intersection of science, mythology, and the enduring human desire to create life in our own image. With its rich tapestry of tales, thought-provoking themes, and Major's masterful storytelling, this anthology is a true gem that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page.