The Darkness on Diamondia (A.E. Van Vogt)

The following is LITERALLY written on the “teaser” page of the book:

THE DIAMONDIAN PUZZLE

Given the following statements as premises

(1) If Colonel Charles Morton and Lieutenant Lester Bray are both a park of the darkness, and Isolina Ferraris does take the road to Damascus, and the Lositeen Weapon is released, the the D.A.R. building will fight the darkness, and
(2) If Captain James Marriot is self-seeking, or if Major Luftelet successfully maintains his pride, then the D.A.R. building does not fight for Morton

is it valid to conclude

(Q1) that if David Kirk becomes Colonel Morton, then (a) the Irsk and the Diamondians accept Morton’s peace terms, and (b) some Diamondian prostitutes become Colonel Morton
(Q2) that if Captain Marriott gains control, then (a) the Lositeen Weapon is zeroed out, and (b) Isolina Ferraris becomes Colonel Morton
(Q3) that if the D.A.R. building fights, then (a) the darkness survives, and (b) all men are Morton.

ANSWERS

(Q1) Yes (Q2) Yes (Q3) Yes

Consider yourself teased!

I defy even the most die-hard of problem solvers to become excited by this “puzzle.” Even after having read the book, this is still nearly unintelligible babble.

Like all Van Vogt novels, this book is full of incredible ideas and novel concepts, presented in a ridiculous fashion. Unfortunately, parts of it are nearly unreadable, except by the most patient and eccentric. Sadly, the teaser is a good representation of the experience of reading this book.

Looks promising, no?

First Encounter:
Found in my parents’ basement, this slim volume never attracted my attention until I began seeking out Van Vogt novels to read with my wife. We highly enjoyed The Weapon Shops books and I’d previously found much to love in other VV novels, but this self-caricature was a disappointment. Steer clear!