The Green Brain, Frank Herbert's 1966 book is credited with being one of the first eco-conscious sf novels. In an overpopulated future earth the contrarily-named International Ecological Organization has to clear the jungle and exterminate the vicious insect life of the Mato Grosso for living space. The insects rebel against the hi-tech destruction rained on them, which has the power to ruin life for the whole planet. Under intense selection pressure the insects are forced to evolve, forming a new intelligent life-form with a consciousness of its own, able to hunt even as it is hunted. There are huge mutants, some of them mere insects, but some more man than insect. Fairly simple in style, not vintage Herbert, but an exploratory work which tackles themes that re-appear in his more powerful 'The Dosadi Experiment'. Hopefully both of these works will be re-issued soon.
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The review of this Book prepared by Michael JR Jose
