The Big Fix by George O. Smith

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The Big Fix by George O. Smith

(1 User reviews) 508

By Finley Hernandez Posted on Jan 25, 2026

In Category - Mountaineering

Authors: Smith, George O. (George Oliver), 1911-1981 Published By : Smith, George O. (George Oliver), 1911-1981

Book Language: English

Okay, picture this: you're an engineer who's just invented the world's most perfect energy system. It's clean, it's limitless, and it could solve every power problem on Earth. You're a hero, right? Not so fast. In George O. Smith's 'The Big Fix,' the inventor John Preston quickly learns that his brilliant discovery has created a monster of a problem. Instead of being celebrated, he finds himself at the center of a global crisis. His device works *too* well—it's so efficient that it threatens to collapse the entire world economy, which is built on old, expensive energy sources. Governments, corporations, and shadowy interests all want a piece of his invention, but they all want to control it for their own gain, not for the good of everyone. The book isn't just about science; it's a tense race against time. Can one man outsmart the entire power structure before they either steal his idea or bury it forever? It's a classic sci-fi thriller that asks a surprisingly modern question: what happens when a solution is so big it breaks the system it's meant to save? If you like smart stories where the real enemy isn't aliens, but human nature and greed, you'll get hooked on this one.

File: The Big Fix by George O. Smith

First published in the 1940s, George O. Smith's The Big Fix feels surprisingly fresh. It’s a classic science fiction story built on a simple, powerful idea: what if the answer to our biggest problem is also the source of our greatest danger?

The Story

The story follows John Preston, a brilliant engineer who cracks the code for cheap, limitless atomic power. He imagines a future of free energy for all. But the moment he demonstrates his reactor, his dream turns into a nightmare. The global economy, from oil barons to utility companies, is built on selling energy. Preston's invention would make all of them obsolete overnight. He's not hailed as a savior; he's targeted as a threat. Powerful forces conspire to steal his plans, discredit him, or simply make him disappear. The plot becomes a gripping cat-and-mouse game as Preston, an idealist thrown into a world of corporate espionage and political maneuvering, has to fight not just to protect his invention, but to survive.

Why You Should Read It

What I love about this book is its focus on the human reaction to world-changing tech. Smith was an electrical engineer himself, and the science feels solid for its time, but the real tension comes from the characters. Preston is relatable—a genius in over his head, trying to do the right thing in a world that only sees profit. The book moves at a great pace, feeling more like a tech thriller than a dry sci-fi lecture. It makes you think: how many great ideas have been suppressed because they were bad for business? The themes of innovation versus entrenched power are just as relevant today with debates about renewable energy and AI.

Final Verdict

The Big Fix is perfect for readers who enjoy classic sci-fi with a sharp, thoughtful edge. If you like stories where the science is cool but the human conflict is king—think of the ethical puzzles in Michael Crichton's novels or the social commentary of early Asimov—you'll find a lot to enjoy here. It's a smart, fast-paced novel from the golden age of science fiction that proves a good story about technology and society never really gets old.

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