Alfred Bester
The unseen blushers
"The Unseen Blushers" by Alfred Bester is a science fiction short story written in the early 20th century. The narrative provides a witty examination of the lives and challenges faced by pulp writers, exploring themes of creativity and the nature of storytelling. It paints a vivid picture of a group of writers during a luncheon where they share ideas and experiences while wrestling with their literary aspirations. The story unfolds during a casual gathering of writers who engage in humorous banter and reminiscence. One of the central characters, Dugan, introduces an intriguing but ultimately unsatisfactory plot about a time machine that is intended to uncover the lost life of a "new Shakespeare." As the other writers critique Dugan’s idea and question its originality, there is an underlying tension that builds around his mysterious demeanor and an odd device he carries. The narrative crescendos with a revelation that suggests Dugan may not be who he claims, leaving the reader to ponder the boundaries between fiction and reality as the protagonist connects the dots between Dugan's story and his own life, hinting at unexpected consequences that blur the lines of time and creativity.