Man of Distinction — A Closer Reading

A Business Built on Curiosity and Snobbery

The catalog subjects list 'Businessmen -- Fiction' and 'Genealogy -- Fiction,' and the excerpts indeed center on Blitt's entrepreneurial venture. Shaara grounds the story in a recognizable human trait: 'the deep-rooted sense of snobbishness' combined with curiosity about one's ancestors. Blitt's discovery is presented as 'obvious yet profound,' and he patents the process, becoming 'among the richest men of his time.' The narrative voice is dryly humorous, noting that history remembers merchants only when they consort with famous figures—Croesus and Haym Solomon are cited. This framing suggests the story will critique how society measures distinction, but the excerpts do not reveal whether Blitt himself achieves any lasting fame.

The Time Scanner and Its Implications

Though the catalog places this under 'Science Fiction,' the technological marvel—the time scanner—is introduced almost casually. Shaara does not dwell on its mechanics; instead, he focuses on its application: documenting family trees 'with perfect accuracy.' The excerpts imply that the scanner allows people to see their ancestors directly, but they do not specify how it works or what limitations it has. The story's speculative element lies not in the device itself but in the social and personal consequences of absolute genealogical knowledge. Blitt's own ancestry, hinted at as a 'remarkable distinction,' may upend the very premise of his business. The excerpts stop before revealing what makes Blitt unique, but the setup suggests a paradox or impossibility.

Narrative Voice and Historical Allusions

Shaara employs a detached, almost scholarly tone, peppered with historical references. The opening paragraph mentions Croesus and Haym Solomon to illustrate that wealth alone does not confer historical distinction. This device establishes a theme: the arbitrariness of fame. The narrator also directly addresses the reader with phrases like 'when you considered the matter rightly,' creating a conspiratorial, explanatory feel. The excerpts show a preference for logical progression—'Carrying on with this thought, it followed inevitably'—which mirrors Blitt's own reasoning. However, the story's brevity (5,223 words) suggests a tight focus, likely on the ironic twist of Blitt's own genealogy rather than on world-building.

Readers should pay close attention to the story's title and its ironic possibilities. The excerpts establish Blitt as a man who profits from ancestry but whose own lineage may defy logic. The narrative's dry humor and historical asides reward careful reading, and the short length makes it a quick but thought-provoking experience. Consider how Shaara uses a speculative premise to examine human vanity and the desire for uniqueness.

I keep thinking about that time scanner novel, how Thatcher's certainty crumbled when his own lineage refused to add up. It reminded me of something quieter I read afterward—The Dwindling Years — Reading Companion—where the ache of what we inherit feels just as tender. Both left me sitting still, wondering about the gaps we never question.