High Man

"High Man" by Jay Clarke is a science fiction story penned in the mid-20th century, specifically in the early 1950s. The narrative revolves around themes of ambition, technology, and the unexpected consequences of scientific experimentation. The central plot follows the character Roger Brisby and his comedic misadventures with an anti-gravity belt invented by Professor Phelps-Smythe Burdinghaugh. The story unfolds as Roger, who has not communicated with his fiancée, Anne, returns from New York after a bizarre series of events involving the professor's anti-gravity experiment. Initially buoyed by the thrill of soaring through the air, Roger soon finds himself in a precarious situation as he becomes unable to control his ascent. After several days floating high above the ground, he eventually descends and seeks to reconnect with the professor, only to discover that Burdinghaugh has taken a keen interest in Anne and manipulated the situation to free Roger from his engagement. In a twist of fate, Roger cleverly patents the anti-gravity design, turning his misfortune into opportunity while simultaneously freeing himself from emotional entanglements. The story combines humor and light-heartedness with a commentary on the nature of relationships and the pursuit of scientific progress.