More Than Human began as a long story, "Baby Is Three" (1952), which Sturgeon later expanded to novel length by including two additional sections detailing the earlier and later life of Homo Gestalt (and by radically changing the original ending). While the seams show to some extent (there are chronological problems and other difficulties which are evident on re-reading), the novel does enjoy a satisfying thematic unity in the gradual physical, intellectual, and moral maturation of Homo Gestalt. A sense of unity is also provided by the parallel movement of all three parts from fragmentation and isolation to unity and wholeness.

Stylistically, More Than Human is an impressive achievement. Each section has its own style and narrative voice. "The Fabulous Idiot" features some of Sturgeon's most imaginative and poetic prose —especially in the opening description of Lone—and a disjointed, fragmented narrative that effectively mirrors the alienated...