When HARLIE Was One

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When HARLIE Was One
Cover of first edition (hardcover)
Author	David Gerrold
Cover artist	Marty Jacobs
Country	United States
Language	English
Genre(s)	Science fiction novel
Publisher	Doubleday
Publication date	1972
Media type	Print (Hardcover & Paperback)
Pages	247 pp
ISBN	NA
Followed by	When Harlie Was One Release 2.0

When HARLIE Was One is a 1972 science fiction novel by David Gerrold. It was nominated for the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1972 and the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1973. The novel is a "fix-up" of previously published short stories by Gerrold. A revised version, subtitled "Release 2.0", was published in 1988.

[edit] Plot introduction

Central to the story is an Artificial Intelligence named H.A.R.L.I.E., also referred to by the proper name "HARLIE" - an acronym for Human Analog Replication, Lethetic Intelligence Engine (originally Human Analog Robot Life Input Equivalents).

HARLIE is considered one of the most realistic visions of advanced artificial intelligence encountered in literature on a par with HAL 9000.^{[citation needed]} However, HARLIE is a more endearing version of HAL; while seemingly more humane than HAL in his actions and responses, he definitely has a different, often even inhumane way of approaching problems, and has an agenda of his own to follow. HARLIE's story revolves around his relationship with David Auberson, the psychologist who is responsible for guiding HARLIE from childhood into adulthood. It is also the story of HARLIE's fight against being turned off, and the philosophical question whether or not HARLIE is human; for that matter, what it means to be human.

[edit] Trivia

The HARLIE intelligence engine appears in a number of Gerrold's other works, including the Star Wolf series, where it is routinely installed as the administrating AI of Terran warships.
"Harlie" may be a nickname for SF writer Harlan Ellison, a friend of David Gerrold, which may have influenced his decision in the title of the book.