Our Friends from Frolix 8 by Philip K. Dick
First edition cover of Our Friends from Frolix 8, a science fiction novel by writer Philip K. Dick, published in 1970 by Ace Books.
In the 22nd Century, the Earth is ruled by the “New Men”, humans with superhuman mental abilities, who share power with “Unusuals” that possess psionic abilities, such as telepathy, telekinesis and precognition. (In its use of psionic abilities as a major plot element, this work is similar to Ubik.) To fight them, Thors Provoni has gone deep into space to find help. He is returning with a sentient protoplasmic alien being, a “Friend from Frolix 8”, (known as Morgo Rahn Wilc) to fight for the “Old Men” (non-telepathic humanity, also incapable of enhanced cognitive abilities).
Cover art by John Schoenherr. For the title, the uncredited typographer chose West Kangaroo. This design by Dave West has pronounced horizontal contrast, similar to Sintex or Zipper. Unlike those, it exhibits a wonky hand-drawn look. Kangaroo is shown by Photo-Lettering in their 1971 catalog in two weights, this being the bolder one.
